2012 Ends, With Uncertainty For Yanks, Browns & Leafs
As 2012 ends, all 3 of my teams face the New Year with many questions. Of course, it remains to be seen whether the Toronto Maple Leafs will actually begin playing in January. As the two sides are supposed to meet today, it will be interesting to see where the Leafs will be from a salary cap standpoint once the new CBA is agreed upon. There had been plenty of rumors that Roberto Luongo would be heading to Toronto. If that doesn't happen, the Leafs will head into a shortened season with James Reimer and Ben Scrivens in goal.
If the season is saved, a shortened training camp would seem to hinder Leaf Head Coach Randy Carlyle in trying to fully institute his system. The big questions facing the Leafs: Will Luongo be in the Blue and White?, will Tyler Bozak be the center for Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul?, will Nikolai Kulemin have a bounce back season?, and will Nazem Kadri finally exhibit the skills that made him the Leafs first round pick a couple of years ago? Oh, and the biggest question: will the Leafs make the playoffs?
The New York Yankees will head into the 2013 Major League Baseball season as one of the oldest teams in the sport. Hal Steinbrenner's edict to get under the salary cap in 2014 has left open many questions particularly since the Yankee farm system is no where near ready to fill the team's major league roster. The big questions facing the Yankees: Who will be the Yankees' starting catcher come April?, who will be the right-handed hitting outfielder?, will Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter be able to bounce back from injuries?, will ARod be playing in 2013 and at what level?, will Andy Pettite, Hiroki Kuroda and CC Sabathia remain healthy for the entire season and will Kevin Youkilis fit in as a Yankee? The biggest question: Will the Yankees make the playoffs?
Today is probably the day that the Cleveland Browns relieve Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur of their duties as General Manager and Head Coach respectively. New Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has vowed to return this once proud franchise back to NFL prominence. The big questions facing the Browns: Who will be the new head coach?, will it be someone with NFL experience or will it be a hot shot college coach?, will the new management structure with Joe Banner being in charge really work?, who will be the Browns' starting quarterback next season?, and will Joshua Cribbs and Phil Dawson be back with the team next season? The biggest question: Will the Browns go 8-8 in 2013?
Well, it looks like it will be an interesting year for all three teams. Fortunately, due to the NHL lockout, I have been re-connected to the New York Knicks who seem to have a real shot to make some noise in the NBA. Otherwise, 2013 could be another year of sports agony for me. Oh well, Happy 2013 and be safe this evening.
Tomorrow, the first 2013 Tuesdays Thoughts will be posted. Make sure you check it out.
Who Will Be The Next Browns’ Head Coach?
It has been reported that Head Coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckert will no longer be with the Cleveland Browns after the game in Pittsburgh today. While I believe that Heckert has done a good job in bringing young talent in, I have never been sold on Pat Shurmur. His reputation as an offensive-minded coach was never exhibited in my mind. Even with the hiring of Brad Childress this year, the Browns offense was anemic especially in the red zone.
The key question is now what?? In looking at the available coaching candidates, I think that the Browns need to look for a head coach who has a reputation for developing quarterbacks. If they don't have that pedigree then he needs to be able to bring someone onto their staff who does. My ideal candidate would be Jon Gruden. It's time that the Browns have a proven winning NFL head coach to lead them. If Gruden is not available, then maybe they should look at his brother, Jay. Just look at the development of Andy Dalton.
Since 1999, the Browns have had 6 head coaches. The next one will make it seven. In the same period of time the Steelers have had two head coaches, the Ravens have had 2 head coaches and the Bengals have had three head coaches. This might explain why the Browns consistently are at the bottom of the AFC North.
When Mike Holmgren was hired as President of the Browns, it was hoped that having a football man in charge would turn things around. While the Holmgren regime brought in some good young players (Haden, Richardson, Ward, Sheard, Taylor, Gordon, etc.), it failed on its selection of Pat Shurmur as head coach and the jury is still out on the drafting of Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden. The Haslam/Banner regime needs to get both spots right if this storied franchise is going to become relevant again. If the new regime wants to improve the fan experience they need to develop a team that will be competitive and win in the AFC North. New uniforms and stadium improvements won't cut it. Just Win Baby!!
It’s Been 48 Years Since A Browns Championship
December 27, 1964 the Cleveland Browns hosted the favored Baltimore Colts at Municipal Stadium for the NFL Championship. I was 7 years old and remember watching the game as the Browns shut out the Colts 27-0. This was the Johnny Unitas-led Colts, the highest scoring team in the NFL in 1964 being held off the scoreboard. My team were champions of the NFL. Little did I realize that it would be the last time I could say that.
Oh they certainly came close. The following year, the Browns were once again the Eastern Division Champions and faced the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field for the NFL title. This game had more significance as the winner would represent the NFL in the first Super Bowl game. On a muddy field, the Browns fell to the Packers in what was Jim Brown's last game.
In 1968, the Browns once again would face the Colts in the NFL Championship game but this time they lost badly at home 34-0. The following year, they traveled to Minneapolis to take on the Joe Kapp-led Vikings. Once again they came up short.
They wouldn't make it to a championship game again until the 1986 season when they were minutes away from heading to the Super Bowl only to have John Elway steal the game away. I actually think the 1987 team was much better and once again they found themselves facing the Broncos only this time in Denver. Karl Mecklenberg, the Bronco All-Pro linebacker, said that in the second half of that game the Broncos knew that they couldn't stop the Browns and he was right. I actually took that loss worse than the one the year before as the Browns were an Earnest Byner fumble away from going to the Super Bowl. I'm convinced they would have defeated the Redskins in the Super Bowl.
The Browns would make it to the AFC Championship Game one last time in the 1989 season, where they would once again lose to the Broncos. I haven't mentioned non-championship playoff game heart breakers like: the 1972 Miami game (could have spoiled Dolphins undefeated season), the 1980 Oakland game (Red Right 88), the 1988 Houston game (pass interference call not made), and the 2002 Pittsburgh game (where the Browns blew a 3rd Qtr. 24-7 lead).
All of those losses were tough to take. But I would love to experience those tough losses again because at least there was a chance to win it all. Ah the good old days. What a sad state of affairs.
Pro Bowl Selections: Who Cares??
Yesterday the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl rosters were announced. Joe Thomas made his 6th Pro Bowl and Phil Dawson was selected for the first time. While I was happy for Dawson, as a Browns fan does it really matter to me?? Am I suppose to get some gratification out of the fact that these two players made the AFC team and Josh Cribbs is a first alternate??
As a kid, I used to take pride when a member or members of my favorite team made their respective all-star teams. However, as I grew older and the all-star games lost their appeal, I could really care less how many Yankees, Browns or Maple Leafs make the all-star team. As a fan, I'm more concerned about how many wins my team has and whether or not I'm going to the post season.
The Browns are 5-10 and getting ready to play Pittsburgh with Thad Lewis at quarterback. Their facing an off season where there will be a new coach, new system and new management team. Team Upheaval on Lake Erie once again. With all of that going on I'm suppose to be happy and proud that Joe Thomas and Phil Dawson made the AFC Pro Bowl team?? Hardly.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While trying to recover from my Christmas dinner induced food coma, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* As we enter into the final week of the NFL season, the AFC playoff picture is set with only the seedings to be determined, while the NFC is up for grabs. The Dallas-Washington game Sunday night should be a good one.
* The one thing that really hit me was the number of bad teams in the NFL as evidenced by the fact that there is likely to be 8 coaching vacancies.
* As the off season approaches, I am really down on the prospects for the Cleveland Browns. While I had high hopes when Jimmy Haslam bought the team, the hiring of Joe Banner as football guru has me extremely concerned.
* Why is it that certain NFL teams can never get it right??? (Browns & Bills)
* Whoever came up with the uniforms worn by NBA teams Christmas Day should be fired. Flat out Terrible!!
* As the New Year approaches it seems to be more and more likely that the NHL will not be in action this season. Gary Bettman should be extremely proud.
* Rumor has it that Bettman will be up for an audition of a Broadway rendition of "How the Grinch Stole The NHL."
* It's depressing that while other NFL fans are getting psyched up about the playoffs or trying to get into the playoffs, I'm stuck looking at mock drafts in late December.
* I'm amazed at how some Yankee fans believe that Brian Cashman has some rabbit he is going to pull out of his hat to deal with the team's age issues. I just don't see it and I think at best we can expect a playoff appearance and a first round knockout.
* Heard the authoritative Jeremy White on Christmas Eve. The WGR 550 know-it-all posed this question to his listeners: "What would you think if the Bills came out and said we want to lose Sunday against the Jets." When his co-host and callers brought up that they don't want their team to play to lose, White nearly tore their heads off. While I understand that losing would guarantee a better draft pick, White's authoritative browbeating stupidity forced me to change the station. This guy is brutal. A dumb question from a dumb guy.
* Once the Bills season is over and Emperor Bettman cancels the NHL season, what will White and the rest of the gasbags at GR550 talk about?? Probably food drafts and who the next coach of the Bills will be.
* And finally, whatever happened to the Coach, Chuck Dickerson?
Storm Clouds Brewing In Believeland??
After last Sunday's disappointing loss to the Washington Redskins, the Cleveland Browns will play out the schedule as they head into an off season that once again will be filled with changes. There is no question that Jimmy Haslam's purchase of the team from Randy Lerner certainly was viewed as a positive as we were finally going to have an owner who cared about football. But my enthusiasm for Haslam has been tempered by the hiring of Joe Banner as President & CEO.
Banner has structured the organization in a way that the General Manager will report directly to him as opposed to Haslam. It is clear that Tom Heckert is out as GM and numerous sources are reporting that Mike Lombardi will be named the new GM. Lombardi's track record is horrible and would appear to be the perfect yes man for Bean Counter Banner. With Lombardi as GM, one has to wonder who will be the next head coach. I don't have a problem with Pat Shurmur being let go. Shurmur is not ready to be a head coach and Brad Childress has been a failure as Offensive Coordinator. But questions still remain: who will be the next head coach, will we still have a 4-3 defense, will the West Coast offense be tossed out and will Phil Dawson & Josh Cribbs be back? And probably most importantly, who will be the team's starting quarterback??
Since 1999, this franchise has seen numerous organizational structures, head coaches, general managers and starting quarterbacks. The one constant has been terrible football. Haslam and Company keep on talking about improving the fan experience at the Stadium. Instead of looking at changing the team's iconic uniform, the best way to improve the fan experience is to play winning football. For some reason I have a bad feeling. Storm clouds are on the horizon and how much more can we take in Believeland??
Open Letter To Gary Bettman
Dear Mr. Bettman:
I have followed the NHL for 45 years. Living on the Canadian border in Western New York, watching my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs on Hockey Night In Canada has become a Saturday night tradition. With the NHL Center Ice television package, I now have the ability to watch every single Leaf game. I consider myself a die-hard Leaf fan but even when the Leafs are not playing I love watching an NHL game on Center Ice or NBC. Hockey is my favorite sport and it was my hope that the 2012-2013 season could be saved. However, it appears more likely that this will not happen and that is why I'm asking you to have the courage and come out right now and cancel the season.
You see I don't believe that there is a desire on the part of you and the owners to settle this dispute unless the NHLPA capitulates to your demands. From where I sit, the players have agreed to a 50-50 split. They have acknowledged that there is the need for a limit on the length of contracts and a longer term for the CBA. Yet, you have said that the players must accept your package in total or else no deal. You see Mr. Bettman I agree with Donald Fehr that both sides are close. The problem is that I believe that the goal of the NHL is to bust the union.
To have a position in negotiations of "take it or leave it" is arrogance at the highest level. It only leads me to believe that you want to embarrass Donald Fehr and break the union at the expense of the 2012-2013 season. Negotiations means give and take and I don't believe you are interested in that at all.
Mr. Bettman, your record is that of 3 lockouts, the expansion of franchises in non-traditional hockey markets that are losing money and the loss of ESPN as a television outlet. It is evident that the owners are happy with this record. It is evident that they were satisfied with the cancellation of the 2004-2005 season. So I ask you, why not make it 2 cancellations in your 20 years. That's what you and your bosses want. Put us out of our misery and come out this afternoon and tell us that the 2012-2013 season is cancelled and then you can add to your "stellar" record of relegating the NHL to the laughingstock of professional sports in North American.
Tuesday’s Thoughts (on Wednesday)
While wondering why someone would need to own an assault rifle, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* There was a report in the NY Daily News that the Yankees have inquired about Vernon Wells. Getting Wells would require a trade with the Angels. The Yankees would be looking for the Angels to pay a substantial amount of the outfielder's salary. My question is: what prospect would the Yankees have to give up?
* I am probably one of the biggest hockey fans around and I really could careless if the lockout is ended.
* The two best things that could happen as a result of the lockout are Bettman being replaced as Commissioner and the Florida, Carolina, Nashville, Anaheim, and Phoenix franchises folding. Neither will probably happen.
* The Knicks were slammed by the Houston Rockets for the second time Monday night. It's more and more evident that they need Carmelo Anthony to come back as soon as possible. It will be interesting to see if he plays Thursday against Brooklyn.
* The Browns loss to the Redskins Sunday has probably sealed the fate of Head Coach Pat Shurmur. I have never been sold on Shurmur and I'm not a big Brad Childress fan either. It was evident that Shurmur was out coached by Mike Shanahan.
* I'm also not convinced that Brandon Weeden is the answer at quarterback. I think former Brown wide receiver Reggie Langhorne said it best on Bruce Drennan's "All Bets Are Off" when he said that Weeden doesn't have that WOW factor. I know what he means. I have seen nothing this year to give you the hope that this kid can make plays to win a game for you.
* I wonder how Colt McCoy would fare with better receivers and better running backs around him than he had last year.
* Check out Tony Grossi's post on ESPN Cleveland's website about a possible Joe Banner-Mike Lombardi-Josh McDaniel team in Cleveland.
http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=17&post_id=9761
* Joe Namath was criticized this year for speaking out about the state of his former team, the New York Jets. Well, Broadway Joe was right. The Jets are a joke. I was never sold on Mark Sanchez. People fail to remember that Sanchez only started one year at USC before going into the NFL draft. His confidence is shot and the Jets are stuck with him because of his contract.
* Like him or not, the Jets treatment of Tim Tebow is a disgrace. Here's hoping the kid can go somewhere and be a productive player.
* I always find it amazing when Bills fans and media types go off on the fan response at the Rogers Centre when their team plays there. Quite frankly, if it wasn't for the Toronto games old Ralph probably would have been moving the team a few years ago. The other thing is that from purely an entertainment standpoint, would you get excited watching Ryan Fitzpatrick??
* Chan Gailey should be fired. It is clear that he is clueless as a head coach. The problem is who will come here with any credibility when you have to deal with Buddy "Foghorn Leghorn" Nix and good ole' Ralph.
* When the Bills season mercifully ends, what will the gasbags at WGR 550 have to talk about??
* And finally, whatever happened to the "Tiny Tot of the Kilowatt" Art Wander
Week 15 In NFL Provides Interesting Matchups
As we head toward the end of the NFL season, Week 15 provides some interesting matchups that could give us a clear picture on playoff seedings and who will make it to the Super Bowl Tournament. Let's take a look at what is on tap for us this afternoon:
Indianapolis at Houston: The 9-4 Colts head to Houston to take on the reeling Texans. The Texans are coming off a 42-14 beat down by the Patriots on Monday night. This once proud defense has given up 120 points in their last 4 games. The Colts have a 2 game lead over the Bengals and Steelers in the wild card race. The Texans are smarting and are returning home. Would be shocked if the Texans don't win this one.
Denver at Baltimore: The Broncos are flying high with a 10-3 record as they head into Baltimore to take on the Ravens. The Ravens are on a two game losing streak and are fortunate that the Bengals and Steelers have failed to capitalize on their problems. The Broncos have won 8 in a row. If the Ravens are going to be a factor in the AFC Playoffs they need to start to play better football. A Raven victory would give them the tiebreaker for seeding purposes with the Broncos. Tough to go with Joe Flacco over Peyton Manning. This is going to be a good one to watch.
NY Giants at Atlanta: The Giants roll into the Georgia Dome to take on the NFC leading Falcons. The Falcons are coming off a loss to the Panthers. When you look at the Falcons schedule, the best team they have played was Denver and that was in Week 1. Washington and Dallas are the only other teams with a winning record, each at 7-6. Clearly, the Giants will be the best team they have faced all year. The Giants need a win to maintain their lead in the NFC East. They need this one more than the Falcons.
Green Bay at Chicago: One of the oldest rivalries in all of sports is renewed at Soldier Field this afternoon. These two teams really dislike each other as evidenced by the back in forth comments all week between the players of both teams. The Bears are reeling big time having lost 4 of their last 5 games. Lovie Smith is under fire and a loss today could put the Bears playoff spot in jeopardy. The Packers have won 7 out of their last 8 games. This is a must win for Chicago.
Pittsburgh at Dallas: Both of these teams are 7-6 and fighting for their playoff lives. With Big Ben back last week, the Steelers were embarrassed at home by San Diego. They have lost 3 out of their last 4 games. Dallas has won two in a row and 4 out of their last 5 games. Cincinnati has already won this week so the Steelers need this game to stay tied with their AFC North rival. The Cowboys need a win to stay within striking distance of Chicago and Seattle. Two desperate teams for a win, should be a good one.
San Francisco at New England: The Niners D against the Patriots Offense. This could be a good one. It will be a great test for San Francisco as they head to Foxboro going against a Patriots team that is on a 7 game winning streak. Houston came into Foxboro last week and were spanked and sent home. Will the Niners fold in New England in prime time or will they prove to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender?
It's weeks like this one that makes the Sunday Ticket worth having. Sit back and enjoy.
Just End The Misery Now Bettman
It is more evident to me as each day passes that Emperor Gary Bettman wants to break the NHLPA. A week ago, it appeared that the two sides were close to making a deal. Optimism was running wild as fans believed that the season would start on Christmas Day. Then Thursday hit and the roof caved in. As we have come to find out, the league made an offer to increase the revenue pool, make the term of the CBA ten years and limit the term of contracts to 5 years. The players came back with 8 years for the CBA and 6 years for contract length. Emperor Bettman lost it. You see it was a whole package and if the players didn't accept everything the league offered then there was no deal.
So let me see if I understand this: the parties are good with the revenue share and two years separate them on the term of the CBA and term of individual contracts is separated by a year. If Bettman and the militant hard-line owners really wanted the season to start, this thing could get settled by next week. The reality is that they hate Donald Fehr and they are incensed that the players are standing united.
What really infuriates me is that it was the teams that offered 10 and 12 year contracts to players this past summer. Now they want to blow up these contracts as this is "the hill that we will die on." Fehr was right when he said last Thursday that the parties were close. The Emperor couldn't handle that and lost it. So now he is going to show Fehr and the players who is boss by going to court and filing an unfair labor practice against the players.
Bettman's conduct throughout this has been awful. He has tried to discredit Fehr and it is clear that the little bully can't stand it that Fehr has the stones to stand up to him. Bettman has made this personal and as a result it will be difficult for him to give up anything. As a result, the Emperor needs to have the guts to come before the world and shut down the 2012-2013 season, 8 years after he shut down the 2004-2005 season. It is clear that the Emperor wants to destroy the NHLPA and Fehr. He could careless about the game. If he did we would have a deal. Have some guts Gary and put us all out of our misery.
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