I'm no fashionista. Some might even say I'm fashion challenged, but those Brown pants? Yuck.

In fact, they were so hideous that maybe they cast some kind of wicked spell on the Browns first-teamers Monday night.

Yes, they were live from New York and they definitely were the Not-Ready-For-Primetime Players and not in the good sense.

Shall we recap the first quarter? Oh, lets:

16 plays for 26 yards
Six penalties for 98 yards
A blocked punt for a safety
The subsequent kick from that safety returned for a touchdown
Said retuner, one Domenick Hixson caught two other TDs from Giants QB Eli Manning
The Giants recover a fumble and return it 80 gazillion yards for a score.
Derek Anderson suffers possible concussion
Pass protection is non-existent
Josh Cribbs injures ankle

Did I leave anything out? Let's face it. This isn't exactly what Browns fans expected in the team's first appearance on national television in umpteen million years. Hell, I'd suspect that even the Miami Dolphins, last year's worst team in the NFL, didn't expect this one. But it happened.

The best thing for the team? First Coach Romeo Crennel and his coaching staff obviously have some work to do with the O-line, the D-line, DBs…Well, can't they just start over? Just kidding.

The fact of the matter is that it's just the second pre-season game. There's still time to get most of these problems corrected.

Secondly, I don't know if a butt kicking like th is in the pre-season is necessarily a bad thing. It kind of serves as a reality check for a young team that is brimming with confidence. Does that confidence come close to arrogance? Not from what I've seen during my many visits to training camp, but still, this could definitely serve as one of those moments when they realize there's hard work to be done and they get down to the business of it.

The NFL schedule is out and the Cleveland Browns saw themselves from starving from lack of respect from TV networks and the schedule making gods last year to gorging on it next season.

The Browns will appear on national television a whopping FIVE times in the 2008 campaign. That's going to make for a lot of late nights in Cleveland.

Here's the rundown:

Pittsburgh Steelers: Sunday, Sept. 14, 8:15 p.m., NBC (WKYC Channel 3)
New York Giants: Monday, Oct. 13, 8:30 p.m., ESPN
Denver Broncos: Thursday, Nov. 6, 8:15 p.m., NFL Network
At Buffalo Bills, Monday, Nov., 17, 8:30p.m., ESPN
At Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 15, 8:30 p.m., ESPN

Additionally, one other game, the home opener against the Dallas Cowboys has a 4:15 starting time which means that more than likely it will be the national game for the FOX Network that week. Three other Sunday games also start after 4 p.m.

Find the entire schedule here.

What should Browns fans make of this? First of all, the league rewarded the Browns entertaining play on the field and their perceived status as an up-and-coming team. It will however, mean nothing should they not win.

And at first glance, this schedule is fair to middlin' with respect to difficulty. The combined winning percentage of every team on it is .535. If the Browns have improved the way everyone believes them to have they should have a successful season.

The toughies: Pittsburgh, the Giants, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts (how many of you want payback for them not playing with any desire in their season closer?) and the Titans. That's not to say the rest of the teams on the schedule will be pushovers. Far from it. But the Browns find themselves in an unenviable position - they either perform on the limelight or they likely won't be invited back as often in the future. Additionally, it's going to be interesting to see how this funky schedule affects this team the following week. Three of those national matchup will cause the team to play on short weeks.

From the Cleveland Browns:

BROWNS AGREE TO TERMS WITH RB JAMAL LEWIS ON A THREE-YEAR DEAL

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms on a three-year contract with RB Jamal Lewis through the 2010 season, the club announced today.

Lewis, 5-11 and 245 lbs., finished fifth in the NFL with 1,304 yards rushing last season and also tied for seventh in the league with nine rushing touchdowns. In 2007, Lewis helped propel the Browns rushing attack to rank tenth in the NFL with 118.4 yards per game, the best mark since 1985 when the Browns ranked eighth in the league in rushing.

“I am thankful to the Browns for the opportunity they gave me last year to come out and prove that I was still one of the top running backs in the NFL,” said Lewis. “I feel the future is extremely bright for this team and I’m excited to be a part of it for another three years. I said all year long that I wanted to get a long-term deal done to stay in Cleveland and it looks like with this new contract I will be able to finish my career as a Brown.”

Lewis, 28, had 298 carries for 1,304 yards (4.4 avg.) and nine rushing touchdowns last season and added 30 receptions for 248 yards (8.3 avg.) and two receiving touchdowns. Lewis’ 1,304 yards rushing ranked seventh best in franchise history and his 298 attempts ranked third in team annals. Lewis added five games over 100-yards rushing and became only the 26th running back in NFL history to top 9,000 yards rushing in his career.

“The Browns are pleased that Jamal has decided to continue his career here in Cleveland,” said Phil Savage, Cleveland Browns Senior Vice President and General Manager. “He brings a maturity, toughness and football temperament to the team that is critical to our success on top of the physical abilities that he possesses. Plus, he'll have the opportunity to go over 10,000+ career yards in 2008, which will put him in elite company.”

Derek Anderson wants more years and Kellen Winslow wants to renegotiate, according to reports.

Hmmm…Is this what success brings? The obvious answer is "yes."

Browns current starting quarterback Derek Anderson turned down a three-year, $17 million contract offer from the Cleveland Browns, according to reports.

For the record, a Beacon Journal report from Marla Ridenour disputes the one linked to above, but for supposition let's just say that Anderson is looking for something longer term.

This one I do not get. Anderson was the Browns starter for 15 games last season and was fairly successful. Apparently he believes that should get him Tony Romo and Matt Schaub like cash.

Hold on there, big guy. I don't think so. One decent season, does not a five-year contract make. Not buy a long shot. Mind you, after the Browns dispensed with Charlie Frye after the home opener debacle against the Steelers way back in September, Anderson showed that he had some skills at the QB position.

Anderson delivered a 10-6 season, but no playoff appearance and it can be argued that he cost the Browns a playoff appearance with some inconsistent play in road games which led to a 3-5 record when away from the comfy confines of Cleveland Browns Stadium. Check out these home stats:

134 of 231 for 1,827 yards, 14 TDs and 6 picks for a 93.5 QB rating.

Look at the road stats:

164 of 296 for 1,920 yards, 15 TDs and 13 picks for a 73.9 QB rating.

What do I remember of Anderson in road games? Throwing one away against the Arizona Cardinals and tossing another away that would have clinched a wildcard berth in Cincinnati in weather that was admittedly not conducive to throwing the ball.

You have to admire Anderson's perseverence and, for now, he has earned the right to be the Browns starting passer going into next season, but he needs to show more before the club invests five years in him and what certainly would be more bonus money.

Winslow's position isn't as cut-and-dried to me. I can certainly see how many fans will view the fact that he's seeking to renegotiate his contract as suspect. That's the way I viewed after his utter lack of maturity his first couple of seasons including the infamous motorcycle accident.

But Winslow has grown since then - by leaps and bounds. He shut his mouth and the megaphone bravado and self-promotion have calmed to a whisper, he still possesses quiet confidence that he shows on the field week after week. He plays hurt, remains productive and has evolved into one of the best tight ends in the game.

The dilemma?

The Browns have stood by him through all of his trials and tribulations over the years - most notably after the motorcycle accident. Sure they docked him some cash, as they should have, but they gave him the chance to make some of that money up by extending his contract.

Should Winslow show a bit more loyalty? Perhaps. I do know one thing, the Browns shouldn't deal with his demands until they've cleared up things with Anderson and running back Jamal Lewis.

How much of an impact did Bill Willis have in the sport of football? He has a permanent place in both of the sports prominent halls of fame - the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He was the first African-American All-American to come out of Ohio State and had his number retired in the Horseshoe earlier this season. He went on to star with the Cleveland Browns where he dominated

I'm too young to have seen him play, but like many Browns fans I saw plenty of the scratch B&W footage.

Here's what OSU Coach Jim Tressel had to say about Wills' death:
"Bill Willis made a profound impact on the game of football throughout his lifetime. Even as recently as this fall, Mr. Willis was serving as a powerful role model for our players and coaches.
Number 99 will be missed greatly, but we will draw strength from his life, accomplishments, and his Ohio Stadium recognition. Our thoughts are with the Willis family at this difficult time."

From Browns Coach Romeo Crennel:
"Bill Willis was one of the pioneers of the game of football," said Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel. "Everyone associated with the Cleveland Browns is saddened by his loss. His hard-nosed play on the field, coupled with the manner in which he conducted himself off it, epitomized what it is to be a Cleveland Brown. We send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the Willis family."

Call it a weekly rant or rave, your choice.

I'm sitting here in Cleveland Browns Stadium with the Browns up by three TDs - wait I just jinxed them, make that two TDs - against the Ravens.

You see something in this team you haven't in Coach Romeo Crennel's last squads, they actually seem to be enjoying playing and save one ridiculous run by Ravens running back Willis Magahee on what should have been a loss for a couple of yards, they've been fairly solid.

The record may be 1-2, but with the exception of that opening day disaster against the Steelers, they've been competitive. The could just as easily be 2-1 now, as opposed to 1-2. There are still huge problems here, primarily on the defensive side of the ball. The bend-and-bend-some-more defenise sometimes look like a sieve - especially on the line and you can beat this team passing. Still, I'll take competitive any day.

On a completey different note…

Courtesy of a ridiculous Saturday afternoon in college football the Ohio State Buckeyes, who were ranked outside the Top Ten in many pre-season polls - find themselves sitting at No. 4 because four teams ahead of them - Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and West Virginia - all went down in defeat over the weekend.

Do the Buckeyes deserve it? Probably not given the Eazy-Bake schedule they faced in non-conference play. But they don't make the rules. They could find themselves 6-0 by the time they get what could be a test against the Michigan State Spartans. But recall listening to all the college football pundits (are you out there Mark May) who said they didn't deserve it in 2002. This year is starting to remind me somewhat of that one.

You've got a QB some are still unsure of. The offense is proficient, not explosive and the defense is plain out vicious. Running the table is conceivable, but like most I am leary of the Penn State Nittany Lions and this year's surprise team, Illinois.

So what went wrong with Charlie Frye?

In case you've not heard, Mr. Frye has been shipped off to Seattle for a sixth round draft pick. Such is the life of an NFL quarterback.

Frye just wasn't in the right situation. Touted as a quarterback with the ability to grow into a starter when he came out of the University of Akron, Frye got drafted into the wrong situation. The Browns didn't need a hometown kid who wanted to play for his hometown team. I realize that many Browns fans fell victim to delusions of grandeur based on the circumstances and nostagia. After all, didn't Bernie almost take us to the Promised Land. The needed a QB who could lead and asking him to do so wasn't fair to him or this team.

Working behind a patchwork offensive line, he looked horrible last year. Fans thought it would all go away with the additions of Eric Steinbach and first round draft pick, Joe Thomas. Yes, the horrible play continued in last year's 34-7 embarrassment against the Steelers. Frye didn't look comfortable. He wasn't inaccurate. He held the ball for far too long and for much of his limited playing time he looked like a bug fleeing from the light. Most of the five sacks were his fault for some of those very reasons. More importantly, however, you could see that he'd lost the confidence of his teammates.

There's nothing more damning than that. Some of the faces in the Browns locker room were longer than the Mississippi River after the Steelers game. Is there any more blame to be parsed here? Probably.

I once wrote that Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel probably bought themselves another two years with this past spring's draft. I don't think that any longer. As much as the current regime loves to put the blame on past administrations, the fact remains that just a few players remain from the Butch Davis era. Savage and Crennel will live or die with this roster, but they have to know that after this weekend, the tick tocks on that ticking clock are very loud.

With the signing of Dorsey, it looks as if Brady Quinn will get his shot sooner rather than later. Given the memories associated with Tim Couch, the Browns had better hope they are right on this one.

So a colleague and myself were discussing the Browns' performance in the pressbox yesterday.

I don't know whether I'm a glass half full guy or what. Actually, I generally tend to think of myself as more of realist than anything. But I suggested that yesterday's opening day meltdown ensuring that the Dallas Cowboys will get a top five pick in next year's draft wouldn't have been too bad on the defensive end of the ball.

So those of you who actually read this tell me: what did you see on the defensive side of the ball?

Was there reason to be optimistic? If so, did the offense just put the D in such a bad place that they were bound to come out in the second half and look like a pack of mangy mutts? Or were they equally culpable for the loss?

Ken Dorsey the savior is in.  Romeo Crennel has said that Dorsey deserves a chance to play in the pre-season.  Waddya wanna bet he gets his shot here and he's let go ASAP?  Just an observation.  Have we seen the end of him in a Browns jersey?  Can ya tell we're in garbage time, rotate them in, rotate them out.

Quinn's putting his plays on his wrist.  Looks as if we're gonna see what the rookie's got - other than $8 million guaranteed.

Good lord, no Quinn and Dorsey is sacked for a safety.  I gotta tell you. My colleague Marla Ridenour is sitting next to me here praying for Quinn to enter the game, along with everyone in the freakin' stadium.

The paper's Browns beat writer, Pat McManamon makes a salient observation:  "We have a 9-9 tie.  The most dreaded words you can hear in pre-season."

Of course that may not last long considering the Chiefs had a decent return on the punt to give them back the ball after the safety.

A nice defensive stand give the Browns the ball back and Marla is almost aghast at the fact that Quinn isn't in there.  Time's a draggin' now.  Other members of the media are calling for Quinn's entry.

I love football, but this is akin to being victimized in the Spanish Inquisition.

Well that kickoff return makes Quinn's appearance irrelevant.  Not that the offense has been sparkling at all..

Charlie Frye: 12 of 15 for 122 yards.  Ummmm nope, he ain't giving up his gig without a fight.

Derek Anderson is going to get his shot at the beginning of the third quarter. Anderson does not look sharp at all.  He looks to be wilting uder the prospect of competition but does it really matter?

Does it matter that Frye has played decently?  Not really.  They're just keepin' the seat warm for Quinn's inevitable appearance this season.  The defense at least looks as if it's gelling. 

Anderson misses a wide open receiver on a deep route and is lucky it's not picked off, but he continues to drive the team and it's obvious they're at least trying to give him a fair shot. 

Side note:  Ryan Tucker makes it into the game.  Get a close look in these four pre-season games.  You won't see him again until October.  Yup Phil Dawson really nneds the work so we don't go for it on fourth down…Joy.  Browns 9, Chiefs 7.  Yawn.