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web page A revival in Believeland: The Browns are back By TOM WITHERS The Associated Press CLEVELAND -- For the last nine years, the NFL's most resilient fans have made their way from the gravel parking lots and through the downtown streets toward the lakefront stadium, an uninspiring glass-and-steel structure built on taxes for their sins. They've come because they always have. ADVERTISEMENT Many of the dedicated dress in white, brown and even hideously ugly orange jerseys that bear the names of Browns players past and present, numerical reminders of Cleveland's glory days -- and darkest ones. As kickoff nears, the tents are folded, the tailgates closed, and the No. 32 Jim Browns, No. 19 Bernie Kosars and No. 17 Braylon Edwardses march shoulder to shoulder up West 3rd Street with No. 2 Tim Couchs, No. 92 Courtney Browns and No. 31 William Greens. Throw in a few guys who still wear dog masks, and it's an odd mix, but a united one -- as always. Until recently, the pilgrimage was mostly a painful one. But now, this faithful congregation, an extended football family connected by a deep passion for football, is celebrating a season few expected. One that could continue into the new year. Sundays are about revival along the shores of Lake Erie as Cleveland, city of heartbreak and home of nary a single major pro sports championship for 43 years, rocks once more. The Browns are back. Beleaguered, beaten and downright brutal since their expansion reincarnation in 1999, the Browns are no longer the punchline of some never-ending joke. Along the way, Cleveland has been transformed into a magical place. Believeland, they're calling it. With the possible exceptions of New England's pursuit of perfection and Brett Favre's defiant stiff arm of Father Time, the Browns (9-5) are the league's warm-and-fuzzy story of 2007. Imagine that. They were picked to do nothing, these Brownies. A turnaround wasn't supposed to happen this quickly. Sure, their talent had gotten better, and with another solid draft class and free-agent shopping spree, they figured to be competitive at some point in the future. Before the season kicked off, third-year coach Romeo Crennel's seat was so hot Las Vegas bookies were laying odds that by the club's bye week he would be bye-bye. It only got worse following a 34-7 loss to Pittsburgh in the home opener, a here-we-go-again defeat that seemed to be the final straw for die-hard Cleveland fans. But one week later, it all changed. Quarterback Charlie Frye was traded and the Browns handed the ball to backup Derek Anderson, a goofy, big-footed, rocket-armed quarterback from the tiny outpost of Scappoose, Ore. In his first game, Anderson threw five touchdown passes in a 51-45 win over Cincinnati and became an overnight sensation. Since then, the Browns, seemingly cursed in years past, have finally seen the ball bounce their way. They're winning the close games they usually lost, and a woe-is-us mentality that hung over Cleveland like a circling storm cloud has finally lifted. Last Sunday, in blowing snow and near whiteout conditions, the Browns beat Buffalo 8-0 to improve to 6-1 at home and move into a tie for first place with the Steelers in the AFC North. More importantly, they moved within one win of a playoff berth, something they can lock up this week in Cincinnati. "Nobody believed in us," said Edwards, who was voted to the Pro Bowl along with return man extraordinaire Josh Cribbs. "Nobody gave us a shot, nobody said we were anything. Everybody said we were the same old Browns. I think they had us winning three games. "It means that we proved it to the world. We're not through, by no means. It means we stuck together when nobody else believed in us. We came together and said, 'It's us. The heck what everybody else says. We're going to do it for us.' " And that's what they've done. Cleveland's locker room, often divided during years of upheaval, is unified like never before. It's loaded with high-character players hand-picked by General Manager Phil Savage and Crennel, one of the front-runners for coach of the year after orchestrating this improbable reversal of fortunes. On a typical weekday, players mingle around the room during the time it's open to the media. There are no fires burning like last season, when Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow seemed to take turns fighting for the spotlight or saying something they'd regret. There are no hidden agendas, either, just guys doing their jobs and having fun doing them. For that, Crennel deserves much of the credit. No one knows what effect 6-10 and 4-12 seasons had on him. But Crennel, who owns five Super Bowl rings, has been a rock. "I get to see a side of Romeo most people don't," Savage said. "He's very steady. He's very consistent. He's reliable. He's dependable. He's been a great example to the team."
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Nice read. I'm glad to see stories like this. Makes it that much more fun to be a Browns fan.
KeysDawg
The fact that some geniuses were laughed at does not imply that all who are laughed at are geniuses. - Carl Sagan
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For that, Crennel deserves much of the credit. No one knows what effect 6-10 and 4-12 seasons had on him. But Crennel, who owns five Super Bowl rings, has been a rock.
"I get to see a side of Romeo most people don't," Savage said. "He's very steady. He's very consistent. He's reliable. He's dependable. He's been a great example to the team."
Even though we're sitting at 9-5, I still think most of the coaching credit goes to Chud and NOT Romeo. True, Romeo has this team focused, and that's a great quality to see him finally obtain.
But what about the defense? All those great gameplans and schemes in New England but we seem to be getting the cold shoulder on that side of the ball. Is it time for RAC to light a fire under Grantham or just get rid of him? We're going to run practically the same defense anyway, so what gives?
And some of the stupidest decisions I've ever seen made on the sidelines have been by RAC these past 3 seasons. I still think he's got a lot of growing to do as a head coach, and at 60 years old, that's kind of scary.
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The article is giveng RAC well deserved credit outside the world of X's and O's.
The defense has been bad, that is not the issue of this article. RAC and Phil deserve a lot of credit in bringing in winners and developing winners.....Winners in character more than winners in football. I think we have seen that the former can traslate to the later.
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I like reading articles like this everyday. I'm getting used to it!  It is amazing what we've gone through since Week 1.
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I've got to agree with you on the Chud part. Sometimes while watching the games I think to myself that Crennel should proclaim Chud godfather to his children. Without Chud coming here, I believe Romeo would have only 2 games left as the Browns head coach. Now... the team is buying him a new gold plated headset.
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Legend
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Quote:
But what about the defense? All those great gameplans and schemes in New England but we seem to be getting the cold shoulder on that side of the ball. Is it time for RAC to light a fire under Grantham or just get rid of him?
In a word.. NO.
Our defense has been much better lately.. I know some people don't want to admit it, but it has. What we need to do is give Phil another year to bring in a couple more players on that side of the ball and give our younger guys like DQ, KW, Wright, etc another year to mature and we'll be fine...
For some reason it's the nature of Browns fans, perhaps it's the nature of fans everywhere... Quite a few people claimed BE would never be a true #1.. KWII would never come back.. KW wasn't as good as we thought, both of our safeties needed to go.... Give it a chance my friend... one or two players away... that's it.
yebat' Putin
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Quote:
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But what about the defense? All those great gameplans and schemes in New England but we seem to be getting the cold shoulder on that side of the ball. Is it time for RAC to light a fire under Grantham or just get rid of him?
In a word.. NO.
Our defense has been much better lately.. I know some people don't want to admit it, but it has. What we need to do is give Phil another year to bring in a couple more players on that side of the ball and give our younger guys like DQ, KW, Wright, etc another year to mature and we'll be fine...
For some reason it's the nature of Browns fans, perhaps it's the nature of fans everywhere... Quite a few people claimed BE would never be a true #1.. KWII would never come back.. KW wasn't as good as we thought, both of our safeties needed to go.... Give it a chance my friend... one or two players away... that's it.
I'm not happy with our defense. Is it that our players on the defensive side of the ball lack talent? Or are they just to young? Injured? I look at Jackson, Wimbley, Pool, E. Wright, Jones, and even Ethan Kelly and Shuan Smith...and I think that they are still finding their grove, but show a lot of promise. Or that we've yet to get healthy...Bodden, Roye, Peek come to mind.
But I look at guys like Andra Davis that make me think "Why isn't he being coached to shed blocks...stay in his gap...penetrate the gap...etc..." But it's really not his fault. Our defense isn't being taught to attack. It's being taught to stand your ground, and let the play come to you. Thats bad planning...and bad coaching. I'm inclined to flirt with the idea of keeping Grantham on another year. Put more talent in his hands to work with. Perhaps Mike Haluchak (linebackers coach) isn't showing these guys proper technique. Jackson has instincts...but he isn't shedding blocks. He's starting to like like a lighter, faster Andra Davis. And that isn't a good thing. Our tackling has vastly improved. You can see that in the run defense. I know I read an article on here a few weeks ago that talked about Romo being more involved in the scheming and defensive coaching.....I think....
Regardless, if a defensive coach like Mike Nolan, or even Marvin Lewis becomes available...who has ties to Savage...who would you rather have coaching our defense? Both of those two coaches worked with Savage in baltimore. Savage knows what to give them to make them succeed.
Maybe thats the problem. Either Savage doesn't know what Romeo's Defensive Coordinator needs for his defense to succeed....or that Grantham doesn't know what to tell Savage to draft and pursue in FA. Wimbley is a great player....but I still wonder what Ngata would look like in our Nose Tackle position.
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Even though we're sitting at 9-5, I still think most of the coaching credit goes to Chud and NOT Romeo.
Man I swear, I don't get it.. We lose, everyone thinks the coach is terrible,, we begin to win, and it's not him that did it..
Amazing...
Some people just don't like RAC and can't give a reason, other than a GUT FEELING that someone else is responsible for the good,, RAC can only be responsible if it goes bad,,
Can you see how odd that sounds? or is it just me?
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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the defense is slowly but surely getting better...
i'm really happy for romeo, i told you guys before the seasons started, that i wasn't sure if he was the guy for the job, for the longterm, but i was hoping that this team rallied around him, and they have, i like the way he's handled things, i like the way he's handled his coaches, and best of all, he's keeping things in perspective, the only thing that matters right now, is not tennesse, not pittsburgh, not jacksonville, not new england, the only thing that matters right now is cincinnati...
if belichick goes 16-0, he's easily your coach of the year, but if he slips up, i think romeo should get the nod, he's done a great job
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Lol, yah it has nothing to do with RAC being a good coach.
I'd love to tell everyone I told you so. (hey I told you so) about the browns being much better than expected and going to the superbowl.
The Defense is out weak sister now. We still need some better players on the line. That is simply a fact. We could also use a couple more linebackers. Having said that our d is very young in the core, and will get better. We can see that week to week if you pay attention. It will be addressed in the offseason and for now we roll with what we got. I still feel like we are a good team, and if things go our way we can play with anybody.
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I think we all need to take a breath on the Defense. It is obvious the defense needs help. They are getting better but have a way to go.. Here is the thing.. Last year we concentrated on the Offense.. 2008 we fix the defense.. Can you imagine if we fix the defense like we fixed the offense???
Wow..
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Legend
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i don't think you necassarily just "fix the defense" in 2008
we still have holes, as well as depth problems
and phil doesn't seem like the type of guy that's gonna say "well, it's obvious we need defensive lineman, so i'm taking the best defensive lineman available with the earliest pick we have" i think phil will probably draft the best player available
i would like to see a stud d-lineman taken in the draft in the next 2 years
the patriots are a perfect example of how to draft, they picked their spots, and drafted 2 pro bowl caliber players at their position, richard seymour and vince wilfork, if we can pull off something like that, we could be in that elite talk
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Quote:
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Even though we're sitting at 9-5, I still think most of the coaching credit goes to Chud and NOT Romeo.
Man I swear, I don't get it.. We lose, everyone thinks the coach is terrible,, we begin to win, and it's not him that did it..
Amazing...
Some people just don't like RAC and can't give a reason, other than a GUT FEELING that someone else is responsible for the good,, RAC can only be responsible if it goes bad,,
Can you see how odd that sounds? or is it just me?
These players love Romeo, go to war for Romeo, Romeo deserves a lot of credit along with Savage for turning this thing around. The big thing I have noticed is this team has lost their "me me me" mentality and transformed it into a "us" way of thinking. And I credit that all to RAC. Thats the way he is and I for one love it. When your team finally plays as a team and believes in themselves you start winning. No matter how 2007 ends, this is becoming a good place to play. A few key guys and, man, look out!!
Our honor defend, we will fight to the end, for OHIO! GO BUCKS!
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Great read calzone. thanks. 
![[Linked Image from i28.photobucket.com]](http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/shadedog/mcenroe2.jpg) gmstrong -----------------
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Quote:
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Even though we're sitting at 9-5, I still think most of the coaching credit goes to Chud and NOT Romeo.
Man I swear, I don't get it.. We lose, everyone thinks the coach is terrible,, we begin to win, and it's not him that did it..
Amazing...
Some people just don't like RAC and can't give a reason, other than a GUT FEELING that someone else is responsible for the good,, RAC can only be responsible if it goes bad,,
Can you see how odd that sounds? or is it just me?
Yeah I don't know how that guy can give all the credit to Chud. When has football ever been centered around "ONE" guy. Sure Chud definately helped but he's not the sole reason that we are finally a winning team. Romeo has been a good coach for us, he hasn't given in to media and public pressure unlike all the previous head coaches that we've had in the past. Romeo's only flaw that I have consitantly seen have been his challenges but most of the times that's a crap shoot and those reviews can go either way based on what the official see's or doesn't see. But claiming that Chud is the reason that we are 9-5 just goes to show you that the person making that claim knows nothing about the game of football.
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Even though we're sitting at 9-5, I still think most of the coaching credit goes to Chud and NOT Romeo.
2007 Winner for the dummest quote.
Last time I checked football was a team sport....it takes everybody, Were gonna loose Chud in a year or two, he's gonna be a head coach somewhere soon, so enjoy this,
RAC hold everybody together, dosent let there EGO's get to big, lets them grow up, and works with in the X & O of the team,
RAC & Chud compliment each other nicely, both have strong points and both have weak points, which remember thier both human.
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Just Clicking It's good to see so many of you stand up for RAC on here...
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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I stood up for him last year when we finished with 4 wins... I'm definitely gonna stand up now!!!
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Just clicking.
I find it ironic that a lot of the stuff I disliked about RAC last year when we were losing is the stuff that I love about him this year now that we're winning.
The steadiness, the don't get too high and don't get too low feel.
I still don't think he's the best gameday coach though...it woulda been nice to have Butch Davis' gameday smarts (face it...we were in a ton of close games when we were severely undermanned...it was impressive given the talent we had at the time...our 2007 team would blow out that 2002 playoff team) with RAC's personality.
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Legend
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"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
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j/c
I love that this team is improving, and I love that we're finally getting some positive press. However, I have to say just one thing:
New Orleans
Last year, they were everyone's feel good team, and they have seriously underperformed this season. I sincerely and deeply hope that we aren't that way.
JMHO
I am unfamiliar with this feeling of optimism
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Quote:
if belichick goes 16-0, he's easily your coach of the year, but if he slips up, i think romeo should get the nod, he's done a great job
If the Pats go 16-0,,, I bet Belichick does get the nod..
But here's the thing,, Let's say that the Browns go 11-5 and win the division (Oddly, that's possible, but we need help from pittsburgh)
Who did the better job? RAC or Belichick?
From my perspective (yes there is a touch of homer in me), RAC had the tougher assignment even if the Pats go 16-0.....
The Pats knew two things FOR SURE: 1. They knew who thier QB was gonna be,, and 2. The nucleus of that team has been together for years..
RAC didn't have that luxury or anything close to it.
So yeah, I think a case could be made for RAC,, But first things first,,The Browns need to go 11-5
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Quote:
If the Pats go 16-0,,, I bet Belichick does get the nod..
I don't see how he could be named COY after being caught cheating and fined $500,000.
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Not to mention they were SB favorites before the season even started. So aside from going 16-0, they haven't done anything people didn't expect them to.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
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You're absolutely right. Unfortunately, this is the NFL, where all men are not created equal.
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Quote:
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Even though we're sitting at 9-5, I still think most of the coaching credit goes to Chud and NOT Romeo.
2007 Winner for the dummest quote.
Last time I checked football was a team sport....it takes everybody, Were gonna loose Chud in a year or two, he's gonna be a head coach somewhere soon, so enjoy this,
RAC hold everybody together, dosent let there EGO's get to big, lets them grow up, and works with in the X & O of the team,
RAC & Chud compliment each other nicely, both have strong points and both have weak points, which remember thier both human.
When I say that I agree that a lot of the credit should go to Chud... I wasn't knocking Romeo. I like Romeo's consistency, game knowledge, ability to simply convey messages to players, and I like how he does NOT throw his players under the bus.
I DON"T like many of his game day adjustments (or lack there of), his challenge history, his clock management (although I think this has improved), and I thought he needed to show occasional game-day fire (we have seen it this year on a couple of occasions)...
Now to Chud... How can you say this, "Were gonna loose Chud in a year or two, he's gonna be a head coach somewhere soon, so enjoy this, "..... and not think Chud has had an HUGE positive impact on the O? Does not make sense to me.
Our team is successful this year largely (not wholey) because of Chud's new offense and our new O-line. Keep Mo as our OC even with the new line, and we are not near as good a team. JMHO
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For that, Crennel deserves much of the credit. No one knows what effect 6-10 and 4-12 seasons had on him. But Crennel, who owns five Super Bowl rings, has been a rock.
"I get to see a side of Romeo most people don't," Savage said. "He's very steady. He's very consistent. He's reliable. He's dependable. He's been a great example to the team."
Even though we're sitting at 9-5, I still think most of the coaching credit goes to Chud and NOT Romeo. True, Romeo has this team focused, and that's a great quality to see him finally obtain.
But what about the defense? All those great gameplans and schemes in New England but we seem to be getting the cold shoulder on that side of the ball. Is it time for RAC to light a fire under Grantham or just get rid of him? We're going to run practically the same defense anyway, so what gives?
And some of the stupidest decisions I've ever seen made on the sidelines have been by RAC these past 3 seasons. I still think he's got a lot of growing to do as a head coach, and at 60 years old, that's kind of scary.
I tell you what salts my ass. Clueless fans that have zero zilch for football sense.
If you have 1 bit of savvy you would know some basics, and that is this. Before you can have great game plans you have to have players that understand their roll and fit within that game plan. Up until about a month ago we didn’t have players executing their responsibilities they didn’t understand there fit and we suffered as a result. If you can honest to God say that you see no improvement to the defense from game 1 then hell man you haven’t been watching. Heading into the season improvement was the very best any of us actually had a right to expect. The fact that the Browns have exceeded that goal must have been missed by you.
The fact that you feel the need to point your finger and blame someone tells me you are unreasonable, and that’s about all it tells me. Pointing out who you blame only shows how truly lost you are. The fact that they have improved and continue to do so doesn’t say that they are poorly coached, it says they are learning, and the coaching staff is doing a solid job bringing these young players along. It doesn’t happen, overnight young players need playing time and good coaching to get better. Our defense is getting better, and sorry that doesn’t say that the coaching stinks. The clueless nature of this post shows your lack of understanding when it comes to football, and that you are yet another fan that takes great pleasure in complaining, when in reality you have zero to complain about.
Most fans with a basic understanding knew we would have our struggles on the defense this year. We have 2 new guys playing on the line, a young talented DB, and 2 safeties that are still learning to play the game at this level. Blaming someone and firing someone WILL NOT make these players better, playing time will. The coaching is as good in Cleveland as anywhere in the NFL, the talent isn’t as good or lacks experience sorry that whole concept escapes you I know.
BTTB
AKA Upbeat Dawg
Can't believe I am in a group that is comprised of the best NOT just fans but people on the planet.
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No matter how much I believe, the Clowns continue to rip my heart out and stomp it into the ground. We are headed in the right direction but still have a long way to go....
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I tell you what salts my ass. Clueless fans that have zero zilch for football sense.
Uh, like you?
The only improvement this team has made has been on offense! Who coaches the O, Chud or Romeo?
Romeo was brought in specifically for his defensive coaching prowress...we are ranked DEAD LAST in defense! We still can't stop the run. We looked better for a few weeks but what happened today? Who's fault is it, the players, the scheme, Grantham, or RAC?
Our clock management SUCKS and has sucked for Romeos entire tenure. How many sideline passes were thrown on that last possesion today? I know the defense gives you the middle, but how come other teams are able to works the sidelines in their two minute drill? How long did it take us to get the players lined up? Tooo long!
RAC isn't god, the players like RAC and that is the only positive I see that I can attribute to RAC.
Last edited by Referee1; 12/24/07 07:01 AM.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,346 |
Just a few thoughts... The team has exceeded my expectations. I wanted 8-8. Done. I thought that was a realistic aspiration and believe anything else doesn't account for the weaknesses we have. I also wanted to see a team represent themselves at home and in the division. Outstanding job in that area. I think the teams' website has offered some insight to RC's stressing the need to win in those two areas. Certainly doing such is a no brainer, but it's still a very important improvement. While Romeo has some issues, most significantly late game clock management (I'd put the challenge calls on the person upstairs), he has these men believing in each other....not in themselves...each other...big difference. Like others, I did wonder if all of RC's years in the league were best spent as an assistant. My thoughts were that this team was simply not prepared on a regular basis, but I tried to account for a void in talent. The breakthrough game for me was against the Pats. They played professionally. I had hoped we would be within 10 by the 4th. We were and despite being outclassed skill wise, we did field a competent team. For what it's worth, it was after that game that I created my sig. I like where this team is going and that is due to Coach Crennel and Savage. Offensive: Wow, what a surprise. Averaging nearly 4 TDs a game....are you kidding me. I said early on that we will live and die by Derek. It certainly can be painful at times, but what he has done has allowed Quinn to sit and that is an optimal situation. It's easy to say now, but I didn't really think that Frye was the answer about midway last year. Charlie was an easy guy to like...underdog story...childhood Browns fan....played under the shadow of Rothlisburger. As I attempted to take off the tinted glasses last year, I believe I saw a QB that held the ball too long and made consistently poor decisions. I had no problems with Frye being pulled early in the first game and traded the next day (I was actually surprised we got anything for him). Indeed, what a difference the Scapoosian made by running a vertical offense with two of the leagues best receivers getting down field and Derek being able to use his lively arm. I know we all wish he could make sure his brain is attached to that arm at times, but he has been a key part in improving our scoring average by 10-14 points per game (I obvioulsy haven't checked). That improvement is remarkable to me. Kudos to Chud, including the fact that along the way we have been fairly balanced as well. I am not going to pretend to know who will start next year. Brady could perhaps have the talent to maintain this vertical approach, but all he has at this point is a couple of nice preseason passes and a Subway commercial. Defense: The best way I can put is that I hope that Simon and Davis don't see the field next year (not in any defensive packages). That would mean a successful FA and draft to me. Of course Simon is not starting, but typically when he is in he gets pushed aside. I don't think Andre is fast enough or smart enough. I really hate to say that, but I just believe he puts himself in the wrong position (scrape already AD!!) and he is not going to catch up until the play is by him. I really would like to be wrong....maybe he fits better to the 4-3? AD had a nice game against the Bills, but the snow nullified any speed advantage . Willie may be done as well. I know his back was troubling him early and have wondered if that his lingered the entire season. A bad back will slow anyone down. Belichick has a well deserved reputation for lack of ceremony when evaluating a player. I hope he is wrong about McGinnest, but I don't think so. I always will believe he was wrong about Bernie (especially when the alternative is Testerverde). I always figured it was the fact that BK threw away some of his calls and "drew" up his own...LMAO. I never thought our defense would be as poor as it has been, although there appears to be some improvement the last few weeks. I love DQ, like our young secondary and hope that we can get to the point where our front 3 can be a mass of humanity that moves the opponents rather than the opposite. A season of dreams? Obviously that remains to be seen, but I will offer that if we do get in the playoffs, we are a true "Wild Card". Our ability to score will concern any opponent and that oblong ball can take some fortutitive bounces. I have to admit that I have seldom been upset by a game this year (only the first Steeler game and the Raider game due largely to my perception of incompetence). There should be no question of my fandom which is tied to over 30 years of loyalty. It's just that I have found this season entirely entertaining and, as mentioned, see a promising horizon. Granted I am forever, "rah, rah", but I do think a look at this year without the tinted glasses is satisfying regardless of what next week holds. Believeland....that's where I live.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 602
All Pro
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All Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 602 |
Maddog, good post and I have got to agree with the general premise. I think at the beginning of the season I said I thought we could/should win 7 games (?), I think I might have said 9 was possible but doubtful. We go in next week with a chance to win 10 games and be in the hunt for a playoff spot. More than I could have hoped for especially the way the season started. DA has been a surprise and so have several other players, BE, Jamal, Joe Thomas, Eric Wright, and I am sure I am missing some others. And to have been able to let Brady Quinn sit for a WHOLE SEASON.......well, let's just say I didn't expect that to happen and especially NOT the way it did. I think we are REALLY set up to make a LEGIT run next yr. We still need some pieces but with ONE MORE OFFSEASON like we had this past yr.......well, let's just say.....a 1st round pick or even an extra second would be greatly appreciated.  No matter what happens next weekend, Thanks for giving me more ups than downs and for giving me REAL hope for next yr.  
Born and breed with OSU, App. State alumni, but bleed orange and brown.
Go ARMY......Beat Navy!!!!!!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,189
Hall of Famer
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Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,189 |
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The only improvement this team has made has been on offense! Who coaches the O, Chud or Romeo?
Uh, Chud?
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How many sideline passes were thrown on that last possesion today? I know the defense gives you the middle, but how come other teams are able to works the sidelines in their two minute drill?
So when they do well it's to Chud's credit and when they do bad it's RAC's doing?
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...the players like RAC and that is the only positive I see that I can attribute to RAC.
I'm betting that a lot of fans feel RAC is doing a great job this season. But there are also a large contingent who feel that he deserves little credit for the success the team has enjoyed.
They cite the offense of Chud and the surprising play of Derek Anderson and the offensive line as those deserving the credit. Although each of those considerations do have their merit, I believe the head coach is the one who brings it all together toward success.
A lot of fans seem to think that RAC knows nothing about offense; that all he knows is defense and our defense sucks. They claim that he’s turned the offense lock, stock and barrel over to Chud and Chud runs the whole show while RAC basks in the wins.
It’s funny that whenever an NFL team plays a great game their head coach gets a lot of credit for pulling out the victory. But around here, from some posters RAC gets a lot of credit for staying out of the way and not screwing things up too much with bad game day decisions.
I’m sure that RAC gets involved in the offensive and defensive gameplanning in many ways. It's his job. One of his contributions is surely watching film and helping with bringing up the mismatches he’d like to see exploited in the upcoming game.
He helps the offense by knowing the opposition's defensive players who have to be accounted for and which ones can be exploited and bit about how to do that. For his defense he knows the oppositions offensive players and which ones need to be accounted for and how to do that. So for both sides of the ball his input is invaluable in creating the gameplan for the upcoming game.
I know that coming from the Parcells/Belichick tree he’s likely to let his assistants do their jobs without too much meddling, but it’s hard to believe he distances himself from any of them, regarding gameplanning, to the degree that they're completely on their own.
If any of us were the head coach would be so blindly put our complete faith in first-time coordinators to improve our reputation? His vast coaching experience is one reason he is the head coach. All the coaches and all the players draw from that.
The head coach, in my opinion, is the glue that binds the entire team together. It’s his job to make sure the coaches are all on the same page regarding not only gameplanning but from a communication standpoint as well. He’s in on all the meetings, I presume, and has added his own imput so he fully knows the plan and what is expected from the coaches and of the players.
During the week of practice for the upcoming game he oversees the practice. He cannot, of course, be everywhere at all times, but I’m guessing he is where he believes his input is most important and valueable in order to get points across to the coaches and the players regarding their focus and assignments for the specific gameplan.
The simple fact is that no one really knows what the responsibilities of the head coach really are. At least I assume that from all the comments I hear on the board. No one seems to ever address that. They just give credit to RAC for the bad stuff and to others for the good stuff.
If someone does know all the resposibilities of the head coach as well as his role in the preparation of the gameplan and gameday decisions I'd certainly like to hear from them.
If you point blank ask his detractors what they believe his duties are, no one can come up with a valid answer. But they can sure offer their two cents as to why he sucks. The problem with that is that all they really offer is a statement because they have no idea what he sucks at.
Clock management they'll say. Gameday decisions they say. (Second guessing using hindsight). But is that all he does? Sit in his office until game day then come out and make crucial decisions?
I know that the head coaches responsibilities go far beyond the game of football into organizatonal and managerial duties as well.
For his supporters to merely say he’s brought the team from 4-12 to 9 or 10 wins doesn’t tell the full story. If fans don’t know what his actual part in all this is then he’s still just the coach who is riding on the glory of Chud’s offense.
RAC is the face of this franchise right now. He is the one who talks to us, the one whom we see nearly everyday and the experienced factor of the team.
This team is taking on the character of their head coach. That’s big in my book.
They are learning to focus and not allow themselves to get too up or too down.
They are beginning to become consistant in many areas. That doesn’t come to the whole team overall if the main ingredient and driving force is only one coordinator on the offersive side of the ball.
The consistancy is coming from the head coach who has everything and everyone in complete control, on the same page, focused and even keeled.
The Cleveland Browns are a real team now. A real team with a winning record. They've got loads of talent all over the field. The head coach has the whole team, from the coaches to the last guy on the roster, preparing and playing toward one common goal as a single mind.
They've got a general manager who has proven himself fully capable of deciding exactly what the team needs and then bringing in quality players to upgrade and improve the team and their chance to win.
Every Cleveland Brown player is proud, grateful and considering themselves fortunate to be a Cleveland Brown right now. They are on the rise.
The new regime took over the team in 2005 and in 2007 they have a winning record. They're headed in the right direction. Free agents will want to play for this team. They already did, based on RAC and Savages personalities and reputations for being fair, but now they can see it is not just good people. It's good people who know how to and have built a good team.
Talented, winning, and on the rise.
What more could any Cleveland Browns owner, GM, coach, player or fan want? If we can miraculously pull off a win over the 49'ers we'll be 10-6.
The Browns at 10-6.
We have a team now. Even if we don't back into the playoffs, we can now wear our colors with honest pride knowing we are the NFL's most improved team, even to the degree of being a National Media favorite including the all the talking-heads at ESPN, FOX, CBS, NBC and the NFL Netowork.
Ain't that better than being the laughingstock?
And RAC has had nothing to do with any of this except that the players like him?
This is all Chud's doing?
GMAFB
#gmstrong
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,346
Dawg Talker
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Dawg Talker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,346 |
Quote:
Thanks for giving me more ups than downs and for giving me REAL hope for next yr.
Yes. Thank you to the Romeo, his staff and the players.
From Kellen again playing through pain and firmly establishing himself as one of the best at this position, from Phil kicking consistently and hitting some like he was Willie Mosconi (Bahr would be proud) and from a late rounder from Memphis that always seemed to be "in the picture" when the ball came to his man. Just a sample of things to believe in.
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GMAFB
Ditto.
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