First and 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three and Out

Dear Pat,

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

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

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

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

Ed Eaken

Columbiana

Dear Ed,

Very thoughtful letter.

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

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

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

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

Dear Pat,

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

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

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

Thanks!

David Freund

Account Executive

Chas E Slusser Agency, Inc

Dear David,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Mr. McManamon,

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your time.

Cheers,
Parker Staley

Dear Parker,

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

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

Dear Pat,

Note: Written before the Steelers game.

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

Let's consider the season openers -

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

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

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

Take a second and piece the whole connection together.

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

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

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

Dave Curfman
Actual Browns Fan
Akron, Ohio

Dear Dave,

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

But I do appreciate your positive sense.

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

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

They rebounded.

There is still time to rebound this year.

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

(Want to be recognized in "Three and Out"? It's a rare treat. Comment here or send an e-mail to pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com, and put "First and 10" in the subject line)

First and 10 with the Browns –

1) Exhibition games aren’t really about results. The fact that the Browns cut a Giant deficit to a 37-34 final doesn’t really matter. These games are about impressions, approach and, for those trying to make the team, the chance to play. The Browns made a terrible impression in their second game. It was a real clunker. One team looked like a Super Bowl team, a champion, a group of professionals. The Browns looked a team of wanna-bes that did not bring a mature approach to the game. They looked, perhaps, like a team that has been given 12 prime-time games despite making the playoffs once since 1999. To me, this approach revealed itself before the game when the Browns talked about how nice it would be to be in New York and playing on Monday night. For crying out loud, it’s a preseason game. I realize the Browns may have been asked the question about going to New York to play in primetime, but it would have been OK for them to say, “Well gee it’s just a preseason game. I don’t care where it is. I do care how we play.” Instead they talked about being in the spotlight and all that kind of stuff. The immature approach then showed in silly penalties and a punch thrown (and missed). It showed in tackling a guy before a punt even got close to him and in almost 100 yards in penalties in the first quarter. Brutal.

2) I’ve been saying for a long time that Joe Jurevicius’ injury ruins the team’s receiving depth. That if Braylon Edwards ever were injured it would mean trouble. Guess what. Edwards didn’t play Monday night, and the offense looked lost. There was no flow, no timing, nothing close to precision. It’s not going to take the other teams long to recognize this fact and pretty much take Edwards away and dare another receiver – like Kellen Winslow, who was pretty much AWOL in this game — to beat them. The offense looked lost without Edwards.

3) How in the world does a team get almost 100 yards in penalties in one quarter? That’s mind-boggling. Same way, I guess, that a team gets a punt blocked by a guy trying to block for the punt, and same way a team allows a punt return for a touchdown following that blocked punt that led to a safety, and the same way a guy fumbles a handoff inside the 5-yard-line to give the Giants a length-of-the-field touchdown run. Double brutal.

4) If this game was any indication, the gulf between a true playoff team and a team that wants to be a playoff team is Grand Canyonesque.

5) Nice to see Domenik Jerry Rice Hixon get some preseason playing time. Hixon is from Akron, and he was better than any Browns receiver on the field.

6) I’m thinking if Terrell Owens was watching Hixon abuse the Browns secondary he was giggling to himself quite a bit about what he might do in the season opener.

7) The Browns pulled out brown pants for the trip to New Jersey. I think it’s time to put them away. The Browns looked like a high school team. Then they played like one.

It's kind of irritating, but here on the log every time I type the "8" for item "8" it comes up with that stupid face. … Memo to self: Write corporate about THAT one. … Brodney Pool’s concussion is a bit scary, given their cumulative effects. Pool has missed time in his career with concussions. … Anyone notice Charlie Frye threw for 209 yards in Seattle? … He also had three interceptions and no touchdowns. … Nice of Eric Wright to style the way he did on that short touchdown gift. … Cripes, the team was getting its you-know-what kicked and he pranced into the end zone, then styled after. … Wright had a brutal game – as Rice-Hixon took advantage of him. … The Browns first-team offensive line was beat pretty regularly by the Giants starters and backups. Not good. … Good to see Phil Dawson kick a 56-yard field goal. The Browns have one of the league’s elite kickers. … Who’d have thought Syndric Steptoe would be this preseason’s “Guy Who Blooms From Nowhere.” … I believe there was a Melila Purcell sighting. … Why in the world do people say that Brady Quinn is from Cleveland? Dublin, Ohio, is as much a part of Cleveland as Dublin, Ireland, is.

9) At this writing, which is 12:58 a.m. on Tuesday morning while some divers go inward-three-and-a-half and over-rotate (don’t you hate when that happens?) and do not allow their feet to separate, nobody really knows much about Derek Anderson’s concussion, except that any time there’s a concussion it’s a bit scary. There’s no telling how long these kinds of things can linger. Brady Quinn will get the chance for more playing time, but I don’t think there’s anyone in Berea who would feel good about Quinn taking the snaps in the season opener against Dallas.

10) I’ve told this story before, but I’m going to tell it again — games like Monday night always remind me of the time Joe Greene was an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins. Greene, the former Steeler, was talking about how bad the Dolphins were in a blowout loss to Atlanta. So I asked: Well does it matter? It was only preseason. And Green flashed some very angry eyes my way. And he said in a very testy voice: “Of course it matters.” Why, I asked? “Because the guys who accept losing in the preseason are the same guys who accept losing in the regular season.” I then offered Mr. Greene a Coke and slinked my way toward the exit, but I’ve never forgotten what he said. “The guys who accept losing in the preseason are the same guys who accept losing in the regular season.”

Three and Out

First, I must point out that many of you were unhappy that First and 10 will no longer be e-mailed and will instead be placed on the blog. I’m not big on changing something that has been successful, but there are financial and other considerations for the decision of the corporate folks to make this a frog item. What can I do? Boycott writing the clog? From here on, First and 10 will be on the dog, and I really hope that it won’t be too difficult for everyone to find. Of course, if you are reading this you already found it. Which makes me like the priest at church whose sermon is about people not attending church. Get it? He’s lecturing those at church about people who do not go to church.

On to the letters …

Dear Pat,

Your Akron Beacon Journal columns on Edwards and Manny (note the insipid self-promotion with the links …) were published in the San Francisco Chronicle this week. Has this made you more famous? Have you gotten e-mails calling you an idiot from West Coast folks who couldn't name one player on the Browns? And, finally, what are the chances of the Browns playing in the Super Bowl in my lifetime? (I turn 61 next week)

Craig Weatherington
Santa Cruz, Calif.

Dear Craig,

Perhaps I should point out that you live in one of the most fabulously pretty areas of this nation, and you have yet to invite me over for a Sierra Nevada. I’m glad the Chronicle printed those stories, but given the rising price of newsprint I’m surprised they used the space. Someone must have been sick.

Craig also refers to one of our favorite features in First and 10, one I am more than willing to revive. It was called “You’re an Idiot” and it featured the most genuinely nasty e-mail I could find that called me an idiot – usually for having a meaningless opinion.

This comment from BMK in Palo Alto, Calif., about my Sunday story in the Beacon Journal discussing the Cavs' acquisition of Mo Williams would certainly qualify — if, that is, it were a letter to First and 10:

"You are without a doubt the worst writer — and most vacuous journalist — that I have ever come across."

Notice the subtlety. He never actually used the word idiot, but the point certainly came across. And he also used the word "vacuous." Any insult letter or comment with the word "vacuous" is certainly worthy of special consideration.

We’ll see how the letters go in preseason and perhaps begin “You’re an Idiot” during the season.

As for the Super Bowl question, stop asking me mathematical questions dealing with the quadratic equation. It’s confusing.

(From the online comments)
Dear Pat,

While we are lambasting John Edwards and President Clinton (for their extramarital affairs), let's not forget John McCain who had an affair while his first wife was in the hospital in critical condition from a car wreck. My how most forget this. Personally none of that is my business. That being said if you are going to smear, you must smear all or none. Distractions such as this to raise the moral outrage of those who like to be pandered to is merely par for the course.

Patrick, you don't like to be pandered to do you?

Eric Lowrey

Dear Eric,

Who likes being pandered to? Verbal insults that demean character are just not right. Dadgum it!

What? That’s not pandered? That’s slandered? OK then.

Never mind.

As to your letter, as I write early in the morning on Tuesday someone on TV is talking about a diver going past vertical. Would that also apply to John McCain, Edwards and Clinton? They went past vertical? Or would it be more appropriate when that same commentator mentioned a diver having trouble with his bottoms? Might that apply better to these politicians – they simply had trouble with their bottoms?

I shall stop.

You raise a good point about considering McCain along with Edwards.

I’d also nominate Newt Gingrich for the Philandering Hall of Hypocrisy.

Dear Pat,

I’m really going to miss the e-mails. I honestly don't know how often I'll go to a blog, but we'll see. RSS? Doohickey (Note from Pat: I refer to an RSS feed button as a “doohickey.” It’s a more technically correct term)? Stop it! You're overloading my head with this technical jargon! You teckie nerds are all alike.

OK so actually I'd already accessed the blog, without the orange doohickey. I just saved the URL into my favorites. I just doubt I'll recall frequently to access it. Whenever I do, I'll share the good news with all your legions of readers in Coshocton and surrounding metropolises.

What's the preoccupation with Adriana Lima? You remind me of a friend, living locally here but originally from Akron, who claims a close personal relationship with Akron supermodel Angie Everhart.

Glenn Mishler
Coshocton, Ohio

Dear Glenn,

Glenn was a loyal First and 10 reader and letter writer.

He’s a nice guy, but kind of confused and bit daffy.

Otherwise he’d never need to ask what he did about Ms. Lima.

If you have a comment or question you’d like addressed next week, e-mail me at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com, and put First and 10 in the subject line.

Until the next politician goes past vertical …

Best,
Pat