From former Browns GM Phil Savage, speaking to a group in Gulf Shores, Ala.: ""You don't take a lot of solace in watching a place you leave go downhill further. But they took what we did have going there and they just dismantled that even further." (Thanks to profootballtalk for pointing out the link)

This would not be a bad way to decompress from the mess that was the Cleveland Browns of 2008. Enjoy yourself while you enjoy the former owner's money.

The Browns just announced that Romeo Crennel had been let go as the team's coach. Randy Lerner — and others — are expected to address the media today.

This is not an inexpensive venture on the part of owner Randy Lerner. Crennel and former GM Phil Savage will cost the Browns almost $23 million in salaries remaining on contract extensions signed last offseason. If others are let go as well — like offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski — that figure will go higher.

More updates will be provided here and at the Beacon Journal web site during the day.

It didn't take long for the Browns to stat overhauling the team. GM Phil Savage was informed prior to the season-ending loss to the Steelers that he would not be back. Details on how the move came down were not available, but Savage knew prior to the game that his time had come to an end. Savage was very upset before the game – evidently because he had lost his job.

Romeo Crennel's future will be determined early Monday morning, and it seems likely he also will not be back. Even Crennel admitted that his record (24-40) might be too much to overcome when he meets with owner Randy Lerner.

The question is who fills those roles. Lerner will try to hire Bill Cowher, but the prevailing thinking is that Cowher will not coach in 2009, that he's enjoying TV too much and he likes watching his daughter play basketball and yada yada yada. If it's true that Cowher is not interested, that takes him out of consideration. But if Lerner can convince him to take the money and power and titles, the Browns will be led by the former Steelers coach.

A no from Cowher takes the Browns in the direction of Scott Pioli, whom the team would hope to lure from New England to take over the front office. Pioli then would hire the coach. Miami's win over the Jets knocked the Patriots out of the playoffs, which makes a possible change to Pioli possible in a fast, efficient manner. Who Pioli favors as coach is anyone's guess, but he's been around long enough to know the kind of coach he wants.

If Pioli and Cowher both decide they do not want to come to Cleveland, what happens is anyone's guess. But the swiftness of the move with Savage might indicate the Browns – and Lerner – have a pretty good idea of the future.

It will be interesting to see how things play out.

First and 10

1)      Anyone who honestly thought prior to the game that the Browns had a chance to win last night may now step into the cab that will take them to Never Never Land. There, they may join with Tinkerbell in flying to a distant galaxy far far away.

2)      The Browns with no defense and Ken Dorsey at quarterback were going to beat a team with one of the best defenses in the league that is going for a playoff spot? Please.

3)      Here's an e-mail I received Tuesday morning from an NFL personnel type: "This is the time of year when you can truly evaluate your personnel. And I didn't see many players that the Browns can continue to build around. They have no pass rush, lack a number one corner, an outside linebacker, an inside linebacker, maybe a free safety. Offensively, who's the quarterback of the future? They need a running back, a number two and number three receiver. A center, a right guard and a right tackle." That's about it.

4)      That's what Romeo Crennel meant when he said after the game the Browns did not have enough ammunition. He's right. Doesn't mean he coached a good game or he should have called a timeout with 1:54 left and his team getting drilled – strange one, that timeout, just like the previous week's timeout late in the game was strange. It just means the Browns as constituted cannot compete with a team like Philadelphia. Cincinnati in the home finale, maybe. Philadelphia and Tennessee, nope.

5)      Every game Jim Zorn loses in Washington makes it seem like he will be a one-year-and-out coach. Which makes the Bill Cowher competition that much tougher. For some reason, I still think he's going to wind up coaching the Redskins.

6)      Naturally many will want me to fire Romeo Crennel today. Well I'm not. So there. BUT … this does not mean I'm making a staunch defense of him either. Clearly every blowout loss like that makes it tough to defend anything about this team. I will say this: If Crennel goes, I think Phil Savage should go too. This has been a team collective effort this season that started with the players the team depended on not coming through. When this season ends, I either keep both Crennel and Savage and accept what that means in terms of fan reaction, or I get rid of both, and accept what that means in terms of starting over. All or none, one for all or none for all. They came in as a team, advertised themselves as a team, and they both shared in the contract extension euphoria after last year. They both should share in the negatives from this season.

7)      I think we know what the decision will be regarding Crennel. I mean, Crennel's forte is defense, and the Browns played like their defense was not even on the field Monday night. Too, it's hard to argue when the numbers are presented: an overall 24-38 record, 5-17 in the AFC North and 0-7 against Pittsburgh. Those are not winning numbers, and they come in the fourth year. But I don't understand how those same numbers don't apply to Savage.

8)      This is the question everyone (including me) must ask: Would a fully healthy Browns team, with players playing like they should, have been able to compete Monday night against the Eagles? The secondary was healthy, after all. So were the linebackers. And the defensive line. Donovan McNabb simply ate up the Browns defense. Changing the coach may bring a fresh start, and given the negativity surrounding this coach from outside the team, it might be a necessity. But changing the coach isn't going to make that personnel any better. They are what they are.

9)      Braylon Edwards actually had a good game, with more than 100 yards receiving. He played the way he was expected to play all season. As he said: "I've got a job to do. My job is to catch the football." He's right. But he didn't stop there. He continued: "I've learned being here that I'm very unappreciated. Not in the organization, just in the eyes of the fans, the city. Since Day One I've been a marked man coming from Michigan. It's just gone that way. Even when things are good, there's heckles." Unappreciated. Marked Man. Heckles. OK then … just … OK then.

10)  Can we possibly forfeit the last two games and end this miserable season today?

And since it's been a long season, a bonus two:

11)  Two plays that might have helped – not changed things, mind you, but helped – were Darnell Dinkins' drop on the Browns' first possession and Brandon McDonald's first interception. Dinkins drop was a major brain cramp. McDonald should have scored. Or at least tried to. McDonald slowed up and let Brian Westbrook catch him. Maybe he doesn't score if he goes all-out the entire way, but slowing down pretty much ensured he didn't score. Heck of an interception, though. Have to say that.

12)  It's not the end of the world, but McDonald's somersault into the end zone surely didn't go over in Philadelphia. No doubt some of the Eagles had something to say to him about him somersaulting while his team was getting drilled. And no, on the scale this one does not rank very high among the problems.

Three and Out

Dear Pat,

I have been a Browns fan for 50 years. I do not claim to have any expertise in the coaching of an NFL team.  However, I do have some management expertise.

When players underachieve and also state that they really are happy with their coach,  that leads me to believe that they are not held accountable.  Crennel's response to their errors is always the same – we will talk to them about it.

As Mark Twain stated – If telling were teaching we would all be so smart we couldn't stand ourselves.

Do you really believe Bill Cowher or Bill Parcells would tolerate these constant mistakes.

Most effective NFL coaches put an adequate amount of fear in their players.

Players don't like it, but they respect it.  Crennel seems to lack the "it" when it comes to accountability.

Jim Jones

Las Vegas

Dear Jim,

I've said it before and I'll say it again: The one thing that's surprised me about Crennel is that he's not brought great discipline to the Browns and instead has been more grandfatherly. This didn't bother people last year because the Browns won 10 games, mind you, but it has been surprising.

Dear Pat,

I'm not a big Crennel fan. They won last year with some luck and a really easy schedule. Winning snowballed just like losing but they did come back to earth at the end of last season.

This year, there are no excuses, especially starting the way they did in preseason and getting hammered at New York, which set the tone. This team has no consistency, strategy, fire, etc.

However, I'd be willing to listen except for one thing – the defense. Crennel is a supposed defensive specialist. That's why he got the job. I have to believe Savage has listened to what he needs for the most part. I see big, slow, fat defensive lineman, slow linebackers, slow defensive backs taking an extremely soft "bend but don't break approach," especially since the Denver game.

They have never figured out a pass rush from anyone not on the d-line, they have never stopped the run, which the big, fat, slow defensive lineman are supposed to do. There is just no excuse here. It is a bad defense, has been since Crennel arrived. Look at some of the better defenses in the league, they are moving away from huge, slow guys to tall, lean, quick guys, even on the d-line.

Do you really think, if we ever got good, that you would have confidence that a Crennel defense could stop a good team in the last two minutes? I don't, ever.

He is a play-not-to-lose guy, keep it close. We've seen it over and over.

Comparing Crennel to Jeff Fisher and others is not fair, Fisher has a winning track record and went to a Super Bowl as a head coach. He instills confidence and Crennel does not.

I just don't see Crennel gets us to where we want to go, even with more talent.

Kyle St. Peter

St. Louis

Dear Kyle,

You raise valid points. If Randy Lerner agrees, then a change is needed.

The defense is just bad.

Period.

Dear Pat,

Your observations are generally correct.  However, having watched NFL football closely and studied the game at this level for 50 years, I must remind you that the most important element to be considered after this season is the status of the defense.  Is the secondary weak?  I'm not so sure.  The Browns probably do need a tall "shut down" corner so that Brandon MacDonald can return to the role in which he enjoyed success last year: covering the slot receiver.

The most glaring problem with the defense is that the players Phil Savage has
added are not up to the scheme.  Does that mean the defense needs to be "blown up" and rebuild from scratch (as Crennel did when he came here in '05)?  Not at all.

Even a cursory analysis of the defensive personnel on the all-important front seven reveals that the Browns have some very good talent there.  But it is 4-3 talent, not 3-4 talent.

It is at linebacker where the weakness of the Browns' 3-4 is most glaring.  And, again, it's primarily due to a lack of fit with the scheme, rather than a lack of talent.

I spent four years on active duty in the Army and was a very good marksman.  That doesn't qualify me to serve as a Navy seal!  What the Browns most lack is a bona fide "thumper" in the middle.  Were they to return to a 4-3, given the draft order in '09, it is quite possible that Ray Maualuga (MLB, USC) might be on the board when the Browns first round pick comes up.  At 6-3, 260, this guy is a beast and a virtual tackling machine.  He could quickly adapt to the pro game and this would free up D'Qwell Jackson to play either the Will or the Sam OLB in a 4-3.  That leaves either Antwaan Peek (if his rehab is successful) and/or Leon Williams to compete for the other slot at OLB and Beau Bell to back up in the middle.  One additional free agent linebacker and this crew would be "good to go."

The offense is more complicated for several reasons, but suffice it to say that Brady Quinn is likely to be a very serviceable QB — a leader who can manage the offense and play ball control, "eat the clock" offense which is clearly preferable to the "long bomb" style of DA.

This cannot, however, happen without a defense which can:  (1) stop the run;  (2) put pressure on the QB; and (3) get off the field on 3rd down — NONE  of which Mr. Crennel's 3-4 has been able to do since he arrived in '05.
The old golf adage (you drive for show and you putt for dough) can be reworked for the NFL: "You play offense for show; you play defense for dough." High octane offenses thrill the fans, but defense wins championships.

Just ask the offensive units on the losing end of the last several Super Bowls.  They'll confirm that for you.

Old Chuck

Mayfield Heights (Browns fan since 1962)

Dear Old Chuck,

Interesting analysis. I'm not a big fan of the three-four, but Bill Belichick and Bill Cowher both have been successful with it so the scheme can't be horrid. That being said, perhaps a front four of Robaire Smith, Shaun Rogers, Shaun Smith and Corey Williams might be a step forward. It sure can't be worse.

(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

1)      Maybe I'm stupid … well I am stupid but that's not important right now. I don't get the uproar over the loss to Tennessee. I mean, what did anyone expect?

2)      Tennessee started the game 11-1 with the chance to clinch their division and home field advantage in the playoffs. The Browns started 4-8 with a third quarterback playing. Tennessee runs the ball as well as anyone in the league. The Browns don't stop the run. I mean, what did anyone expect?

3)      It's beyond me how anyone can think a team can win in the NFL when it gives up 145 yards rushing per game. And gives up 235 yards rushing in one game. It's just not going to happen. A team that does that is a team that is destined to struggle.

4)      Let it be noted I do not listen to TV while watching a game. I might watch a replay … well I will watch a replay … but I don't want to be influenced by what the announcers say because they are there in the same capacity as me. They are there to observe and state their opinion and impressions. Doesn't make them right – ask LeBron James what he thinks of Charles Barkley – but they are entitled to state them. I'm getting the impression from e-mails and comments that Dan Fouts was very hard on Romeo Crennel during the game. I'd like to think Fouts saw how little Ken Dorsey could get accomplished, but perhaps he wasn't watching that facet of the game. Me, I think Dorsey's limitations will be exposed even more Monday night against the Eagles' array of blitzes. But that's me. The other thing I didn't get was the outcry over the fact the Browns did not challenge the Braylon Edwards catch down the sideline. That play was right in front of me, and it wasn't close. Edwards was out of bounds. Challenging would have been silly. Coaches upstairs saw the replay and never suggested a challenge. Crennel was all the way across the field, and could not see it the play. The Titans did not show a replay. He had to go on what he was told. Edwards landed out of bounds. Had their been a forceout rule, he might have gotten the call, but that rule was eliminated in the offseason. Edwards was out of bounds, I don't care what Dan Fouts said.

5)      The carpet guy was working at the house as I wrote this, and he mentioned what a huge Browns fan he is. I asked if he'd fire the coach. You can learn a lot from a talkative carpet guy you know. And he said, "Well they're still playing hard for him and that's half the battle." He then gave a position-by-position rundown on the team and concluded by calling this Browns 10-year venture the "decade of excrement." Carpet guys often have great insights.

6)      Anyone know who picked these 53 guys? This needs to be clarified.

7)      I made a big deal out of the fact that Josh Cribbs didn't play more at quarterback. After further review, I'm starting to wonder if there are reasons for that we don't know. For one, the Browns hardly use Cribbs at receiver, which tells me he's not a real "read the defense" kind of guy. This might be one reason the coaching staff does not want to have him pass more. Romeo Crennel said Cribbs doesn't get enough practice to handle reading defenses, but if asked to throw a "go" route he can do it. Perhaps this makes the coaches leery of asking more from him. It also seems like Cribbs doesn't play more than three or four plays in a row. Why this is, I don't know. But perhaps it's time to back off this Cribbs thing and just assume that the coaching staff, which sees him every day, has its reasons and maybe (gasp!) they are legitimate.

8)      Flew Southwest for the first time in a long time, and doing so leads to a question: Why can't all the airlines be like Southwest? One can actually sit in a Southwest seat without having his or her knees smashed into the seat in front of him or her. They give you the option of paying a little more to get on early – if you so desire. They have this orderly boarding process that goes by number and does not mess things up even though they (horror of horrors!) do not board from the rear of the aircraft. The flight attendants are … actually … (drum roll) friendly. And they leave on time and arrive on time. These are novel concepts for the airline industry.

9)      Both teams complained after the game that the other team did a lot of woofing. QB Kerry Collins said the Browns did a lot of talking and "maybe that's their style." Browns C Hank Fraley said on his radio show that Tennessee was being talky and chippy the entire game. And the big brown pony will jump over the moon on New Year's Eve.

10)   The more I watch this team, the more I believe that if the Browns think this group can compete in 2009 without significant improvement then it's believing a mirage. Bill Parcells said a long time ago that a team is its record. Well guess what … the Browns are 4-9. The defense is porous. The offense has seen its best players go south. It's down now to a third quarterback. Romeo Crennel is criticized for everything from the way he stands on the sidelines to the way the team ties its shoes. A lot of people want me to fire him. Well, I'm not going there. For one, I don't have the authority. For two, given the talent on the team I don't know if 4-9 isn't an accurate reflection of where it should be. Would going for touchdowns instead of field goals help the right side of the line block any better? Next season's coach, whoever it may be, will have to do the following: Decide on a quarterback, figure what to do with Kellen Winslow, decide if Jamal Lewis still has it, figure what to do with Braylon Edwards, find a second and third receiver, shore up the right side of the line, decide on a center, figure out a run defense, find linebackers who can run, find corners who can cover and then figure a way to get the fans from jumping off buildings after one or two losses. Perhaps said coach would prefer a job saving the auto industry instead.

You're an Idiot

Alan T wrote online …

Dear Pat

I think newspaper sports columnists should have a bi-monthly published assessment of their past columns to review if they were right or wrong. Because many get on their high horses when they write their stuff.

They almost always refer to when they were subsequently right, but they rarely admit when they're subsequently found to be wrong.

Columnists are supposed to judge others, I think one column every other month should be devoted to judging themselves. By extension, the readers can then judge the columnists' credibility. Six columns every calendar year.

I nominate Pat to take this idea and be the first to run with it.

Alan T.

Dear Alan,

I include this letter in the ‘You're An Idiot' section only because it is a good place for it.

And because if you think I'm going to start owning up to my mistakes, well you've got another thing coming, buster.

Actually, Alan, you have a good point.

And it is something I shall consider.

The problem is that it would be a very short story pointing out my mistakes.

Hey … that's a JOKE.

Three and Out

Terje wrote online after the loss to Tennessee …

Dear Pat,

Are you honestly telling me that the Titans have more talent on the offensive side of the ball? I'll give you the defense but the offense??? Come on!!!

Kerry Collins?? Lendale White is nothing more than a bowling ball! What about Joe Thomas and big free agent Eric Steinbach? These guys have gone from great to lacking talent in one year? And Braylon Edwards? I'm sorry but his poor play is not caused by a lack of talent. Jamal Lewis has a ton of talent too; he's just on empty. Name me one player on the Titans offense with more talent than Josh Cribbs.

The most glaring piece missing Sunday was a coach who was willing to go for six instead of three, a guy who was willing to lose a timeout to challenge a call. Not only is Romeo playing to lose he is sacrificing the team's future to play Willie McGinest and other stiffs who will be nowhere near a Browns uniform next year.

They scored nine points. Not because of a lack of talent on the offensive end, but because of poor coaching. Phil Savage is a joke but your undying love for Romeo Crennel is getting sickening. Nice guys don't shaft the fan base just to stick it to the GM. Your nice guy Romeo is a fraud.

Terje

Dear Terje,

OK then.

Actually Terje is one of my faithful blog readers and commenters, and I appreciate all his remarks. He has regularly taken me to task for supporting Romeo Crennel.

I'll try to answer some of your claims, Terje, but first I must state that I do not believe Romeo Crennel would sacrifice a game to stick it to the GM. He plays the guys he thinks will help the Browns win. You and I have the right to disagree, but he's been a supporter of veterans since he got here and will be until the day he leaves.

As to the other stuff:

1)      As best I could see, the Browns were overpowered on both the offensive and defensive fronts. That alone spelled out more talent, and that alone made the difference in the game.

2)       I have no problem with the way Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach are playing. It's the other three on the line that concern me.

3)      LenDale White has scored 14 touchdowns, best in the NFL. That's a lot of beaching.

4)      Whatever the reason for Braylon Edwards' lack of production, it's not helping the cause.

5)      Do you honestly believe that with Ken Dorsey at quarterback that anything would have changed had Crennel gone for touchdowns instead of field goals? I don't. I don't think the game was winnable with Dorsey playing, and the Titans almost said the same after. Their defenders actually felt bad for him, given they were playing for a division title. The most glaring piece missing Sunday was actually two pieces: A legitimate quarterback, and a run defense.

6)      I don't agree with the challenge, but I think you are one heck of a guy Terje.

7)      Finally, I think they scored nine points because the Titans are simply that much better of a team.

Terje, I wish we could share Christmas gifts every year … but for crying out loud, the Browns are 4-9. At some point we all need to accept the fact that they are just not that good this season.

And Terje … keep the cards and rips coming!

Dear Pat,

I want to be the first person (maybe) to say that hiring Marty Schottenheimer is a stupid idea.  He is sixty-five years old. I don't care about his 14-2 record the last season in San Diego.

Perhaps that had much to do with his coaching, but with what LaDainian Tomlinson did that year, you might as well have had Mr. Belvedere as the head coach.  They were going to win.  Teams that run win games.  If you can't run, then good coaching wins games.

The Browns have neither — but I for one am firmly an 'ageist' about this coaching slot. He's too old to command respect from 22-year-olds on a team without the talent to naturally win.  Why not hire Joe Paterno?
I mean, let's say he's hired, at sixty-four, and has one good season.  The next season, he'll be three years from seventy!  Do we want to do this coaching carousel all over again, four years after we hire him, when he's seventy?
If we can't get the chin, I want someone young, and from the NFL.  Maybe they should just promote Ken Dorsey.  At least he already knows what it feels like to be eating dirt fed him by an Ohio crowd (see 2003 Fiesta Bowl).

Parker Staley

Dear Parker,

Ken Dorsey has enough problems right now.

I got a few e-mails lamenting the notion of brining Marty back. He seems to have quashed the possibility anyway.

As for the Browns, I don't get how good coaching can overcome the lack of a running game. Is a coach a magician with a wand who can make average players good merely by waving it? If the team can't run, it can't run.

And if the team can't stop the run, it can't win. And the Browns are not doing either.

Dear Pat,

As you've said this is an organization in disarray.  Tell me they aren't serious about bringing back Marty Schottenheimer. Yes, I know his regular season record would be a major improvement, but his post-season record is as dismal as the Browns regular seasons have been: 5-13.  This will just lead to more frustration and disappointment to the Browns fans.

We've all heard the rumors concerning Bill Cowher, and that would seem to be a good choice.  Other than Cowher, where to turn?

Does anyone besides Phil Savage believe he's getting the job done?  He's tried to point the finger at Romeo Crennel, of course, as the reason the Browns aren't winning, but for all his supposed expertise at drafting talent,  his picks overall have been so-so.  The good teams build through the draft and supplement with a free agents, unlike all the free agents the Browns have brought in.

As to Romeo, he seems to be a nice guy, but even he seems to have packed it in. As noted by the TV play by play announcers, why they didn't throw a challenge flag on Cribbs pass to Edwards certainly raises a question.  They sure didn't have anything to lose other than one timeout, which at that point in time in light of a lack of offense was worth trying.

One can question why not try something other than the long field goals, and yet in light of the way they have been playing from the other side of the coin it makes as much sense to kick and at least make three points.

I'd say Randy Lerner needs to start at the top and replace Phil Savage.  His rantings on radio and in the press sounds like a guy who's trying to save his job by pointing the finger everywhere else when in fact he's a major part of the problem.  Crennel has to go simply because someone else will want their own person.

Again, if Cowher is available that would make sense.  If not,  please don't bring in another retread like Norv Turner, or others like him.  Find a good program with a young and upcoming coach like the Steelers did with Mike Tomlin and hire him.  Bring in a respected personnel man from another organization if they will let the Browns talk to them.  Randy Lerner has shown he will spend the money, so that's not a problem.

Thanks for a bit of your time and allowing me to vent.  I appreciate your columns.

Gaile Wilkinson

Dear Gaile,

Vent away.

If you mention a young coach, how about Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz? Or New England quarterback coach Josh McDaniels? Both are unproven head coaches, but either could be this year's John Harbaugh.

Then again, would the fan base be excited by anyone not named Cowher?

Why not Brian Billick? If it were him Savage would go, because those two have been-there, done-that.

And if the Browns can't get Cowher, is one more year of Crennel at all acceptable?

Crennel has not packed it in. I promise that much.

I've packed it in, but not Romeo Crennel.

(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)

]]> http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/2008/12/09/first-and-10-we-expected-different-in-tennessee/feed/ 4 http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/2008/12/07/the-browns-are-overrun-in-tennessee/ http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/2008/12/07/the-browns-are-overrun-in-tennessee/#comments Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:22:47 +0000 Pat McManamon http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/?p=825

I was all set to write in tomorrow's Beacon Journal that the Browns lost to Tennesese because they only gave Josh Cribbs the ball seven times at quarterback.

Then I saw the stats. Set aside Cribbs' six runs, and the Browns ran 13 times for 11 yards. The Titans ran for 235 yards. Pitiful. Just pitiful. On both sides of the ball.

There is an axiom in the NFL that was true back in the days of Bronko Nagurski, and it's true through Marion Motley and Jim Brown and today: In the NFL, teams that run the ball and stop the run win the games. The corollary, of course, is that teams that ask their third quarterback to throw the ball 43 times because they can't run the ball will almost always lose the game.

The Tennessee Titans are the 2008 embodiment of this axiom. They run the ball and they win. They also stop the run with a defense that flies around and plays with an aggression that the Browns lack.

The team that is the reverse embodiment of the axiom is the Browns. They are giving up a pathetic 145 yards rushing per game, and running for 100 yards. Over time, these numbers will cost a team, and clearly they cost the Browns Sunday. Cribbs could have run more often from the "flash" formation (named after his college alma mater, Kent State), but not enough to overcome 235 yards by Tennessee. He could have thrown seven or eight more passes, but that would not have been enough to overcome the Titans power offense.

Tennessee simply is better. It has more talent, and it knows what it wants to do with the talent. Romeo Crennel surely can be second-guessed for playing cautious, and the second-guesses are justified. Trying Cribbs more could not have been worse. Heck, I'd have gone lights out with Cribbs the way Chris Palmer did against Philadelphia in 1999 when he had Kevin Johnson passing and Dennis Northcutt running. But if you remember that game, the Browns still lost. Everyone was happy that they tried something, but they still lost.

And they lost because they did not have the talent on the field to compete. Just like the Browns on Sunday did not have the talent on the field to compete. The most glaring piece missing Sunday: A third quarterback signed in case he needed to play (like the Titans' Chris Simms) as opposed to a third quarterback signed to be a mentor and semi-assistant coach (Ken Dorsey). Dorsey is an amazingly nice and good person, but he's simply not a viable quarterback.

But then again the Browns run defense is not a viable run defense – less you consider 145 yards per game "viable." And the pass rush is lacking. And the depth at receiver is problematic. And the secondary has issues. And, as the season goes on, the offensive line is becoming a bit more of a question mark.

Crennel's cautious approach didn't help the cause much on Sunday, but the bottom line is the talent differential between the two teams was what determined the outcome – exacerbated by the fact the Titans were using the guy who started the season as the backup QB and the Browns were using No. 3.

Tennessee simply is better.

This really does not bode well for Monday night's game in Philadelphia, does it?

Browns GM Phil Savage met the media on Wednesday, and though he said he'd love to finish the remaining four years of his contract he did not take questions about the future while acknowledging that owner Randy Lerner stated everything will be under review following the season.

"I've got four years left on a contract," he said. "I'd love to be able to finish that out. (Lerner) said last week everything is under review. I said on the radio last week that I'm an open book. I can walk with my head held high. We've done a lot of positive things here."

This news conference just ended; here are some highlights:

–Savage said he met with the media to maintain the normal routine. He usually visits once ever four-to-six weeks and wanted to maintain that. He also said he's been available to the media via e-mail or phone call, and he tries to respond. "To be cast in a light that I'm off running around and away from the media, I don't think it's fair."

–Regarding his much-publicized e-mail: "It was very much out of the ordinary. I've responded to a handful of e-mails, mostly to positive ones. This one occurred after the Buffalo game when I was sitting on the bus by myself at 12:30 at night. I shouldn't have done it. I don't have any excuses for it." He added: "I'm disappointed in myself for doing it. It happened. I'm sorry."

–Is the coaching staff and the front office on the same page? "I would say we're definitely on the same page. We work well together. Romeo and I have a good relationship. Are there disagreements at times? Absolutely. That's the nature of the (job)."

–His comments on the radio last week that he's responsible for the 53-man roster were the same he's made in the past, and he said they did not cause a problem between him and Crennel. "I've said that since I got here. I've told the players that. My responsibility is to pick the 53-man roster, then it's the coach's job to determine who's inactive, who starts, who plays. Management does not dictate who plays when and where. I've said that a number of times over the years. That was not the first time I ever said that."

–On the future of Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson with the Browns: "I'm not going to talk about things beyond the next four weeks because everything is under review. All I can say is both are under contract."

–How has he handled the criticism? "This year has been a difficult season, no doubt about it. Romeo said today he's been in it 30 years and this has been one of the toughest for him. I've been in it almost 20 and it's been a hard season."

–Would he stay with the Browns in a reduced role, i.e. if a coach was hired who had final say over the roster? "I can't comment on that one way or another. It's in my contract that I pick the 53. Then obviously something would have to change."

–Is this year an aberration? "I think this year will be more the exception than the rule. I think we have a lot of good players on the team. … We have more than enough ability to compete in this league and play good football. And we've shown that."

–On Kamerion Wimbley: "He's taken a lot of criticism because his sack numbers are not high, but I would say he's played solid football this year. … I'm not disappointed in Kamerion Wimbley. I wish we had 53 Kamerion Wimbleys."

–On Braylon Edwards: "I don't know if there's a one-sentence answer to that question. He had 16 touchdowns last year. I think he had 16 drops. When you catch touchdown passes, the drops become overshadowed. When you don't catch touchdowns the drops become more magnified."

–Savage said he interviewed five times for jobs before joining the Browns, and he always asked for control of the 53-man roster. Cleveland was the only team to give him that responsibility. "That was the key distinction for me to ever come to Cleveland to begin with."

–Will Randy Lerner rely on him (Savage) to determine Romeo Crennel's future? "I don't know the answer to that."

Savage ended with a quote he read from Franklin Delano Roosevelt: "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow would be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with a strong and active faith."

"That's what I'm doing," Savage said.

]]> http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/2008/12/03/browns-gm-phil-savage-meets-media-defers-questions-about-the-future/feed/ 6 http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/2008/12/02/first-and-10-why-not-cribbs-at-qb/ http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/2008/12/02/first-and-10-why-not-cribbs-at-qb/#comments Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:23:28 +0000 Pat McManamon http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/?p=795

First and 10

1)      Derek Anderson asked if we were on crack when someone suggested to him that Josh Cribbs play quarterback for the Browns this Sunday in Tennessee. Ahem. For the record, crack has never once been the drug of choice on my kitchen table. And to be quite frank, anyone who followed Kent State when Cribbs was there knows the guy can flat out play. He might not be the prototype NFL quarterback, but in the situation the Browns find themselves they may need to find something new and unique.

2)      Cribbs might not be ready to run a full set of the "game plan," but he sure can be ready to run 20 or 25 plays. And they don't all have to be runs. To this point, every time Cribbs lines up in the "wildcat" he's run the ball. Or handed off. Pretty much the same play every time. And it's gone nowhere. It's time to expand his responsibilities and try something different and clever.

3)      Here's the thing with a lot of NFL coaches: They go by what a guy is supposed to do. A quarterback is supposed to be tall with a strong arm so he can throw the "out." He's not supposed to run, because the other guys are supposed to be bigger and faster. And he's supposed to spend hours and hours watching film and studying breakdowns both at work and at home. In fact, he's not supposed to have a home life, because he's supposed to spend it all studying and thinking about nothing but football. That way when he gets on the field he'll be programmed to do nothing but what he's been told to do. Eliminate athletic ability, instincts and the ability to react … just do what you've been "coached up" to do.

4)      This is not to make fun of the coaches, now. The Browns have some excellent ones who work hard and do all possible – if fans could see the looks of anguish on their faces after these last couple games they might tone down the anger a bit – to win games. There are several coaches on the Browns staff I would like on mine were anyone stupid enough to hire me. But difficult times call for a different approach and a different thought. And this is one of them.

5)      Start Ken Dorsey, of course. Let him take the first few snaps. Perhaps he can get into a rhythm, and perhaps the defense can play like it did against the Colts and keep the Browns in the game. But use Cribbs as well. Let him run, let him throw, let him improvise and let him be a football player. If the Browns are smart about it, it can work. And anyone who watched Cribbs play at Kent State is aware how well it can work. For crying out loud, try something.

6)      As for those who have commented on this crog or e-mailed to say the Browns should not play Cribbs to protect him from injury, I say this: Poppycock! Yes, that's a word you don't see too often, just like you hardly ever hear "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" played on the radio. Guys sign contracts to play the game. It's what they do. They practice and prepare to compete on Sunday. If there's a guy in the locker room who does not want to play in the game on Sunday, he shouldn't have a signed contract.

7)      Someone needs to explain to me how Sage Rosenfels can look so calm and poised in the pocket against the Browns one week and then how Peyton Manning can look so confused the next. Isn't one a future Hall of Famer?

8)      Honest question: Is there an NFL game right now you'd set aside time to watch? Think of the Thanksgiving games. I gotta think Sunday's Dolphins-Rams game had the TIVOs working overtime.

9)      Is there a much bigger free agent bust than Donte Stallworth? Yes, he has the potential to turn things around in future years, but this year … wow.

10)   That Bengals-Browns season finale should be a tough ticket to come by. Of course at some point in the third quarter, the Browns will announce 73-thousand-whatever "tickets distributed for today's game" in the press box. As opposed to actual attendance, because of course stating how many people actually showed for the game might indicate the number of people who did not come. Because of course when anyone is at the game they can't see the empty seats. Heck with it … let's look for one bright side for Sunday. In 2001, Ken Dorsey had an outstanding season for the University of Miami. His offensive coordinator that season was Rob Chudzinski. So if anyone knows Dorsey well and what plays he can run and what plays he can't, it's the guy calling plays for the Browns now. Call me nuts, but I've gone from thinking the Browns have no chance on Sunday to thinking if they are smart with their use of Dorsey and clever with their use of Cribbs, they might just pull off an upset.

Three and Out

Dear Pat,

A couple of points about your Monday article — www.ohio.com/sports/mcmanamon/35298334.html

Let me ask you, what is Rob Chudzinski supposed to do?  If he doesn't run it enough, Lewis complains.  If he doesn't pass it enough, Winslow complains.  And everybody complains to the press who are just giddy to get a story about how someone is not happy.

Let's talk about the running game.  Having seen the Browns on TV every game this year (and this game in person), haven't you or somebody notice that Lewis is not hitting the holes the line gives for him because he's just too slow?  But if Harrison or Wright are put in too many plays, Lewis will start to complain to the press.

As far Shaffer is concerned, is it Savage or Crennel's fault that Tucker was hurt the whole year?  Pro-Bowl right tackles don't grow on trees do they?

And as far as the loss on Sunday, if Steve Heiden makes the catch for a first down, the fumble/touchdown play (what came the play after) doesn't happen.  Did Marla or yourself write an article about that? Or the illegal procedure play he also had?

I just want the press to be fair. I think it's a fair criticism that Crennel has not melded the offense to buy into a "team concept" in which, whatever the game plan is that day, the team buys into it. If that mean Winslow gets twenty passes, he gets twenty passes. I think it's a fair criticism that Savage has missed with draft picks (Travis Wilson comes to mind) and personnel moves (Donte Stallworth).

I guess the question Marla and yourself have to ask is, "If Lerner implements Marla's ‘Plan A' or ‘Plan B,' do you really think we're going to win the Super Bowl in 2009?"  Didn't we have the same conversation back in 2005 during Butch Davis' last year?  Oh, and I forgot, the owner needs to sell the team now right?

Thanks for reading my email.

Pete Podnar

Hobart, Indiana

Dear Pete,

Thanks for writing your e-mail.

I'll go in reverse order. Quite frankly, I had forgotten about Heiden's drop. Because everyone will drop one now and then. It's when the drops and mistakes keep happening, especially at key situations, that they become bigger issues. I think that's what you have found with Braylon Edwards (drops) and Winslow (pass interference penalties and the key plays against Denver).

Shaffer is not anyone's fault, it's just that he was the guy who was involved in a key play. Guys can be bull rushed, I get that. And when a smaller guy bull rushes a big guy the way Robert Mathis did to Shaffer, the smaller guy also has leverage. Mistakes happen, but it's our job to write about them. To his credit, Shaffer "manned up" after the game and talked about it.

Regarding Jamal Lewis, I have started to wonder the past couple games. When a back loses it, it goes in a hurry. But I also thought the same thing about Lewis at times last year. He's the kind of guy a team needs to keep using. The first quarter the gains might be two, three yards, but when he keeps pounding the defense those gains are six, seven, 12 yards in the fourth quarter – provided the team is winning.

As to all the guys complaining and the team concept, you may have hit a key point. When guys are more interested in their numbers the team suffers. If guys are interested in winning, the team benefits. That's why character and maturity are considerations as important as talent when selecting players.

Good e-mail.

Dear Pat,

I agree – the Browns should give Cribbs a chance at quarterback.  Like he could do worse than throw passes to someone's feet from less than ten yards away.

I'm curious about the charge that fans cheered when DA got hurt.  I've heard from people at the game that they didn't cheer when he got hurt, they cheered when he got up and was coming off the field.  But I wasn't at the game and the TV announcers never said anything about fans cheering the injury.

What's your take on that?

John Brodie

Galt, CA

Dear John,

I know that Anderson talked about this after the game, but I have to be honest and say I did not notice derisive cheers or boos when he got hurt. If anything, I thought the crowd showed respect. They cheered as he left the field, and many stood. It seemed to be part the traditional show of respect for an injured player and part recognition that they may have been seeing the last of Anderson, and they appreciated his efforts for the Browns.

That was my take at least.

Dear Pat,

With 12 games behind us, this is late to be asking this but I wonder how many yards receiving Braylon Edwards would have if he actually received instead of waved at the ball as it falls to the ground?

I can't forget the air guitar celebration when he finally caught one …

Eddie Vidmar

Dear Eddie,

That air guitar thing was quite a sight, wasn't it?

As to your question, I'm not sure where to find the exact stat, but I did go to footballoustiders.com to check Edwards' performance through their unique stats.

Edwards ranks 74^th in the league in DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement). This values the player's performance compared to the average, so Edwards is well below average.

He is 68^th in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). This represents a player's value, per play, compared to the average receiver.

All this means he's well below average in his performance.

Edwards is 10^th in the league with 106 passes thrown his way. He's caught 42, dropped 16 (first in the league) and not caught 64 (also the highest number in the league).

Talk about wasting some amazing talent …

Dear Pat,

Even with this disappointing season becoming more absurd every day, there are still a few things that Browns fans can be thankful for:

*The name on the door is still Cleveland – not Cincinnati or Detroit.

*Since 1999 the Browns have as many playoff wins as the Dallas Cowboys.

*None of the Browns have accidentally shot themselves with their own guns.

I know it's not much, but being a Cleveland fan means having to find joy where you can.

Thomas Moore

Stow, Ohio

Dear Thomas,

Ho ho ho!

It's just amazing to me that more of us don't shoot ourselves with our own guns, but perhaps we're just lucky.

(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)

]]> http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/2008/12/02/first-and-10-why-not-cribbs-at-qb/feed/ 15 http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/2008/11/25/first-and-10-where-do-we-start-with-the-browns/ http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/2008/11/25/first-and-10-where-do-we-start-with-the-browns/#comments Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:35:07 +0000 Pat McManamon http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/?p=766

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)