DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Good article on Crennel

Normally, Pat McManomanomanoman or whatever doesn't really make me care what he writes,, but this one kinda sums up my thoughts on RAC, I was gonna post it on the other RAC thread, but thought it might get buried,, Refs, if you feel that's incorrect thinking,,, feel free to move this there..



Browns should reward Crennel for progress
Browns coach earns right to finish contract
Published on Tuesday, Nov 27, 2007

It's time to put something to rest with the Browns.

Coach Romeo Crennel deserves to finish the rest of his contract.

This should not be debated. The guy has earned his five years; he should be the team's coach through the 2009 season.

In one sense, this is not the most logical statement. Why decide to do something you never intended not to do in the first place?

To my knowledge, the possibility of not letting Crennel finish his contract has not been on the table. Not since the end of last season when team owner Randy Lerner and General Manager Phil Savage decided Crennel deserved another chance — in part because changing for the sake of change did not make sense.

Read another way, the Browns couldn't get Bill Cowher or Jeff Fisher, so they decided maintaining some sense of continuity was more important than starting over again.

It has played out to a 7-4 start and has the Browns in complete control of their playoff fate. The offense has rebounded, the defense has improved — though it still is making things work with baling wire — and the Browns are one of the feel-good stories of the league.

Whether it's good fortune, good luck or the result of many elements finally coming together does not matter. It's a bottom-line business, and Crennel has the Browns on a playoff path in his third season. He deserves Years 4 and 5 of his deal.

This is not to say things have been or are perfect.

Hiring offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon was a mistake.

So was hanging on to him as long as Crennel did (though there is something to be said for loyalty). Perhaps, too, it was the presence of Carthon that can explain why wide receiver Dennis Northcutt started for so long ahead of Joe Jurevicius.

This season, the preseason quarterback competition didn't exactly benefit anyone, and then the Browns and Crennel went with Charlie Frye in the opener.

That didn't go too well.

It also would be nice if Crennel didn't say things like a coach can only do so much when the game starts. Which he did say earlier this season — or something like that. Because if a coach can't do much when the game starts he probably ought to be up in the stands.

Then there was that two-timeouts-to-blow-a-replay moment in Pittsburgh. Not impressive.

But think about this: Herman Edwards of the Kansas City Chiefs had the same thing happen to him in the loss Sunday to the Oakland Raiders. How would you like to be the coach who made that mistake within weeks of another coach doing it?

Yes, Crennel is learning and growing.

And he would be a big enough man to probably concede that.

But that's the key: Crennel is learning, not regressing, and his team has improved, not gone backward.

They've gone from a team that could not win in the division to one that is 3-2 in the AFC North, with both losses coming against the team that is in first place in the division.

They've gone from a team that could not win at home to one that has won five in a row in Cleveland Browns Stadium.

They've gone from a team that could not win to one that can, a team that seemed to wait for something to go wrong to one that played a pretty complete game in beating the Houston Texans, a team that was so far south of .500 that New Zealand was out of sight to one that easily could win 10 games.

They've gone from a team without an offense to one that can score from anywhere. Yes, offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski has much to do with that, but a good head coach gets out of the way when he knows he has good assistants.

Strong work ethic

One of Crennel's hallmarks is his work ethic. As long as one of his assistants is in the facility in Berea, Crennel will be there as well. He stands by those he hires, and he works with them. He does not talk down to them.

He treats them like men, just like he treats his players like men. At times, this approach can be maddening. It was last season when receiver Braylon Edwards seemed to run wild at the end of the season.

But Edwards has responded this season.

So, too, has tight end Kellen Winslow, who started last season criticizing the offensive coaches. Winslow now just plays. Boy does he play. After games, he is humble, quiet, dedicated and respectful. This kind of thing does not happen by accident.

Crennel has defused potential problems with the team's two marquee talents and gotten them to focus on playing the game. The Browns are better for it.

Crennel seems to act with a quiet dignity. In the offseason when Savage was making decisions and leading the way on coaching staff changes, Crennel stepped back and decided the best thing he could do was keep the attention on trying to win.

He just kept working.

He has that same dignity with his players, and it's probably why there were many whispers after the disastrous opener that Crennel thought that he had stuck his neck out for the team and gotten little in return. Thankfully, the players met shortly after that loss and decided to do something about it.

The day he was hired, Crennel said he couldn't fully explain it, but his guys played for him. These Browns have done just that, and it's probably because they respect him.

For his entire tenure, Crennel had said that if his team kept working the way it was, then good things would follow. He was right.

Crennel is not rah-rah and he won't yell and scream on the sideline. He won't give any ''there's a gleam'' speeches, and thank goodness for that.

He's not perfect. But no coach is, no matter how much we want him to be. The Browns could be a playoff team this season, and they also could finish with a losing record. Doesn't matter which way things go.

They've improved, and Crennel deserves the chance to continue coaching them.

He was given a five-year contract for a reason: Because he needed time. The first two years were a lost cause because there was too much change. Now there is the chance to move ahead with stability.

Crennel will have two years to work with a ''full deck,'' as they say.

He deserves those years.

He has earned them.

Let's forget about the notion of getting rid of him.



Patrick McManamon can be reached at [Email]pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com.[/Email]


http://www.ohio.com/sports/11848241.html?page=1&c=y


I know this came out bad,, very hard to read,,, I think it's better if you just go to the link,,,, Sorry folks

the article is okay...

i just don't like how he just makes a note of all the mistakes in his short 2+ year tenure here.

All coaches have made mistakes... You just don't "get it" ur first time up to bat.

Romeo for Coach of the Year would be very nice IMO.

Great read, good article.

I'm all about consistency, and I agree with the points about the development of this team.

There are a few things to consider however. For one, this team has much better talent. Savage has played a large part in that. Getting the right players, and athletes with the right type of attitude is a huge part of success. Not only do we finally have some talent on this team, but we finally have some team players as well.

The thing is, Crennel is still learning the nuances of being "the boss." He makes a bunch of in game mistakes. In fact, he himself has cost us more than a few games. While he is loyal to his Assistants, he may wait too long to step in. How can a so called "Defensive Guru" allow his defense to be ranked dead last in the league in most defensive categories 11 wweks into the season? Granted the defense is improving, but why did it take so long to step in?

He has made plenty of mistakes, but the team is improved. I am a big team guy, and he has created that type of atmosphere here which really says a lot to me.

I wouldn't be opposed to a flashy coach, but how can we really complain when you look at the results? Pat is true when he says this team continues to improve. We all have seen it in the 3 years Crennel has been here. Savage deserves some of that credit, but Crennel makes it all come together on the field.

I am so serious in saying this, they really, really need to hire some guy that is a huge Browns fan, pay him minimum wage to work 8 hours a week ($50 a week) and the guys only job is to make clock management decisions. I can't believe how many of these decisions Crenell blows. Honestly, and I'm being nice, I think he is caught up in other things and probably doesn't realize he is screwing things up.

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He makes a bunch of in game mistakes. In fact, he himself has cost us more than a few games.

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And since you are so accutely observant, how about you recount those games and his part in losing them. A few is generally counted as three. More than a few would be more than that.

You don't really have to do it if you would rather not bother. But I feel a comment like that is is perhaps and over-exaggeration brought on by the cumulative effect of so many finding fault with him so often.

When anti-RAC Browns fans have stated their reasons for wanting a coaching change they've named quite a few reasons but I've never heard that anyone feels he has cost us more than a few games by his in-game mistakes.

But if you have recollections you could share along those lines I know I would like to hear your take on them.

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There are a few things to consider however. For one, this team has much better talent. Savage has played a large part in that. Getting the right players, and athletes with the right type of attitude is a huge part of success. Not only do we finally have some talent on this team, but we finally have some team players as well.

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It's funny Kash,, not that you did this, but some did.. some on here wanted to hold RAC accountable for not winning when the team had little or no talent... Going as far as wanting him fired last season and especially after the first Steelers game this season..

Your comment about "a few things we have to consider" leads me to believe you don't want to give him full credit for winning this season.. (if I read you wrong, please accept my apology)

I'll grant you this much,, Savage did his job acquireing talent from whatever source he could get them... FA, Draft, Trade.. whereever..

But how many times have we seen that a team HAS talent but the coach can't get them to play as a TEAM... I'll name one for you.. San Diego. Marty had virtually the same talent that Norv Turner has,, Norv can't make them work together.. Marty did.

There is a trick to it.. RAC being a First Time HC is learning those tricks.. sometimes, such as the Pittsburgh blown time out, the learning process is painful.... I'm confident you will agree that that certainly was painful.

RAC has some things to learn, he appears to be the kinda STAND UP guy that will tell you that to your face and never shy away.. The man appears honest to a fault.

But for each of his shortcomings, I think this article points out more than one positive..

This team isn't ready for the Superbowl push yet. We still lack a few pieces I think but somehow, with RAC at the helm, I'm feeling good about the team... and the reason is that RAC is learning the nuiances of his job along the same timeline as the players are thier jobs. I'm beginning to think that the timing is perfect.

Take that for what it's worth..

Maybe placing all the blame on him is not fair, but his decisions played a part.

Obviously the TO's in the Steelers game were bad. I wish I could remember specific examples for you, but I just don't have much of a memory anymore. I all I can tell you is I have felt he made bad decisions a few times. Poor replay calls, and poor time management.

I never said I did not like Crennel, and I am not trying to find reasons to bash him.

I like the guy and if you read my whole post, I am happy with the progress we has made, I just am expressing some things I have noticed in the past 3 years that leave some going "Hmmmm..."

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Maybe placing all the blame on him is not fair, but his decisions played a part.

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That I can see and understand.

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Read another way, the Browns couldn't get Bill Cowher or Jeff Fisher, so they decided maintaining some sense of continuity was more important than starting over again.

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When the hell did we ever TRY and get those guys,.....what a bunch of B.S.

I don't think RAC was ever going to lose his job prior to this season,....there may have been some areas of concern after the coin toss incident and the first game debacle,..but in NO WAY were we ever looking to replace him.

The timetable for bringing a new coach in wouldn't begin until next year or possibly the year after,.....coincidently enough to when Cowher might first become available.

What I don't understand...

Crennel goes from being on the hot seat to needing an extension is 10 weeks.

Players and coaches are not as bad as they seem, nor are they as good as they seem.

The media is the most petulant of children.

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I'm beginning to think that the timing is perfect.

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You know we've been on the same side of this RAC issue for quite awhile, Dam... so I don't have to retread all my points with you. And I too, have been watching Romeo's "rookie learning curve" with interest. Because we agree, I'm going to use this quote of yours as a jumping-off point for an observation I've been waiting to make. Thanks in advance.

As far as timing goes: Anyone with a few decades in on the planet and a sense of history could have seen this coming. Pieces getting fit by Phil, Romeo staying long enough to have influence in the locker room, players buying in and stepping up, etc- all needed time to reach that state of critical mass... when all the positives finally take hold at the same time.

I've been getting this "itchy-can't-scratch-it" kind of feeling that we're possibly seeing a "perfect storm" brewing for the last stretch of the season. O is solidified, D has been visibly improving since the bye, the coach has the team focused, and the team is growing accustomed to winning. It seems to me that the timing is perfect for this team to have the hot hand heading into The Tournament.

This has NOTHING to do with x's and o's, mind you... any NFL game can be a trap with us. Instead, it has to do with Human Dynamics... and this team is showing too many positives at this time to let one or two issues slow that momentum. In fact, I'm actually starting to entertain the idea of us finishing 1st in the AFCN. The Browns have some good MoJo showing this year... it's surprising the hell out of everyone else, but it's actually been a soup on a slow burner for a couple years... just getting more and more flavor under that lid. 2007 gives fans their first helping. Hope there's lots of soup in that pot.

All the elements are in place for the Cinderella story of the New Millenium. Worst to First. As they say in sportstalk: this team looks to be ready to peak at just the right time... the end of the regular season.

If we don't even make the playoffs, this team has already shown me enough improvement and progress to call the Savage/Crennel project an ongoing success. If we DO ride the Perfect Storm, it will be an NFL human interest story for the ages. Instant classic, instant legend. Books will be written.

...and I can't think of a more deserving fanbase for that story than ours.


.02,
Clemdawg

p.s. even Dawgs can dream... that's why their paws twitch while they're sleeping...

Ya' know D...I'll never understand this "Get Rid of Crennel" crap...Even after last season...

We TORE THIS TEAM DOWN...Only a gullible fan would even think of changing any HC or GM after 2 lousy years...NOTHING is hardly even in place yet...We made a BIGTIME move to solidify what has been our achilles for YEARS...The Offensive Line...Steinbach and Thomas have changed the way this offense turns...

It's NOT the QB...Trust me folks...IF we still had Shaffer at LT and an Andruzzi at LG...Anderson would be nowheres near what he is right now...And u can TAKE THAT TO WELLS FARGO...

We've also had YOUTH for weapons in Brey and K2...They are coming into their own now...They CANNOT be counted on to be the STUDS they are now in their 1st and 2nd years...IT TAKES TIME...And now we're seeing the results...

The defense has barely been touched yet...We also have YOUTH out the ying-yang on the defense...

LOOK at these names...YOUTH

Shaun Smith
Peek
Jackson
Wimbley
Jones
Pool
Wright
Even Bodden

I don't care about Crennel's Red Flag problem...I don't care about his demeanor on the sidelines...NOONE knows what he's thinking with that headset on...He may be the most calm/cool/collected HC we've ever seen...I LIKE THAT...

Listening to Andre Knott the other night...He was interviewing McDonald and Braylon...He asked Brey how he likes playing for Crennel...His response was simple..."I LOVE IT...He's an intelligent man that knows what he's talking about...He's still learning himself much like we are"...

The Weeble is going NOWHERE...

He's got TWO years left...And we're in a position to TASTE the Playoff atmosphere THIS year...I want to see what happens when we get this DL fixed with YOUTH and EXPERIENCE...I wanna see the YOUTH on this defense come into their own much like Edwards and Winslow have...I wanna see this defense with an UPGRADE at ILB...I wanna see this defense when it has the CORNERS matured to where we can ATTACK like Crennel wants to...

This is gonna happen in 2008 and beyond...I HAVE NO DOUBTS ABOUT IT...Savage is gonna hit this defense HARD in the off season...It's a HUGE benefit to this team to taste the playoffs THIS year...It puts us a year ahead of the ballgame...And Savage and Crennel deserve a HUGE amount of credit for it...

I'd get used to Crennel being here people because this team is gonna take off next year and set us up for YEARS TO COME...Crennel will get an EXTENSION I'd bet...

I have always been a STRONG supporter of RAC. A couple of points.

RAC from day one wether folks realized it or not he has gottin his players to play hard for him. His strongest asset followed closely by player development, make no mistake the changes we have all witnessed in BE and KW2, are testoment to that fact. BE even said earlier this season when he was tempted to say more then he should, that he thought about the things RAC had been saying to him, and he was better able to handle certain situations when they came up.

You want to know how good a coach RAC is take a look at the defense, a less then perfect group to start the season. RAC comes out and says that he is going to get more involved, and we see steady improvement. That unit may be put together with string but RAC is slowly turning that group into a solid unit, that is getting it done when it counts the most. They still lack in the talent area but he is clearly getting the most out of them, and they are getting better.

The thing that struck me most was the players attitudes accross the board. They have stepped up, and taken responsiblity for their jobs. When you watch the sidelines you see the offensive guys and the defensive guys high fiving, and rooting for each other. You see players on the field clearly working together, in a mainer that leads one to believe that we are getting closer to the promised land quicker then any of us thought. That all goes back to RAC.

Is he perfect? Hell no. I would never expect perfection, its just not reasonable IMHO. The key to a good coach IMHO, is can he get his players to give as much as they have to give. Do the players respect their coach. And when they are coached to correct a problem do they improve. The answer to all of those things is YES, IMHO. You can't make gold from a pile of crap, and to that end RAC hasn't been able to perform this unreasonable task as well. But as the talent has improved so has the win total, and thats all any of us reasonably could have expected from jump, IMHO. It has been those that never have been reasonable in their expectations that have been the most disappointed. Now they all need to pull themselves up to the table, and perpare to eat a large size portion of CROW.

Lastly, BET my last dollar those that have been silenced are laying in wait for the next little mistake or stumble by RAC or the team to start the fire RAC calls yet again. This team is likely to lose in the playoffs, if they get there that is. At some point our season will end with a loss, or at least I think so. And when it does, they will be back. Strange tho most of the haters refuse to take the 1st bite of crow, like I said they are laying in wait, and no matter what they will be back.

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Thanks in advance.

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You are welcome!

I gotta say Clem,, I don't think I could have put it better myself. Good job!

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Ya' know D...I'll never understand this "Get Rid of Crennel" crap...Even after last season...

We TORE THIS TEAM DOWN...Only a gullible fan would even think of changing any HC or GM after 2 lousy years...

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It's not so much gullible DnD. I think they, like so much of society today, has a "I want it now" attitude. In and of itself, I guess that's not so bad. But by extension, that attitude has a far more damaging effect. That attitude causes people into "knee jerk" reactions. It's a good thing that the powers that be in Berea aren't thinking that way..

The team started down a path with Savage and RAC. They started down a 5 year plan and anyone who thought that it wasn't gonna get worse before it got better is just not thinking clearly.

But to be sure that nobody got the wrong impression, Both RAC and Savage conveyed that thinking in thier first Pressers upon being hired..

So it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that it's played out just as they said it would.

That's the part that I don't understand. What was it that RAC and Savage ever said that made anyone feel as if, they were coming to town and the very first year, we would win it all?

Maybe the problem is unrealistic goals for a team that had too many problems or perhaps an unwillingness to accept that.. I don't know..

Then comes the finger pointing... This coach did that, that player did this. It's like looking in a microscope to get a view of the universe.

Either way, I get the sense we are on the right path now and I just want to enjoy the ride.

j/c

I would buy into these pro-RAC points when the following happens:

He stops blowing timeouts and starts using them when he should - reference the end of both haves of the last Squeeler game for examples;

He gets a clue regarding challenges - regardless of who is in the booth or whether anyone is actually in the booth;

He quits making roster decisions with his heart - TW & GB;

He actually plays guys like Harrison and keeps playing a guy like McD after they show on the field that they belong - I'll admit here that this is the first example I've given that treads into "Football Decisions" and I should not go there too much as I am not that guy;

We start EVERY game READY to play...not 1:30 for a 1:00 game;

and last but not least...

I STOP reading where someone uses RAC's "inexperience as a head coach" as an excuse for the boneheaded decisions that he makes. He's nearly 60 and has been a coach in the NFL forever.

Contrary to popular belief, some of us "RAC Bashers" actually have real live reasons why we don't like the guy as a head coach...and it's not his demeanor, his weight, his skin color, or his name...

It's the few things we actually SEE that we can evaluate him on as a head coach...it's not our fault that he has a load of shortcomings IN THE THINGS WE CAN SEE.

That said, I'd be willing to bet that 8 of 10 "RAC Bashers" want nothing more than for him to succeed - I know I do.

Obviously, he is doing some things quite well...regardless of our recent good furtunes (read as luck). Many of the players are improving, they act like a real team - most of the time, the players seem to like him and play hard for him (I don't care if they like him...as long as they are doing their jobs).

I'm starting to think he just might be the guy for us...but when he blows one of the few decisions that I get to see...one that isn't difficult and might be the difference between winning and losing a game...it scares the heck out of me.

He will have to convince me.

Willie:

A reasonable stance to take, even if we aren't totally in line with each others' position. Yup- Romeo's less than 100% as a HC... which you pointed out... and you'll get no arguement from me comcerning those details.

What I liked most about it was these quotes:

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..."That said, I'd be willing to bet that 8 of 10 "RAC Bashers" want nothing more than for him to succeed - I know I do."

"Obviously, he is doing some things quite well...regardless of our recent good furtunes..."

""I'm starting to think he just might be the guy for us...but..."

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These statements disqualify you as a "RAC Basher" in my opinion. You simply sound like someone who needs to see more positive evidence, as you said. Fair enough. And if you were one of those with a "twitchy knee" last year, it's obvious that you've seen the doc for some muscle relaxants this year...

Reasonable people can still have doubts... no denying it. My guess is that RAC, just like this team, will show the kind of progress you're waiting to see... and nobody in the "LuvClub" will bar the door when you knock.

For now, we can wait. I mean really- "patience" is kind of the underlying theme of this whole thread anyway, IMHO.

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Contrary to popular belief, some of us "RAC Bashers" actually have real live reasons why we don't like the guy as a head coach...

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You have listed 6 things that RAC needs address before you "buy into these pro-RAC points "... 6 things. All good ones I might add.

Yet here we are.. dispite all six of those issues, sitting at 7-4. and looking like we have a real shot at making waves in the conference... I'm not one to talk about playoffs but, this year, we have a legit shot... 6 issues or no,,, we have a shot!

That my friend is improvement which is what this article is all about if you hadn't noticed.

My problem with "bashers", is that, these things are all they talk about... I mean REAL BASHERS don't have anything good to say or they say it in such a way that it reads more like faint praise not real praise.

Your obviously not one of the "RAC BASHERS" I have in mind when I make that comment by the way.

Oh,, as for the Race related comment,, Yeah,, I think that whoever said that needs thier head examined.. I don't think Race really plays into it that much.. there may have been a time, but my hope is that we as a society are past that now.. Having said that, I'm sure there are still some racists out there who have a different opinion...

The good news if you wanna hear it is this: We've taken another step forward.. It's hard not to like that... It's stupid to ignore what it takes to get better also.... That's why I too would like to see improvement in those areas you outline...it only increases our chances of one day, get to and winning a superbowl... and that's the Granddaddy of all Football Goals.

What impresses me so much with Romeo is that he never seems to lose his composure, he always acts professional even when some fans and the Local Media wanted him gone. Look at all of our players and they are also starting to act much like Romeo especially Braylon and K2 these guys came into the NFL with the biggest Ego's and now they have a team first mentality, saying the right things, doing the right things to be true professionals. I like seeing this and Romeo deserves much more credit than he's getting for the transformation of this team. Not only did he have to transform the teams mentality, he also had to transform the Fans and the Media's mentality and with the Black Cloud that we've had over this city since '99, thats no small task. Keep up the good work Romeo.

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Oh,, as for the Race related comment,, Yeah,, I think that whoever said that needs thier head examined.. I don't think Race really plays into it that much.. there may have been a time, but my hope is that we as a society are past that now.. Having said that, I'm sure there are still some racists out there who have a different opinion...

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This one could be a real thread-hijacker if folks aren't careful.

That said, I'll just say this much: People are honest at heart. Lying is a craft that takes practice... and no matter how good one gets at it, the truth is always there- just beneath the surface. If one listens long enough, eventually the bigoted attitudes will leak to the surface... no matter how hard the bigot tries to keep them hidden.

To date, I haven't really detected racism in folks' observations about RAC. For sure, it's a bit easier to hide on a message board than it is during a conversation at the local pub... but folks do reveal a bit of themselves with every post (especially if it's in the Tailgate Lot... hehe )

With a fanbase as large as the Browns', I'm sure there are some stone cold bigots somewhere in the mix... but I haven't seen anything but straight-up football talk from RAC's detractors or his fans... and it would be imprudent and improper for any of us to suspect racism from any other Browns fan...

...until such time as he "shows his true color"....

-O^O-

.02

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The Browns have some good MoJo showing this year... it's surprising the hell out of everyone else, but it's actually been a soup on a slow burner for a couple years... just getting more and more flavor under that lid.

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You have just stepped up to the rank of my favorite author.

If I could say stuff like that I'd make a living outta writing.

A great observation 76.

The team looks so much more pulled-together and professional this year.

I will even go so far as to say that those rare glimpses of the "RAC Attack" we've seen seem to be pretty carefully timed... which no doubt makes them highly effective. When kids grow up with a Mom who's a screamer, they quickly learn to tune her out. The quiet Mom really makes an impact when her voice gets raised.

I think RAC's cool demeanor will serve us just as well during the good times as they have in the bad, as well. RAC won't ever let the highs get too high or the lows too low. As a result, I think this team is evolving into one of those efficient, methodical teams that play with zeal and efficiency... but always under control. We won't panic or shut down if we get down by 2 scores, and we'll put games away when we're up by 2. Teams that act like that make the playoffs regularly. Browns certainly aren't there just yet, but as you said- we can see the evolution happening this year. Considering the average age of this team and the volatile personalities in it, I'd say this turnaround has been nothing short of impressive.

This team is much more fun to follow and support, now that the dysfunction has been washed out.

RAC= "The Anti-Butch."

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We TORE THIS TEAM DOWN...Only a gullible fan would even think of changing any HC or GM after 2 lousy years...NOTHING is hardly even in place yet...We made a BIGTIME move to solidify what has been our achilles for YEARS...The Offensive Line...Steinbach and Thomas have changed the way this offense turns...

It's NOT the QB...Trust me folks...IF we still had Shaffer at LT and an Andruzzi at LG...Anderson would be nowheres near what he is right now...And u can TAKE THAT TO WELLS FARGO...

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I can dig it.

When the "fire RAC" stuff started in his second year I was stunned to find that so many had learned so little from the Browns past dealings with their head coaches.

How some fans expected leaps and bounds of improvement so soon when the very first batch of rebuilding took place heading into that second year.

That "slow soup brewing" that Clem talked about is smelling mightly good coming out of the kitchen. It ain't done yet. But supper's going to be kick ass when we're called to the table.

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You have just stepped up to the rank of my favorite author.

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aw, shucks... it was only because my wife was in the kitchen making turkey carcass soup here after the holidays. Guess I was inspired by the aroma. We'll give her the credit for this one.

(but thanks, Dawg)

just / clicking......

I know a lot of fans don`t always like what he say`s......or his calm actions on the sidelines... People like Tressle because he is calm and thinks on the side lines...Like Rac....

What I notice in Rac...is his eyes....He is very proud when need be...and sadden after a loss....He has more emotions than most think...Next time you watch a presser...watch his eyes more than hearing his words....

yup, You get it.

well i figure this should go here.....

Savage lauds Crennel
Steve King, Staff Writer
11.28.2007
Browns general manager Phil Savage likes the fact Browns head coach Romeo Crennel has taken everything he's seen over the course of the last three seasons -- the good and the bad -- in stride.

"I'm impressed with how Romeo is handling the success," Savage said Wednesday in his monthly state-of-the-Browns address. "I give a lot of credit for what this team has been able to do to Romeo and his assistants.

"If you're in this business long enough, you know you're going to be on the plus side at times and you're going to be on the negative side at times. It's really how you handle it, and I think Romeo has handled it with a lot of dignity.

"A lot of people were coming after him over the summer. He's man enough to handle it, and he'll handle whatever success we have the same way."

Though Savage has steadfastly remained in Crennel's corner all along, many people speculated at the beginning of the season that the coach's job was on the line. They felt that if the team started poorly, Crennel might be let go.

But now that's the farthest thing from anyone's mind. The Browns are the talk of the NFL with their surprising turnaround -- they were just 10-22 in Crennel's first two seasons -- and he could well end up being the NFL Coach of the Year.

After taking all that criticism, one might think that Crennel would feel vindicated because of the team's success. Not so, says Savage.

"I don't think Romeo even thinks in those terms," he said. "He has been around the game long enough that he knows it can change.

"I was at the Mississippi State game a week or two ago and I saw (head coach) Sylvester Croom and he said, 'You guys are winning some games. Tell Romeo congratulations. I'm just so happy for him.'

"The man has a lot of respect out there in the football world. I'm happy for him that we're showing some signs that we're a legitimate team and it's coming together.

"I think that's the thing that wins out with Romeo Crennel. You can say this and that, defensive coach or offensive coach, Parcell's tree or Belichick's tree, but he is a good man. I think our players recognize that, and that's why they enjoy playing for him."

nordawg



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Cleveland Browns coach Crennel a good guy who finishes first
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Bud Shaw
Plain Dealer Columnist


What we are seeing in Berea these days isn't so much vindication for Romeo Crennel as evidence of what he does best.

Slow and steady worked for the tortoise. Now we're seeing the benefits of Crennel's ap proach with a young team winning for the first time, a team that easily could get ahead of itself but hasn't (yet).

With five games remaining in which the Browns will be favored to win, the benefit of the Super Bowl rings Crennel owns - a collection that was in large part the reason he was hired - are on display in mostly unspoken ways.

"I joke with him that he's got mine," center Hank Fraley said, referring to New England's win over his Philadelphia Eagles. "I love playing for Romeo."

"Every guy in this locker room knows he can walk in and talk to him at any time about anything."

"We know he's got a lot of them," Willie McGinest said of Crennel's Super Bowl credentials. "But it's not about what you have, it's about what you want to get."

Vindication is an easy blanket to throw over any situation where a coach or player crawls through a desert to find an oasis. The term suggests unfair criticism and genius gone unrecognized.

In reality, Crennel's consistency of purpose and personality was unwavering and - to borrow a word from a previous regime - his players have always wanted to play their guuuts out for him.

Since no season by itself wipes the slate clean on everything that went before unless it ends in confetti and Randy Lerner dancing a jig, it's superficial to suddenly gloss over Crennel's downside just because the Browns are 7-4.

Phil Savage stepped in and did repairs on the coaching staff. Rob Chudzinski's belief in Derek Anderson as the trigger man for his offense and his confidence in his own game planning worked together to heal a lot of what ailed Crennel's first two teams.

From the coaching staff to the roster, the Browns have grown to become a team that can bring out Crennel's strength. And at this point in the season, we get to see Crennel return the favor.

"I'm happy for him that we're showing some signs that we're a legitimate team and it's coming together," Savage said this week. "I think that's the thing that wins out with Romeo Crennel. You can say this and that, defensive coach or offensive coach, Parcell's tree or Belichick's tree, but he is a good man. I think our players recognize that and that's why they enjoy playing for him."

No argument there.

I don't think the new Iron Chef would put Crennel in charge of timing his soufflés. Clock management isn't his thing. But the kitchen staff would run through the deep fryer for him.

Crennel has outlawed talk of the playoffs. Well, you say, any coach would. But you only have to remember the last Browns' playoff team led by Butch Davis to recognize the difference between strutting like a peacock and what's happening in Berea these days on Crennel's watch.

When Braylon Edwards revived that era last year, Crennel seemed to tolerate it too easily. But now his players echo their coach.

Now his radar is set for the sudden acclaim his players are receiving. He said he told them to keep in mind it's because they're winning, that they didn't suddenly get better looking overnight.

The same, he knows, applies to him.

To reach Bud Shaw:

bshaw@plaind.com, 216-999-5639

Previous columns online:

cleveland.com/columns

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Phil Savage stepped in and did repairs on the coaching staff. Rob Chudzinski's belief in Derek Anderson as the trigger man for his offense and his confidence in his own game planning worked together to heal a lot of what ailed Crennel's first two teams.

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Sorry Shaw...The Numero Uno reason this team puts up what it does is an Offensive Line that can give the QB TIME to see patterns develop...

Where u been the last 7 years???

Anderson plays a part but it's MOSTLY OL related...

The beauty of this is we don't even have a legit running game...YET... (Turner & Bentley hehehe)

I have never had high regard for the RAC hater crew. They have always failed to consider several things, and talent leads the way.

RAC didn't suddenly get a football brain, he has known as should a knowledgable fan that talent leads the way when it comes to winning on the NFL level. We have better talent we win more games, it's really that simple.

The haters have never given RAC his due when it comes to players playing hard for him. They respect him and play hard for him. What else is there at the end of the day? He is a solid coach, and no he isn't without his flaws but he is a solid coach, one that given the talent, and time needed will lead the Browns to the promised land.

The critics have even resorted to making stuff up at times, and never do they come back and say, "hey I was wrong". Like for instance most if not all the RAC haters said throughout the season last year that RAC couldn't control his players, and pointed their fingers at the BE and K2 outbursts as proof. Well guys where are you now ? Did RAC bring these young guys into the fold and get them to be team players or not? Na you haters will never give RAC his due, thats just not in yah, the glass is always half empty, and you understand so little about bringing along young players, and teams your reaction is well throw his ass under the bus, right? Well you were wrong that has become crystal clear now step up, be a man or women about it admit you were wrong, and give the guy his due, and his respect.

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Like for instance most if not all the RAC haters said throughout the season last year that RAC couldn't control his players, and pointed their fingers at the BE and K2 outbursts as proof. Well guys where are you now ? Did RAC bring these young guys into the fold and get them to be team players or not?

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Well you should get around the board more rather than making acenine statements like this one... I have been VERY vocal about the bad but been just as quick to point out the good... We are 7-4 but there is a lot of football left to play and still areas that need severe improvement... Most of the issue is talent related but I find it to be hardly coincidental that the defense is looking better as of late and cannot help but think that RAC is the one responsible for that... (there was a compliment to RAC thrown in there just in case you are reading impared)

Some of you guys would rather throw dead crow at us doubters day after day on here but you fail MISERABLY to acknowledge is that most of us don't care... We just want a winning team and improvement to be displayed on Sunday... Well, this guy has seen BOTH of those things come together each week and I think that is what us fans must look at rather than the constant labeling that you and your cronies seem to keep piling on...

Keep enjoying being "right all along about RAC" and I will keep my focus where it matters...

And another thing... I could be just as much of an ass throwing the "Charlie is good enough to win" crowd threads around as well as the "Mo" supporters some humble pie but does any of that really matter in the grand scheme of things?? We are getting better and Romeo and his staff deserve their due credit... Looking at who was right and wrong on the issue is a moot point is it not??

Save your energy my friend.You'll need it later on today.

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If you owned an organization and needed a new head coach, would RAC be your choice?

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If I was starting from scratch,...probably not.......If it was with the guys we have now and the relation that they've built with RAC,...you bet.

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RAC gets credit. But it's not been forgotten the things he did wrong, and for the first time in recent memory, I agree with Shaw's article.

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Perhaps it's time that some of his follies get forgotten... they are getting kinda old.... Mo is gone,, let it go! It's yesterdays news. There isn't a management type on this planet that hasn't had his share of bad hires... It happens.

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If you owned an organization and needed a new head coach, would RAC be your choice?

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I don't know.. It would depend on so many things.. like if I sat down with him and liked him,, probably would hire him. If I sat down with Bill Cowher and thought he was an arrogant jerk, I'd not hire him..

Until you sit in Savage and Lerners shoes, the only thing you can go by is stats, and when he was hired here... he didn't have any as a head coach!

Today, if you just go by his W-L record, most would pass.. But what about if you add into the equation that the talent and discipline on this team were non existent... would you still hold that against him?

Lots of reasons for me to say yes, and only a few that would make me question..

Overall,, yeah, I'd lean toward hiring him.