Interesting take from Peter King on Kellen Winslow's contract, and it kind of shows how figures can be manipulated:

"I think the real story of the Kellen Winslow contract is it is hardly the biggest contract ever for a tight end, as was advertised. Winslow will earn $11.8 million guaranteed his first two years of the six-year deal, but he was already on course to earn $10.5 million in the next two years of his existing contract. In year three with Tampa Bay, Winslow is to earn $8.2 million, and the year is guaranteed for injury only. If Winslow's performance in year two is mediocre, the Bucs can cut him without paying him another dime.

"But let's say he makes all of what he's supposed to make in the first three years of his deal. Winslow would make $20.1 million. In the first three years of Colts tight end Dallas Clark's deal, Clark makes $27.5 million. For my blood, the Bucs have too much guaranteed money in the deal for a guy who's been hurt so much. But after paying second- and fifth-round picks for him, they also had to justify it with some new money in a contract."

NFL teams occasionally do things that make you sit up and say, "What?"

So it goes with the Tampa Bay Bucs, who Monday signed ex-Browns tight end Kellen Winslow to a six-year contract extension that makes Winslow the highest paid tight end in NFL history. This of course is their right. As Americans, we all have the right to be wrong and to give outrageous sums of money to a guy who has been playing on one knee and basically complained his way out of Cleveland after his team stood by him when he nearly ended his career with a reckless motorcycle accident.

The highest paid tight end ever. Chew on that over your Wheaties for a few seconds.

Let's say this first: Winslow is a gamer. He showed up on Sunday. Until last season, when his desire for this new contract (in my opinion) got in the way of things. But … Winslow also made no secret the past few years that he didn't like his contract as structured after his motorcycle accident, and he chafed any time it appeared he might not hit the incentives in his contract. In Romeo Crennel's first season, he was the first to publicly complain about Maurice Carthon's offense. It came across as trying to make the offense better, but Winslow privately mumbled something shortly after about not getting his catches, which meant not getting the incentives the Browns put in his contract after the motorcycle accident. As a coach once said to me, "When they say it's not about the money, it's about the money."

Last season Winslow chafed as Derek Anderson and the offense struggled. He asked to be traded, but wasn't. He then caught 10 passes from Brady Quinn in Quinn's first start as Denver's woeful defense dropped 30 yards deep and gave Quinn underneath routes. Winslow suddenly wanted to stay. He liked Quinn.

As for routes, Winslow's philosophy sometimes was to run to the open area, never mind that his route called him for him to stop or cut out or be somewhere else. It's something he developed at the University of Miami, where he and Ken Dorsey created a rapport. Winslow's thinking was that the quarterback should see what he saw, read things and get the ball to where he was going. This is all well and good and it may have worked in college, but it can't work in the NFL because the quarterback doesn't have time to mess around lest he be killed.

I've said this often, but Bernie Kosar told me a long time ago the quarterback's job in the NFL is to throw to the spot, that there is no time for anything else. The receiver's job, he said, is to win and get to the spot. It's why Kosar had such timing with his receivers. He didn't wait, because he knew he couldn't. For Winslow to expect the quarterback to wait, read and guess where he'd be running just wasn't realistic.

Winslow did a lot for the Browns. He played through pain, and he showed toughness. For a long time, I thought he was the kind of guy a team wins with. But things unraveled last season. So the new regime traded him and got two good draft picks for him. Winslow asked for the trade a long time ago and didn't get it. When he didn't, he knew he could make waves and get out of town that way. Did it work? Guys have gone to jail on less circumstantial evidence.

Now he signs a contract that contains no bonuses but includes $20 million in guaranteed money, according to every report about the deal. Nobody knows how these contracts are structured, but if I'm Winslow's agents it's in my interest to make sure these numbers get out because a deal like this will impress other players and entice them to sign up as well.

Set aside the attitude, which I admit can be debated. Winslow's knee is not exactly in great shape. Guys who have microfracture surgery usually don't last more than a few years. A lot of people in the NFL will be shocked if Winslow plays three more years, let alone the six on the contract. Yes, contracts are often not completed, but the $20 million guaranteed is still there.

It paid off for Winslow to leave Cleveland, no matter how he did it. It also paid off for Winslow to switch agents from the Postons to the Rosenhauses. They get deals, sometimes in ways that are not popular. But they get deals.

As for Winslow … well …he got what he wanted. He got paid. Now we'll see how he likes catching passes from Brian Griese, Josh Johnson and Luke McCown.

Time will reveal what the Bucs gain.

The Browns should be dancing with lampshades on their heads if they really got a second-round draft pick for Kellen Winslow. That's what SI.com's Don Banks reported, and if it's true Butch and Sundance need to stand up and say: Who are these guys?

Kellen Winslow did a lot for the Browns in his tenure with Cleveland — even though he seriously cut short his career with his motorcycle accident. Winslow played hard, played with pain, and played well. Until last season, when he let his contract situation get in the way of the team.

That and the public spat with GM Phil Savage made it pretty difficult for the Browns to keep him. Especially since his knee is bad, his shoulder is bad and he wants a new and more expensive contract. Those are all factors that would indicate the Browns would never get a second-round pick in return. Which is why if they did they need to unscrew the lamphades and start spinning around to "Boogie Shoes."

No matter the pick, I give Eric Mangini and George Kokinis an unqualified thumbs-up on this move (not that they need or want it from me). Winslow is better served starting new somewhere else. The Browns are better served starting without him. If it's a fourth-round pick I give it a thumbs-up. It was time to move on.

Winslow Part II

How in the world does a team cut a person with the character and ability of Derrick Brooks and then trade for Winslow? One would assume the trade carried with it the promise of a contract extension. Sometimes, NFL teams just don't make a lot of sense.

Winslow Part III

I wonder if this is only the first shoe to drop for the Browns, whether Winslow's trade means the team will trade Braylon Edwards. No doubt Edwards will want a new contract, so it will be interesting to see how he's viewed by the Kokinis-Mangini regime. I had heard conflicting things, that Edwards' immaturity meant he was more likely to be traded than Winslow, and I had heard that Winslow's contract demands brought him a quicker ticket out of town. It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out. One thing about Winslow that is not true about Edwards — the Browns have other tight ends. They do not have other receivers. The glaring hole Edwards would leave might be the largest negative in the idea of dealing him. That and missing out on the "air guitar" celebration.

Ka-Ching

Albert Haynesworth is the first $100 million NFL defensive player. Exactly how long will it be before the Redskins regret giving Haynesworth that deal? Isn't it kind of disgusting to read about all this money going to guys — in Haynesworth's case a guy who stepped on an opposing center's face with football cleats on — while many in the country struggle to find a job or health care. The money is outrageous in the first place; in these economic times it's disgustingly outrageous.

Ben Wallace breaks his leg …

Just when it seemed things were coming together for the Cavs, Ben Wallace breaks his leg. He'll miss four-to-six weeks, which might maybe bring him back for the playoffs. But I can't imagine four-to-six weeks of inactivity helping a big guy like Wallace. Then again, Z came back pretty quick from his ankle injury.

Wallace's injury reminded me a little bit of what happened to Jim Chones just prior to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1976. Chones broke his foot in practice, right after the Cavs had come off the high of beating Washington in Game 7. The Cavs competed, but did not have depth at center against Dave Cowens to win the Series.

Chones said Wallace's injury reminded him of his situation, and he had effusive praise for Wallace. But he also said that the Cavs could compensate for his absence by moving LeBron James to the four spot for stretches of games. Interesting point. I will address more of what Chones had to say in Sunday's paper.

In the interim … anyone have a number for Joe Smith?

Personal note …

Alan, where did you go? I sure hope I didn't hurt your feelings.

Finally …

RedhawkRick suggests we had moved on to Faith Hill for the Official Blog Female Mascot (the OBFM). She is one nominee. Diane Lane is another. I welcome other suggestions.

First and 10

1)      I've been thinking and thinking all day about the Browns and I just don't know where to start. Where does one start with this team?

2)      It seems to be a team disintegrating in front of our eyes. The GM sends a completely inappropriate e-mail to a fan. He's taking fans' e-mails while the local media can't get hold of him. He suspended Kellen Winslow and let the coach do the talking for it, then let the coach speak for his e-mail as well. All while talking on the radio on his handpicked show with his handpicked interviewees. He left the coach with a team that lacks a secondary and any kind of quality depth at receiver. He has not spoken to the media at length since he talked about Winslow's unsuspended suspension. For years he's chosen times to speak to the fans and media, and he's done it at irregular intervals. The thinking has been that the coach speaks during the season and the GM in the offseason, which is fine. But when the GM does not talk at critical times, at times of difficulty, it leaves the team looking leaderless, with no firm control at the top.

3)      The GM has had his hits in drafting and trading, like Shaun Rogers and Brady Quinn and Joe Thomas. But when the team loses the ones who aren't playing up to par look worse – Kamerion Wimbley and D'Qwell Jackson and Eric Wright – and the hits don't seem as strong. But like anyone he's had his misses. Melvin Fowler started a bunch of games after being traded for Nat Dorsey, who is no longer a Brown. Jeff Faine went to a Pro Bowl after he was traded. The GM's third-round picks included Charlie Frye and Travis Wilson. Antonio Perkins never played. That's too few hits in the middle rounds, which is where people like Ozzie Newsome build their team.

4)      The coach, meanwhile, confesses he does not know what kind of effort he is going to get from his team. And what kind of team will show up. But the coach is working with a roster he can not alter, and moves are made for him. He didn't get rid of the coaches fired a year ago, nor did he hire the new staff. It's no secret the coaching staff wanted a veteran defensive back and a veteran receiver this year. None arrived. Every single game the voids in the secondary and receiver have shown.

5)      At times, it seems like the coach is a policeman trying to direct traffic at a demolition derby, with cars smashing into each other from all directions. He's respected, liked, and he's doing his best, but it's just a chaotic mess around him.

6)      But the coach's situation is compounded by curious on-field decisions, like pulling a quarterback after three quarters in his third start. I see it this way: The coach knew his job was in real danger. He knew if he was going to make anything of this season he had to beat Houston at home. He didn't see much from Brady Quinn. He figured it was do or die, he had to try something. So he did.

7)      Except that the coach went all week with Quinn working with the starters (according to Jamal Lewis). So that change makes even less sense given that fact. Derek Anderson did not help himself or his coach, but it sure seems like he was thrown into a pretty difficult situation. Then again … it was Houston.

8)      Then there's the play-calling. Cold day. November day. Cleveland day. Run the ball. Pound it at them. Jamal Lewis finally, finally, looks like the Lewis of last season in a third-quarter drive. He finishes with 10 carries. Ten. And he averaged 5.8 yards per carry. Give him the ball 22 times! Give it to Jerome Harrison 14 times. Run the ball. The offensive coordinator did not go from a good coach to a bad coach in a year, but when times are tough it's best to go back to basics.

9)      Last offseason the offensive coordinator was going to interview to be head coach in Baltimore. The night before the interview the Browns paid him gobs of money to stay. I haven't absolutely confirmed it, but I've been told by very reliable sources that his contract calls for him to make $2 million this year, $2.7 million next and $2.9 the following. This is Hall of Fame money, meaning a guy heading to the Hall of Fame gets that kind of pay. Until Dallas retained Jason Garrett, I'm told the Browns offensive coordinator was the highest paid assistant coach in the league. After one season as an NFL coordinator. Rob Chudzinski is a good, bright coach. The Browns were wise to keep him, even if he did struggle last Sunday. But what team operates that way? What team, at the threat of an interview (not a job offer), reacts with that kind of offer? And what does that say to other coaches on the staff? Did they get a raise too?

10)   Where do we finish with this sour, sour year? With the legitimate question: Does the pain of not winning for so long in Cleveland make losses like this and situations like this exponentially worse? Of course it does. But that doesn't meant the Browns have a firm hand on their organization. It's hard to believe any organization would do the things that happen in Cleveland, but they happen. This season the responsibility goes to everyone. There is an inherently good man as the coach, a man who stands for much that is right and who deserves to win. But he's not winning. And he knows what that means. There is a leadership void at the top, with no firm hand on the ship's wheel. There is a GM who laments his job description on the radio one week and e-mails a fan an obscene message another. There are good coaches on the staff, but watching them walk out of the press box Sunday after losing to Houston was like watching guys heading to their funerals. Apparently the GM looked the same way. The coach who spent part of the week talking about the GM's e-mail? He looked bewildered. It was like nobody could believe, in the words of Jack Buck, what they just saw. Making changes now is silly. But there need to be some changes – and if it's not in people it should be in approach. In bringing leadership at the top. Real leadership that doesn't leave the coach to clean up all the messes and does have the man on the top answering questions — and leading.

11)   Cripes, I didn't even get into the players, many of whom have completely and totally let down their team and themselves. Cripes. What a season.

You're an Idiot

Too many possibilities this week. Plus it's a holiday. I'm not going there.

Three and Out

And we're letting them run this week because … well … the fans deserve a place to vent.

Dear Pat,

I don't envy someone having to write about the Browns at this point, but I guess someone has to do it. Is it my imagination, or does the defense just kind of stand around like bumpers on a pinball machine, waiting for someone to bounce off them?

I told a friend of mine I was thinking about going to the next open tryouts; of course, I got a weird look. I said well, look what they're paying Kellen Winslow to drop passes. I could drop at LEAST that many and for a who-o-o-o-le lot less money.

OK, that's the end of my rant. I'll bet you've had some real doozies.

Steve Shonk

Navarre

Dear Steve,

Folks … I must confess. I cut Steve's rant short a bit.

But any rant that includes the word "doozies" demands inclusion.

They must grow ‘em smart in Navarre.

As for me, I have a great job. And truly it is no fun at all writing nasty things. The Browns folks work their you-know-whats off to make it work. They care. They try. For whatever reason it's not working, which is frustrating. But what really gets frustrating is the extra stuff that comes along, the stuff that's not needed or not necessary.

Dear Pat,

As bad as the Browns are, there are teams with worse records – the Lions, 49ers and Bengals. The Jags have the same record with a more stable ownership and a better head coach. Three of their wins are against two decent teams and the Super Bowl champs.

There is hope, Just rebuild the engine. Don't replace the whole car.

KP

Port Saint Lucie, Fla.

Dear KP,

Well there's the half-full view.

Hoist the flag because the Browns are better than the Lions, 49ers and Bengals.

Hoo hoo!

It continues to amaze me that the Browns garner attention from all over the country after these sorry performances. I don't think the fans will ever say ‘enough.'

Dear Pat,

I feel that the biggest difference between last year and this year is the lack of Joe Jurevicius on offense. He was the guy you could count on to keep drives alive. This year, Braylon Edwards either drops it or Kellen Winslow gets an offensive pass interference call. Converting on third down keeps the chains moving and keeps the defense off of the field.

The only Browns offensive player that consistently shows up every play and can be comparable to Joe Jurevicius is Steve Heiden. But he is way under-utilized. He blocks, he catches, he runs the right routes. He just does his job. Play him more.

As far as the management of the team, I think that because this city is so starved for a winner that the Browns organization have dug themselves a financial hole by giving contract extensions to those who haven't been consistent winners. Derek Anderson goes 10-5 as a starter. Boom, new contract. Romeo has a winning season in three years. Boom, contract extension. If I were in charge of the Browns, I would have told these people "Do it again and then we'll talk." D.A. started to falter at the end of last year and that would have been a red flag saying that maybe this guy can't win "big" or "must-win" games. How will he bounce back? If Brady Quinn would have stepped in and won every game the rest of the season, he would have been given a contract extension through 2016.

At the beginning of the season, there was talk of Kellen Winslow wanting to re-structure his contract. What the hell for? He breaks his leg early in his career (not his fault) and then goes out stunt-riding and misses the next season. He did make a number of big plays last year, but this year, he hasn't been as big of a "soldier" or "warrior" on the field as his mouth has been off the field. He is too much of a distraction.

Why hasn't Braylon been benched? Answer: Because they don't have anyone else. Who's going to step up? Steptoe? Stallworth?

Knee-jerk decisions have caused this organization to start over time and time again.

I'm just so frustrated. Paul Brown set up this organization as one of class and yet time and time again, the Browns embarrass themselves on and off the field. It could be worse, I could be a Bengals fan.

Adam Gannon

Dear Adam,

Outstanding letter.

Could not agree more on Jurevicius, Edwards, the receivers, the reactions on contract extensions, etc.

I do wonder, though, if it's worse in Cincinnati.

Dear Pat,

Isn't it funny how the lack of attention, execution and finger pointing all lends itself to the Butch Davis era?  Isn't this exactly the way things were going then? Only after his exit did the locker room and inter-team issues come to light.

I think we have all had a belly full of Kellen, Braylon, Jamal pointing fingers when they are the ones not performing.  I also think the team has long left Romeo behind.

This is not a team but a group of individuals posing as a team.  Real teams come together under adversity; unfortunately for us fans this team is coming apart.

Mike Dezort

Dear Mike,

Unfortunately for you fans, you keep believing that things will change.

They don't.

Dear Pat,

F*&# you.  Go root for Houston.

Love,

Phil Savage

Dear …

OK … It was a joke! And it came courtesy of Tom Crookston, who wins the "Clever E-Mail of the Week Award." Nice touch in a tough week, Tom.

Dear Pat,

How could you leave out Randy Lerner for criticism?  It is his team and his mess and he does nothing, says nothing, knows nothing.  That's where the change has to be.

W. E. Greenfield

Bradenton, FL.

Dear W.E.,

I would respectfully disagree with two of your premises about Lerner. He does not say "nothing" and he does not do "nothing." He says and does a lot, it's just not publicized.

The main thing he does do is let the people he hires do their job. He bends over backward, in fact, not to interfere.

In most cases, this is a strength.

But when the people you hire let you down it becomes a problem.

Much like when the players the coach trusts let him down, the coach looks bad.

Everyone shares responsibility for this season – from Lerner to the players. I think Randy would admit that.

Dear Pat,

Don't you think based on his comments after the game and the number of drops that it's time for the coach or GM to bench Braylon Edwards for a game?

Just another reason to not attend games (season ticket holder) or even waste an afternoon watching on TV.

The dysfunction of this team from the top down just seems to get worse and worse each week!

And … why was Phil Savage replying to any e-mails from fan(s) during the game or anytime. One would think he has more important things to do, no?

John Lubinski

Akron

Dear John,

I've asked about benching Edwards and the answer I got was: Who do you want us to play? Syndric Steptoe? Josh Cribbs (not a polished receiver yet)? Steve Sanders? Those are the choices.

It highlights the lack of depth at receiver.

As for your question about Savage, I wonder the same thing. I really do.

Dear Pat,

Why shouldn't that e-mail from Phil Savage happen?  Why shouldn't he be allowed to be frustrated and upset and respond to meanness. You wrote in the Beacon Journal: "Let's also be honest and say that there's no doubt fans can say some mean and nasty things. Media, too, for that matter."  But we cannot forgive when the person the mean and nasty things are said to gets fed up?  That is wrong.  If it is unforgivable and embarrassing for a GM to do it, it should be just as embarrassing for a fan or the media.

I do not like the double standard that is set here.  It is wrong to make the GM the whipping boy and make him take the abuse.

I like the way Savage handled it.  Both he and the fan apologized to each other.  It was between them that it occurred and should stay there.  The matter should be closed.

If Randy Lerner has a problem with what Savage did, then as his boss he has every right to require Savage to act differently and deal with Savage as an employee.  The media and the fans have no part of this incident.

If you wish to comment on Savage and his position please stick to the things he does do try to improve the team.

Thank you,

Mike Abdoo

Dear Mike,

Interesting thoughts, and a well-written letter.

I just respectfully disagree.

And here's why: Someone has to be the final arbiter of taste and what is appropriate. It happens everywhere. TV, in stadiums, in arenas, everywhere. Teams can call a halt at chanted obscenities. I know if the Indians see a shirt that has something inappropriate – like the word referring to what vacuums do – they will give said fan a free Indians shirt to wear over it. They are deciding what is appropriate.

When a person is in a position of leadership, he has to stand for something. And he has to call a halt. It's not OK for a fan to be belligerent. But it's less OK for the GM to sink to that level.

He sets the standard. For the team and the way it will represent itself in the community.

(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)

First and 10 …

Written from Boston where I will view the Cavs season opener … (HEY … it's a business trip!)

1)      So I'm walking to the car in Jacksonville after the game on Sunday and I run across Chris Gardocki, the team's former punter who attended the game. He was out in the parking lot with a friend throwing the football around with their two sons. We were chatting, and a lone cab appeared from nowhere. It drove aimlessly, then slowed about 15 yards from us and stopped. The window rolled down and a voice yelled from the darkness inside: "Did the Jaguars win?" No, we said, they lost. "You're kidding?" he said, and he was quite astounded. We told him the score. And he responded: "To the (insert bad word here at this point) BROWNS?" The outrage in his voice pushed at the roof of the taxi. I tell ya … a team just gets no respect.

2)      As the cab drove away, Gardocki said with a laugh" "Write about that story in the paper."

3)      In light of that, it's time for a prediction: The Browns are about to make a playoff run. And the worst they're going to do is come very close to the playoffs. Me, I believe they are going to be a playoff team. The AFC is that much of a mess. And I think the only thing that will stop them are too many injuries.

4)      It's going to take a lot of scratching and clawing and climbing and all that kind of drivel to make it. But they appear to be finding themselves, their identity. It's taken a while, but things seem to be coming together.

5)      People will ask what I base this on, and it's based a lot on the feeling coming from the team. For a while they seemed rudderless, a bit overwhelmed by the early schedule and the early losses. They now seem to have found a direction. Is it perfect? Heck no. It won't be all year. That's just the way the NFL is this year. But it should be good enough to win nine or 10 games and make a playoff push.

6)      A lot of this is predicated, of course, on the Browns beating Baltimore on Sunday. If they can't do that at home, I'll just say, ‘Never mind.'

7)      But right now the veterans on the team seem to have taken firmer grasp of things. Steve Heiden playing for Kellen Winslow has calmed things in the offense. When Winslow is out, Braylon Edwards seems to be a lot more relaxed, as if he doesn't have to one-up his teammate. Hopefully the team can re-integrate Winslow back into the offense in a positive way, unlike what happened in Washington. Willie McGinest has been a calming force, as has Jamal Lewis. At some point with every good team, the veterans take charge. For whatever reason, that seems finally to be happening in Cleveland.

8)      Happened to be flipping through channels at the Courtyard Sunday night and caught Bewitched with that tall goof playing Darrin. That show really was not the same without Dick York, now, was it?

9)      God bless Mike Singletary, who threw Vernon Davis off the field after Davis was penalized 15 yards for smacking a Seattle player and then feigning ignorance when Singletary was upset. Until players like Davis learn that their actions hurt someone besides themselves, they will keep doing it. Respect for the team and for the game demands reactions like Singletary's. Isn't it good to see someone taking such a strong stand, then speaking so honestly about it after?

10)  Last week I felt very confident the Browns would beat Jacksonville. Well this week I'm just as confident they'll beat Baltimore. It's two weeks late, but they will be .500 after this weekend. And after starting 0-and-3 that's not too terrible a place to be.

You're An Idiot

Dear Pat,

Are you going to ignore everything that came out in the Plain Dealer in order to make Kellen Winslow the bad guy?

Your Friday article on Winslow seemed like you swallowed the Browns point of view — hook, line, and sinker … and then it was proven it was all false accusation (that Savage said he didn't know about) and exaggeration (the profane tirade?).

So, did Winslow lie when he said he only thought about asking for a trade … or was Savage trying to move him on his own?  What is the truth of all your comments and your knowledge about things you can't print?

I guess, sir, I'm asking if you think you're an idiot now, or if not, why not (and I mean what isn't being said now and are you really sure Savage, who I think thinks he's bigger than the team, etc., is really telling you the truth or only the part that makes him a martyr)?

Keith Vlasak

Sandusky, Ohio

Dear Keith,

Your note qualifies as the first serious letter in the ‘You're an Idiot' section. For future reference, we try to keep these tongue-in-cheek.

In this instance I'll make an exception.

As for your points:

1)      I'm not ignoring anything; I just felt like I made my point and re-stating it would have been repetitive … saying the same thing over and over again … redundant …

2)      In my mind it was not proven to be false accusation.

3)      There was a profane tirade.

4)      I believe what I wrote was the truth, and I'm not backing away from it.

5)      I stand by my position, but at this point my position is pretty irrelevant because he's back with the team now and the best thing the Browns can do is utilize him and the rest of the offensive players the best way possible to win games.

6)      If I have knowledge of things I can't print, it's hard to print them, no? I know what you know, I saw what you saw. I believe it's absurd to think the Browns would not do everything possible to avoid and prevent staph, and to accuse them of such is disruptive and unnecessary, especially in the forum selected.

7)      And yes, I well could be an idiot.

8)      But that is nothing new.

Three and Out

Dear Pat,

Why don't the Browns use Shaun Rogers near the end zone like the Bears used William Perry?  I'm sure that three handoffs to him would do the job.  That way he could inflict pain on both lines of the opposing team.

Jason Blankenship

Medina

Dear Jason,

This is one heck of an idea!

Who among us wants to be the linebacker who steps in front of that freight train going fullspeed?

Dear Pat,

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I didn't get a chance to watch the game and the Browns won, but it won't keep me from watching the game against the Crows.  I now know it wasn't my watching that kept the Browns from winning.

I'm not sure Kellen Winslow, Jr. can say the same thing.

Wow…what a month this has been.  First I get to meet and talk guitar playing with Don Felder (formerly of the Eagles and the guy who wrote the music for "Hotel California"), then I get immortalized in Three and Out.

John Brodie

Galt, CA

Dear John,

Immortalized not once, but twice in two weeks!

I daresay though that meeting Don Felder pales in comparison.

Next thing you'll probably trot out one of the Lennon Sisters.

Dear Pat,

As I sit down each Sunday to watch the Browns I never know what to expect.  Good or bad!  It is a weird feeling … at least when they sucked we knew they sucked.

After last season and with the great expectations they came into this season with … well it has been a roller-coaster ride supreme.

Actually, I was quite impressed to see coach Crennel get emotional on TV for once. He actually swore during the Browns second-last series. They showed Crennel storming toward the camera in a tizzy when he let out the swear word!  All I can say is: ‘It's about time coach.'

Believe me, there have been many "swear words" coming out of my mouth directed at the offense during this up-and-down season!

Cheers,

Ted Arichteff

Winnepeg, Ca.

Dear Ted,

Swearing seems to be a popular topic this week. Ted is happy to see Crennel get emotional, and that's understandable. But are we now to lionize that Jacksonville cab driver because he swore? Is it OK for a player to take part in a profane tirade with a co-worker? Alas, I digress.

Crennel's sideline demeanor and the interest in it continue to interest me.

Is Tony Dungy demonstrative? Does he ever swear or rant? Bill Belichick isn't exactly animated, is he? Bill Cowher was energized when he coached, and Mike Singletary obviously speaks strongly as well.

Some coaches are well aware the camera is on them, so they make a sideline show. I've had people tell me Crennel should be more flamboyant on the sideline because it would look better on TV.

My answer: Huh?

There are many ways to win, and to judge a coach.

I hear your point about being happy to see him show some emotion. But rest assured Crennel has emotions. His style is merely his style. I doubt very much his swearing once or twice is going to win or lose a game, though.

Oh … as for all the people out there calling for me to call for Crennel to be fired, I have to say this:

1)      I don't think he should be fired, and …

2)      Even if I thought that, it would be pretty irrelevant because Crennel is not going to be fired during the season. It's not going to happen. Advocating for it would be comparable to advocating for turnips to start dancing in the Rose Parade. It's just not going to happen.

(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)

When the Browns traded for Shaun Rogers, all the negative publicity from Detroit followed him to Cleveland. Lazy. Takes plays off. Overweight. Overpaid. But then people started to tell me that when he wanted to play, Rogers was nearly unblockable.

Well that unblockable Shaun Rogers showed up Sunday in Jacksonville. He was primarily responsible for the Browns win with a destructive game from his nose-tackle spot. Rogers had nine tackles (an almost unheard of total for a nose tackle), one for a loss. He blocked a field goal and even recovered the block.

If that Rogers would show up each and every game, the Browns defense will be able to challenge anyone. This win over Jacksonville actually showed the defense the Browns wanted in the offseason. Strong against the run, don't allow the big play in the passing game. Rogers led the way. His game was as impressive as I've seen from a nose tackle.

Some other thoughts:

That was a very, very good game. Well-played. Players competed. A lot of effort given on the field. Big plays for both sides. And it went right down to the last two plays. Had Matt Jones managed to snag that second-last pass, the attitude would be different now. But he didn't. And the Browns can celebrate a win.

I'm worn out by the Kellen Winslow saga. I stand by what I wrote last week, that if it were my team I'd release him now. He's not going to be part of the Browns long-term, and it's questionable just how much value he'll have on the trade market if teams know the Browns have to get rid of him. His knee is so bad he might not have more than two more years to play. But the team does not seem inclined to release him, so the best all can hope is that Winslow returns, there are no more problems and the team benefits.

Steve Heiden, though continues to play well with more playing time. His three catches for 73 yards included a 51-yard catch and run on fourth down in the first half. Heiden clearly has a role in the offense, with or without Winslow.

As well as the Browns defense played, a lot of credit has to go to Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard. He ran for a team-high 59 yards and threw for 283. Pretty impressive. … Jamal Lewis continues to impress for the Browns – 20 carries for 81 yards. … The Browns only penalty of the day was a shaky roughing the passer call on Rogers. … The Browns had a stretch of six plays in a row in the second half when they did not gain a yard. … Four of those plays came after first and goal from inside the two. … The inability of the Browns to score from that position for the second week in a row was disquieting.

I hate to be an optimist, but if the Browns win Sunday they will be back to .500. And after a dismal start and way too much upheaval for one team, they will be back in the playoff hunt if they do reach .500. Who would have thought that possible after the first three games.

   Phil Savage went on WTAM Thursday and addressed the Kellen Winslow situation.

   In a huge way.

   I'm going to try to stick to Savage's words as he said them, but if you want to hear the interview it's here. Suffice it to say Savage spoke with great passion and emotion.

   First, Savage addressed being confronted by Winslow outside the locker room on Sunday. He said the discussion was not heated and he had no problem with it, though it was awkward.

   "I'm available to the players anytime they want to talk," Savage said.

   Then he talked about the suspension:

   "We talked about this all Monday afternoon, all Tuesday morning, from the owner on down.

   "The problem was that without giving us any opportunity to address his concerns, he went public with those remarks, which we felt like were inappropriate and disparaged the team.

   "After everything we had been through since 2005, the comments really called into question the integrity of our medical staff and the organization as a whole. To compromise that trust after the Browns had stood by Kellen through the motorcycle episode and knowing without question that we have done everything in our power to combat the staph infection problem, it just showed a lack of professional restraint that every person in that building as a member of the team … And I capitalize that word, team. T-E-A-M.

   "The Browns are bigger than one person. They're bigger than Randy Lerner. They're bigger than Romeo Crennel. They're bigger than me. They're bigger than any player on this team

   "And that's the bottom line in this situation. We couldn't and won't allow one person to tear down the organization. So we had to do something. …

   "I know in some quarters for whatever reason I've been cast as some kind of cold-hearted non-communicative person who's living in some glass tower overlooking the team or is out in the back woods scouting some remote part of the country.

   "I went back last night and looked at our 53-man roster, player by player. And I can tell you that I've had some level of dialog with almost every player on this team since the beginning of camp. Now there are a couple of exceptions where it's been just a ‘hey' or ‘how you doing' and that's been about it. But there's probably a dozen players on that list where I've actually sat down and talked to them. They've raised questions and concerns. We talked about it and tried to deal with it one way or the other.

   "To be portrayed as not caring about players and how their career is gonna turn out is absolutely wrong.

   "And let me say this: That's in addition to being responsible for the player budget, the contracts, our salary cap, directing player personnel, scouting 30 plus colleges so far myself, checking the waiver every day, meeting w Romeo and the coaching staff, evaluating our own team, staying apprised of the health of each player and generally managing the team. Now that's a big job.

   "And that's what I do every single day with the help and the support of a great group of people in Berea and an owner who, quite frankly, gave me an opportunity to do this.

   "What I want to tell you and what I want to tell your listeners is this: The Browns were here a long time before I was born and they'll be here a long time after we're all one. But they will never, ever, ever have a group of people who are more committed to wining and doing things the right way, with character, with integrity, with dignity, from the group that's over there right now.

   "That starts from the owner to Mike Keenan the president. Lew Merletti, former Secret Service Director in security. Romeo, Mel Tucker, Rob Chudzinski, T.J. McCreight, Trip MacCracken, Paul Warfield, who's one of my trusted confidantes over there. Our trainer, Marty Lauzon, one of the best in the NFL, the whole league. Tony Miniaci, world-class surgeon. They've done everything they can do to try to keep our team healthy. The ladies up front. My assistant, Linda Leoni. Jerry Butler, Kevin Mack in player programs. The equipment guy, Brad Melland. Chris Powell.

   "All those people are passionate about winning.

   "But you know what, more so than that they are people who have been successful in their areas, and they have a moral compass that guides them every single day with their own families and in their dealings with others inside and outside our building. They've dedicated their lives to this team – I'm talking about 365 days a year.

   "And I'm proud to work with them and I'm not going to sit here and allow for one second all those people and the many, many others in the organization who love this team, as well as a lot of the players, almost every single man on that team who gives everything they have on the field and off the field for us, to be embarrassed by some unnecessary remarks that occurred earlier this week.

   "So for us to be characterized in this way on a national stage is absolutely unacceptable, and that's why we did what we did.

   "I have no doubt our success is going to come and it's going to be on a consistent basis and when it happens it's going to be special for us, it's going to be special for you guys, all the Browns fans that have stuck with this team through all the ups and downs. But that's the reality of the situation.

   "The team is the most important thing in the entire structure of this, and we cannot allow one person to disrupt that."

   Savage also talked more about some of the timing of things, and stated that "Due to the nature of this particular situation it seemed that the people involved wouldn't want it out there."

   As time has gone on I've learned more and more about the situation, what Winslow said and what Savage has done. A reporter can't always print everything he or she knows, but I now know enough that I think the best thing the Browns and Winslow can do is cut ties now.

   It's just not worth it anymore.

   And I'll elaborate more on that point in Friday's Beacon Journal.

 A very many quick and not-so-quick thoughts on Kellen Winslow:

 –Nobody has been a bigger supporter of Winslow than me, to the point that people asked me why. Here's why: He has rare heart and desire and competitiveness, qualities that win. He played through pain that would have sidelined 98 percent of NFL players.

–His coach knew that. Coaches know the guys who show up.

–I have no problem whatsoever with Winslow complaining about staph. None.

–As for not getting a call from Phil Savage … he's right on that as well. LeCharles Bentley said the same thing; word is Joe Jurevicius didn't hear from Savage either. How difficult is a five-minute phone call?

–Winslow's problem was his timing. It came at a very odd time. After a loss, and two days after he had pointedly told the media they didn't have the right to know what was wrong. What changed in those two days?

–Ask people at the team and they will wonder what he would have said had he caught eight passes in a Browns win. Their answer is predictable.

–Here's what I think: He would have had the exact same feelings about staph, but he might not have voiced them. Doing so at that time put himself above the team.

–And, no matter how right he was on his points, there's a right way and a wrong way to address things. Confronting the GM outside the locker room the way he did was not the right way.

–Too, Winslow didn't just speak to the entire media gathering on Sunday. He sought out one reporter and spilled the key detail that it was staph. He has that right, but it's kind of odd. Players do that sometimes, and as a reporter I'd never complain if I were the one being spilled to. But it's just odd to do that, after spilling your heart and guts to an entire group to save one thing for one person.

–Hasn't been reported much, but Winslow sought out Crennel on the team plane and the two chatted for a while. At that point, the presumption is that Crennel told Winslow he understood his feelings, but to keep quiet.

–Winslow followed that discussion by being more vociferous with ESPN.com. That didn't help his cause. Think about it – he's asked to be quiet, told he has support, then he gets more vocal. From the team standpoint, that went too far. And it didn't help his coach's position.

–The feeling during Crennel's news conference on Monday was that Crennel was taking a very large bullet for Winslow. Just an impression, but it was an impression a lot of folks felt.

–This is why I defend Crennel and people get mad at me. His doing that shows the quality of the man, and men like that deserve support and make you wish they'd succeed. Of course that has nothing to do with who starts at quarterback or whether to kick or go for it on fourth down, but it's fact.

–Savage's statement clearly stated that the team talked to Winslow and his "representation" and decided to keep things private. Who instigated the privacy thing is not clear, but the team clearly implied all were in agreement.

–So from the team's standpoint it makes little sense for Winslow to agree to that, then blast them for it.

–Winslow tells a different tale about who wanted things private.

–Which comes down to the classic he said, she said story.

–Get the impression there are missing pieces in this puzzle?

–But again, if I'm Winslow and I get staph again, I'm beyond angry.

–The team's side on the staph issue can not be ignored, though. There is no reason whatsoever for a team to try to ignore the staph issue. The Browns don't want their players to get staph any more than they want them to tear up a knee. Implying otherwise, implying they're not trying … that's just preposterous.

–Never underestimate a player's desire to get a new contract. Never. It is the driving force in their lives – and when a guy has a knee like Winslow's, it's more of a driving force. Because he just might not have that much time left in his career.

–Given all this, is there a way the team and player can co-exist after this season?

–It sure seems like the Browns were planning for this eventuality when they drafted Martin Rucker. The writing on the field is clear that Winslow is headed out.

–He probably would welcome that as well, because it means he'll get a new contract. With the CBA in doubt and an uncapped year ahead, agents are trying to get their clients their money now. See Roy Williams in Dallas, who had his deal re-done after a trade. The Browns did the same with Shaun Rogers. If Winslow plays hard and well the rest of the year and is traded, he'll get a new deal and he'll be happy.

–It's hard to think anyone handled things perfectly in this tale.

–The odds of Winslow being a Brown in 2009? I think we all know the answer to that one.

–Comparatively speaking, Hines Ward of Pittsburgh probably deserves a longer suspension. I love Ward as a player, but it sure looked like he led with his helmet when he broke the jaw of a Cincinnati player and ended his season. What's worse, Ward's offense or Winslow's?

First and 10

1)      I think I've got this season figured out. This Sunday in Jacksonville the Browns come up with a stirring win. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh loses to the Giants and lo and behold the Browns are two back heading back home and the fans are back on the hook until the next painfully loss. The reason? If there's one thing consistent about this year, it's that it's going to be inconsistent. So when we think we have the Browns figured out and they're going to get it going, they'll do what they did in Washington last weekend – leave a real clunker on the field. That's what they did, really. They took an axle from an old Chevy, a rusty old one, a real heavy one, and they just dropped it with a huge thud in the middle of the field. On about the 30-yard-line. So when we think they're going good, they'll leave an axle on the field. When we write them off, they'll come back and do enough to win a game and get us thinking maybe the old Chevy can be driveable again. It's just going to be that kind of season.

2)      There's no defending Derek Anderson's play in that loss. He was erratic, wild and willy-nilly. That being said – the time to get the outrage ready is now – he got little or no help from his receivers. Braylon Edwards dropped four passes (that's four). He also misread a blitz late and cost his team a big play and an incompletion. And I will maintain until someone proves otherwise that he should have kept going on the third-down pass that was incomplete prior to Phil Dawson's missed field goal. Earlier in the game, Kellen Winslow turned an out into and out-and-up. Problem was Anderson threw the out, and his pass went to a lovely area of the grass. That's seven plays. Seven is a lot of plays. And when combined with the other wild throws Anderson had, those seven bad plays made for a really bad day in the passing game.

3)      I think Ryan Tucker should be the league's MVP. I mean, Tucker played against New York and the Browns looked like a different team. Tucker didn't play against Washington and we saw what happened. League MVP. That's him.

4)      The Browns do not sound like they feel like they can depend on Tucker. From the sound of things, he might not be a Cleveland Brown after this season.

5)      Same with Kellen Winslow. This is just a guess on my part, but I think his comments after the game might have led to his ticket being punched to play elsewhere in 2009. At least the reservation is made. Winslow had some very pointed remarks, and pointed remarks usually don't go over very well with this team and its front office. Among them was Winslow's disappointment that after again contracting staph, he never heard from GM Phil Savage. It would seem like Winslow's request to hear from the GM is not unreasonable. Nor was Winslow's anger that he again had contracted staph. There's still a lot of murmuring that he may have had something more staph, but those are just murmurs and until anything else is confirmed officially I'm assuming Winslow contracted another staph infection. That being said, Winslow's timing was really odd. After a game, when he'd practiced for two days, he decides to blow up. And after a tough loss at that. It came off as selfish, though maybe Winslow was like that guy in "Network" — mad as hell and he just couldn't take it anymore. He seemed pretty clear-headed as he spoke, and it was not a tirade. It was just … odd timing.

6)      By the way, I'm still waiting for Clinton Portis to actually score a touchdown. To … like … cross the goal-line on that short run he had the other day.

7)      How does a 6-foot-5 quarterback have so many passes batted down at the line of scrimmage? Two reasons: First is release point. Anderson tends to drop his release point at times, which brings his throws lower and/or downhill. Second is that he stares at one guy too long. This could be because it takes time for the play to develop, or because he's … well … he's staring at one guy too long.

8)      The Terry Cousin/nickel back experiment? Not going real well.

9)      Why hasn't Brady Quinn played? Well I go back to how he must look in practice. If Quinn were really lighting it up (to use a Butch Davis phrase) in practice, he might have forced his way on the field by now. Second, the Browns firmly believe that once that change is made, it's made for good. That there is no turning back. That's why they traded Charlie Frye a year ago. They didn't think keeping him around as a backup after he'd been a starter would help him. The thinking goes that if they move to Quinn, they will lose Anderson. And if Quinn struggles, they have lost both. Me, I disagree with that thinking a little. If a guy loses his job there's no law written saying he can't win it back. It would not be pretty with two quarterbacks wanting to play, but if using both helps the team win … why not?

10)   Can this season be saved? Not if the Browns don't get their heads together. And not if they don't beat Jacksonville. And not if they don't avoid shockingly bad first halves like they played in Washington. I've been rather vocal about the quality of play being so poor in the NFL lately. That first half is going to be my evidence. Anyone says, "It's not that bad," I say: "First half, at Washington." Just look at the tape. "First half, at Washington." I may use that phrase to sign off the newsletter until things change, and to be the farewell of any letters written. Have a politician calling you? Just tell them, "First half, at Washington." It should cover most anything. If the credit card company calls about the bill being late, I'm merely saying, "First half, at Washington." I think they'll understand.

You're an Idiot

Apparently Randy Alexander  wanted Alan to be happy.

He e-mailed with this simple subject line: "You Are An Idiot!" He wrote nothing else.

Clean. Succint. To the point.

Nicely handled, right down to the exclamation mark.

Three and Out

Dear Pat,

The Derek Anderson era, regime, experiment, whatever you want to call it, has to end. He is just too inconsistent for the Browns to have any hope of being competitive on a weekly basis. How can the coaches come up with a game plan when they have no idea which Anderson will show up? He's like a basketball player who averages 15 points a game and you think it's OK, but when you look closer you see he does it by scoring 28 points one game and 2 points the next. And has he shown the coaches any indication that this will ever change?

I hate to blame this all on one person, but his extremes are just too much. If he could just be an average QB on his off days, the team could still have some success. But that's not the case and I don't see any reason to think things will change.

Brady Quinn may turn out to not be the answer, but it's time to find out. The season is shot – again – before Halloween. Better to start the rebuilding now rather than waiting until next year.

Thomas Moore

Stow

Dear Thomas,

After Washington it's hard to argue your point, but I think the Browns are going to ride Anderson until the playoffs are officially out of the picture.

The only thing I'll say is that since 1999 I've seen a lot of quarterbacks forced into games too soon. It ruined them. If the season is going to be a stinker anyway, allowing Quinn to learn while he watches isn't going to hurt him. Then again, if Quinn could save the season …

Whew.

Can anyone figure this out?

First half, at Washington.

Dear Pat,

My 10-year-old daughter said, "Look Dad, the Browns have Sharpies too; they put their numbers on their helmets so they wouldn't mix them up."

I think the numbers look great.  Let's keeps them. We can sell the brown pants and buy everybody a sharpie.  Maybe the League will let them draw Jack-o-lanterns for Halloween week.

Great call by the equipment man.

Dan Gibbons

St. George Utah

Dear Dan,

The numbers for the Giants game were a throwback to older (and better) days. I thought they looked like someone used electric tape for the numbers, like we'd do as kids. But on further reflection, your daughter is probably right. Sharpies it was.

It's interesting. When the Browns come on at our house, my 12-year-old looks at the TV and asks: Are they losing yet?

Dear Pat,

The Browns finally lost a game that I didn't watch. I'm glad that's over and I can begin watching again.  The question is, why would I?

Observation about Derek Anderson.  He doesn't seem able to handle any expectation of success.  Two years ago in camp he had an open competition with Charlie Frye, and looked pretty bad.  He stunk it up in preseason as well.  After the opener against the Steelers, Frye was traded and there were no expectations of success.   Anderson came in and did great…until a spot in the playoffs started to look like a reality.  Then his performance dropped off.

This year in camp, he's already gotten a contract extension and expectations are high.  He didn't seem to distinguish himself in camp and had a lousy preseason, and continued his undistinguished performance into the regular season.  No more expectations of greatness, and they aren't even expected to even give the giants any competition.  So Monday night he looks like an all pro again.

Go into Washington with renewed expectations and lay another egg.

He's not the only human being like this.  I can go out and shoot low to mid 90s at a golf course.  Did it during practice rounds the past couple of weeks at a course that I play fairly regularly.  Saturday was the club championship.  I couldn't handle my own expectations and ended up shooting 15 strokes higher.

My point is not to compare myself to an NFL type athlete; it's to say that some people handle the pressure to perform better than others.  And it least in that respect, I seem to be Derek Anderson's equal.

As for Braylon Edwards…he's from Michigan, and (with the possible exception of Tom Brady) Wolverines have always talked a better game than they could play.  Braylon is the epitome of that.

Sorry to be so long-winded.  I'm looking forward to playing golf for fun again without the expectations of performing well in competition.

John Brodie

Galt, CA

Dear John,

Readers should know that the previous two weeks John wrote to say what he was doing instead of watching the Browns. They won, so he theorized it was his decision not to watch them that changed their luck.

Alas, what is there to blame it on now?

This is a very interesting theory on Anderson. I think he got very little help Sunday, but his play was also very poor. Your theory that he can't handle the expectations might have some merit. If that becomes the thinking around the league, his career as a starter could be over in a hurry.

First half, at Washington.

Finally, in the online comments Jab wrote: "Rake Leaves. Go to the Cider Mill. Stop wasting your time with this Mom and Pop Shop Team." I'd add adopting the Steelers, but I tried that once and it didn't go over too well. Instead I'll say these other options if you, like Jab and John, are too frustrated to watch: Rotate the tires on the car, open a kickboxing school or watch endless DVDs of the singing of Jerry Vale. But remember that in this topsy-turvy season, the Browns should win on Sunday in Jacksonville. Will it be a good game? First half, at Washington.

(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.

It takes no great insight or genius on sports to realize what happened to the Browns in Washington: They forgot what it takes to win. It's not like they had that down this season anyway. I mean, a letdown of a season is in full bloom, after six games. So let's rephrase this way: The Browns forgot what they did against New York to win.

Everyone has to be precise, give their all, pay attention to detail and do their job. There were many culprits against Washington, but this one goes to the offense. And on the offensive side, Braylon Edwards was brutal, Derek Anderson every bit as brutal. This loss, when Anderson threw for 40 yards the first three quarters and was 3-for-14 the first half, leads to the metaphysical question: What will it take for Brady Quinn to get into the game?

Before we get to the offense, let's be blunt about something else: The run defense remains abysmal. Say what you will about Washington scoring just 14 points and Eric Wright forcing that late fumble, when a team allows a back to run for 175 yards its chances of winning are slim. That the Browns had a chance was amazing. Through six games, that promised improvement in the run defense is as big a mirage as the prime-time hopes the NFL gave the Browns this season.

As for Edwards, once again he was a bumbling mistake waiting to happen. He made some catches late, but by the time he did that he had already dropped four passes. He started the game with a league-high seven. He now has 11. If Edwards wants the desired stardom he craves, he needs to play like a star. His drops killed the Browns in the first half. He was outfought for the ball, and he dropped others. Then, in the final drive he missed a blitz and was not looking at a second-down pass Anderson threw his way. On third down, it looked like Anderson thought he was going to keep going on a turn-in, and he stopped. Bottom line: A Pro Bowler makes those big plays. A Pro Bowler does not drop four passes in a single game. Edwards let the team down.

Edwards actually said that the Browns "might have underestimated the Redskins." Give him credit for standing up and addressing the media after a tough loss and accepting his responsibility, but the question must be asked: What have the Browns done to earn the right to "underestimate" anyone?

As for Anderson, he might have been more responsible for the loss than Edwards. Yes, dropped passes hurt, but Anderson often was wild high and long and all over the place. He looked like a guy pressing, not a guy who had found his confidence. It may be time for Quinn. In fact, with the season at stake, it may have been time for Quinn in the third quarter in Washington.

And now, Kellen Winslow has gone public (to the Plain Dealer) with the fact that it was a staph infection that kept him in the hospital and out of the Giants game, and he put the finger of anger on the team, saying the team said publicly he (Winslow) wanted it private and it was the team that wanted things secret. This might lead to what is called a "credibility problem." Winslow was angry, about the infection, about the way it was stated publicly and about the fact he had played through pain and problems most would never have accepted amd he got yet another staph infection and GM Phil Savage (Winslow said) did not call him in the hospital.

Quite simply, this seems like a team in some serious, serious trouble. And all this six days after we all thought the ship had been righted.

Is it realistic for the Browns to make something of this season? You have to say that anything can happen, and a win in Jackonville changes the outlook. But with the Browns three games back of Pittsburgh and 10 to go, this one appears close to being lost. After six games. The Browns absolutely had to follow the Giants win with another win, and they played terribly, like they were still half-asleep. As one ex-player said after the Giants win: "If they have heart, they'll follow with a win."