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Derek Anderson has been excellent at home so far this season for the Cleveland Browns but……

Blogged under Bloglockers,Front Page by dawgpounded on Thursday 18 October 2007 at 10:01 pm

The Browns need Derek Anderson to play better on the road.  The Browns have 6 games left on the road this season and only 4 home games left.  Anderson has only completed 40 of 80 passes (50%) for 535 yards with 3 TD passes and 5 interceptions (58.1 QB Rating) in two road games.  He has been outstanding in Cleveland Browns Stadium so far this year and the Browns need him to take that on the road with him.  In Cleveland, Anderson has completed 61 of 104 passes (58.7%) for 961 yards with 11 TD passes and 3 interceptions (112.7 QB Rating).  Overall, Anderson has been a huge success this season for the Browns as he is sporting a QB Rating of 88.9 on the season.  If he keeps playing like he is right now the Browns will let Brady Quinn watch from the sideline for a while and that’s probably not a bad thing.

Bernie Kosar Returns to Cleveland

Blogged under Bloglockers,Front Page by kswartzlander on Tuesday 16 October 2007 at 1:33 pm

The 1985 NFL Supplemental Draft is an event that is catalogued in the minds of many faithful Cleveland Browns’ fans. The day that Orange Bowl MVP Bernie Kosar was signed to the team marked an anticipated turning point for the franchise. And the star quarterback didn’t disappoint.  Kosar took the team to three AFC title games and  posted 21,904 yards, 1,853 completions and 116 touchdowns in his nine-seasons with the Browns, while winning the hearts of fans along the way.

 

Now the championship player is headlining a new venture: an ownership share in the Arena Football League’s new team in Cleveland – the greatest homecoming yet for the Youngstown, Ohio, native.

 

“I have always believed that Cleveland would be a perfect market for Arena Football. I am honored to be a part of bringing a great product here and look forward to bringing an ArenaBowl championship to my hometown.” said Bernie Kosar.

 

Kosar had stellar beginnings at the University of Miami, where he put the Hurricanes on the map in 1983 when he quarterbacked the team to its first national championship. His stats were about to get better as Kosar graduated from college football to the NFL. His success with the Browns was confirmed when he led the team to three AFC championship games in four years. Unfortunately, all of them were lost to John Elway’s Denver Broncos. Elway owns the Colorado Crush, which should make for a great new rivalry with Cleveland.

 

Kosar spent the last half of the 1993 season with the Dallas Cowboys, quarterbacking the team to win in the ’93 NFC Championship game after relieving an injured Troy Aikman. A week later, he earned his only Super Bowl championship ring as backup for Aikman. Kosar spent the final three years of his career with the Miami Dolphins, contributing 987 yards and five touchdowns. He closed his NFL 12-year career with 1,994 completions for 23,301 yards and 124 touchdowns.


Cleveland Browns 41, Miami Dolphins 31

Blogged under Bloglockers,Front Page,Game Recaps by dawgpounded on Sunday 14 October 2007 at 10:34 pm

The Browns won their third game in a row at home today.  They did it with offense as usual.  Derek Anderson was outstanding as he completed 18 of 25 passes for 245 yards with 3 TD passes and 0 INTs.  He also carried the ball 5 times for 13 yards (2.6 ypc) with a TD run.  Jason Wright did a solid job filling in for Jamal Lewis as he carried the ball 20 times for 59 yards (3.0 ypc) with a TD.  He also caught 3 passes for 39 yards (13.0 avg).  Jerome Harrison got his first action of the season and he was outstanding.  He carried the ball 8 times for 57 yards (7.1 ypc) and he also caught 1 pass for 15 yards.  Kellen Winslow led all Browns receivers in yards with 90 on 5 catches.  But, today was Braylon Edwards’ day as he caught 5 passes for 67 yards with 3 TD grabs.  The Browns finished up the day with 140 yards rushing on 35 carries (4.0 ypc) and they also completed 18 of 25 passes for 244 yards.

The defense just played good enough to win today.  D’Qwell Jackson led the Browns with 9 tackles.  CBs Eric Wright (8 tackles, INT) and Leigh Bodden (6 tackles, INT) both had solid games.  The Dolphins rushed for 110 yards on 23 carries (4.8 ypc) and they also completed 24 of 43 passes for 246 yards.

One of the highlights for me was watching Derek Anderson elude Joey Porter and complete a key pass in the 4th quarter.  Anderson then mocked Porter with a fake kick in the butt which was outstanding.  Porter finished up with a mere 4 tackles.

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=271014005

Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins

Blogged under Bloglockers,Front Page,This Week's Matchup Report by dawgpounded on Thursday 11 October 2007 at 9:00 pm
The Miami Dolphins lost on the last play of the game last week on a 54-yard field goal by Kris Brown of the Texans.  The Browns fought hard last week against the Patriots but they were outmanned in the game and it showed on the scoreboard.

Ronnie Brown probably can’t wait until Sunday!  He has been outstanding the last couple of weeks and the Browns are allowing 174.2 yards rushing per game and 4.9 yards per carry.  It will be interesting to see if the Browns defensive line gets any push as they have made some changes.  Cleo Lemon will get the start at QB this week and he will likely have some success throwing the ball against the Browns who have allowed 15 TD passes and 267.0 yards per game passing.  The secret weapon of the Dolphins could be Ted Ginn Jr. who might be happy to be back in Ohio.

Look for the Browns to also attempt to run the football as much as possible against a Dolphins defense that is allowing 174.2 yards rushing per game and 4.5 yards per carry so far this season.  Will Jamal Lewis semi-doubtful for this game, Jason Wright could have a big game.  He has carried the ball 19 times for 102 yards (5.4 ypc) and he’s also caught 6 passes for 51 yards (8.5 avg).  It will be up to MLB Zach Thomas and OLB Channing Crowder to stop Wright/Lewis in the running game and out of the backfield on passes.  DE Jason Taylor must get pressure on QB Derek Anderson because if he has time to pass the Dolphins will be in trouble because TE Kellen Winslow (24 rec, 416 yards, 2 TDs) and Braylon Edwards (24 rec, 485 yards, 4 TDs) are bad matchups for their secondary.

PREDICTION:  The Browns will win a high scoring game as neither team will have a hard time moving the football.  I would take the over if I were betting on this football game.

For expert picks on NFL and College Football, check out this site.  http://www.baysportspicks.com/

 

The Cleveland Browns cut punter Scott Player

Blogged under Big Browns News,Bloglockers,Front Page by dawgpounded on Tuesday 9 October 2007 at 2:41 pm

The Browns have cut Scott Player and have claimed rookie DT Louis Leonard off waivers from the Rams.  Player did a good job for the Browns while Dave Zastudil was out with injuries.  Player punted the ball 13 times for 593 yards (45.6 avg) and pinned the opponent inside the 20 yard line 6 times.  Zastudil will take his job back over as he has punted the ball 2 times for 86 yards (43.0 avg) with one of his punts downed inside the opposing 20 yard line. 

Louis Leonard was an undrafted free agent from Fresno State.  He didn’t play a down this season for either the Chargers or Rams.  He is a big guy at 6’4″, 330 pounds and he will likely get a chance at some point from the Browns as only Ethan Kelley (5 tackles) and Ted Washington (6 tackles) are ahead of him on the depth chart.

The Cleveland Browns are awaiting the results of MRIs to a couple key offensive players

Blogged under Big Browns News,Bloglockers,Front Page,Injury Reports by dawgpounded on Tuesday 9 October 2007 at 12:12 pm

Running back Jamal Lewis and WR Joe Jurevicius went down to injury early in the game against the Patriots and neither of them returned.  Lewis injured his right foot and it hurt the offense.  He has carried the ball 77 times for 382 yards (5.0 ypc) and he has also caught 4 passes for 33 yards (8.3 avg).  If Lewis can’t go this week Jason Wright will take over as the main running back.  He has carried the ball 19 times for 102 yards (5.4 ypc) and has caught 6 passes for 51 yards (8.5 avg) so far this season.  Jurevicius injured a knee against the Patriots and he will be replaced by Tim Carter if he can’t go against the Dolphins.  Jurevicius has been a key to the Browns offense this season as he has caught 12 passes for 132 yards (11.0 avg) with 3 TD grabs.  Tim Carter played well in Jurevicius’ place last Sunday and he has caught 5 passes for 86 yards (17.2 avg) and a TD so far this season.  Carter is much faster than Jurevicius but he doesn’t have near as good of a set of hands.

New England Patriots 34, Cleveland Browns 17

Blogged under Bloglockers,Front Page,Game Recaps by dawgpounded on Monday 8 October 2007 at 11:05 pm

The Cleveland Browns fought hard against the Patriots but they were just outmanned.  It didn’t help that Joe Jurevicius (foot) and Jamal Lewis (foot) were both injured in the first quarter and neither of them returned.  Derek Anderson had a tough first half but he played much better in the 2nd half.  He completed 22 of 43 passes for 287 yards with 2 TD passes and 3 interceptions.  RB Jason Wright subbed for an injured Jamal Lewis and he did a decent job as he carried the ball 15 times for 59 yards (3.9 ypc) and he also caught 4 passes for 43 yards (10.8 avg).  Braylon Edwards was also busy as he caught 6 passes for 110 yards (18.3 avg).  TE Kellen Winslow did some good things catching 4 passes for 49 yards (12.3 avg) and a TD but he also lost a fumble that was returned for a TD by the Patriots with 42 seconds left in the game.  Tim Carter also had a solid game subbing for Jurevicius as he caught 3 passes for 50 yards (16.7 avg) with a TD.  The Browns finished up with 92 yards rushing on 21 carries (4.4 ypc) and they also completed 22 of 43 passes for 261 yards.

The Browns defense played pretty bad just like they always do.  Linebackers D’Qwell Jackson (14 tackles) and Leon Williams (9 tackles) led the way for the Browns “defense”.  The Patriots finished with 147 yards rushing on 32 carries (4.6 ypc) and they completed 22 of 38 passes for 265 yards.

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=271007017

Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots

Blogged under Bloglockers,Front Page,This Week's Matchup Report by dawgpounded on Friday 5 October 2007 at 4:08 pm

The Cleveland Browns have won two of their last three games as they have really been clicking on offense scoring 34.0 per game.  But, the Patriots have been hotter.  They are 4-0 this season and they have scored 37.0 points per game while only allowing 12.0.  No one has been closer than 21 points to the Patriots this season!

The Browns offensive line has been outstanding after the team decided to go with Derek Anderson over Charlie Frye.  Anderson has only been sacked 2 times in the 15 quarters he has played this season.  The Browns are also averaging 114.8 yards rushing per game and 4.8 yards per carry.  Expect the Browns to come out running the football with Jamal Lewis in an attempt to control the clock and keep the Patriots offense off the field.  That will be easier said than done as the Patriots are only allowing 69.8 yards rushing per game and 3.4 yards per carry so far this year.  QB Derek Anderson has played well this season but he will need to protect the football this week as the Patriots have a solid pass defense that is only allowing 156.3 yards passing per game.  Plus, Anderson has to be careful around CB Asante Samuel who’s playing for a big contract.  But, the Browns have three solid receivers who are all playing at a really high level. TE Kellen Winslow (20 rec, 367 yards, TD) and WRs Braylon Edwards (18 rec, 375 yards, 4 TDs) & Joe Jurevicius (11 rec, 115 yards, 3 TD passes) will all be a threat to the Patriots secondary.

The Patriots have to be licking their chops after watching the Browns defense on game films this week.  The Patriots will likely have Laurence Maroney (252 yards rushing) back from injury and he will team with Sammy Morris (268 yards rushing, 3 TDs) will likely cause all kinds of problems for a Browns defense that is allowing 160.0 yards rushing per game and 5.0 yards per carry.  QB Tom Brady has been awesome this season and the Browns will have their hands full trying to stop him on Sunday.  Brady has completed 95 of 120 passes (79.2%) for 1,118 yards with 13 TD passes and 2 INTs (134.7 QB Rating) plus he has only been sacked three times this season.  To make matters worse for the Browns, Randy Moss is off to the best start of his NFL career as he has caught 31 passes for 505 yards (16.3 avg) with 7 TD grabs.  Wes Welker and Donte’ Stallworth will also give the Browns DBs fits.  Also, TE Ben Watson is a guy that Brady looks for a lot in the Red Zone so the young safeties of the Browns better beware.

Both of these teams are armed with outstanding return men that could effect the outcome of this game.  Joshua Cribbs of the Browns is averaging 34.3 yards per kickoff return (1 TD) and he is also averaging 11.0 yards per punt return.  He has been giving the Browns offense good field position and he can score from anywhere on the field so the Patriots might want to be careful with him.  Ellis Hobbs has averaged 33.4 yards per kickoff return including an NFL record 108 yarder for a TD.  Wes Welker is averaging 10.7 yards per punt return so far this season.

PREDICTION:  The Browns might put up a fight in the first half of this football game but the Patriots have way to much power for them to deal with.  The Patriots will win this game by at least 10 points.

Joshua Cribbs is a big key to the success of the Cleveland Browns

Blogged under Bloglockers,Front Page by dawgpounded on Friday 5 October 2007 at 3:27 pm

I still haven’t figured out why teams kick the ball to Joshua Cribbs because he almost always makes them pay for it.  He has returned 16 kickoffs for 549 yards (34.3 avg) with 1 TD return, a 99-yarder.  He also has replaced last year’s punt returner Dennis Northcutt but the Browns don’t force many punts because of the poor defense.  He has returned 3 punts this season for 33 yards (11.0 avg).  Cribbs also occasionally lines up at QB and he has run the ball 3 times for 20 yards (6.7 ypc) but don’t be surprised if he throws a pass as he was the QB for the Kent State Golden Flashes in college.  He also lines up at receiver once in a while and he has caught 1 pass for 7 yards.  If Cribbs keeps this up he will be playing in the Pro Bowl after this season.

OG/T Ryan Tucker is eligible to be activated by the Cleveland Browns

Blogged under Big Browns News,Bloglockers,Front Page by dawgpounded on Tuesday 2 October 2007 at 5:44 pm

G/T Ryan Tucker is eligible to be activated by the Browns after serving a 4-game NFL suspension due to steriods.  He will likely be the top backup at either guard or tackle spot for the Browns as long as he behaves both on and off the field.  Getting Tucker back will provide the Browns with nice depth along the offensive line.