tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While basking in the glow of a Notre Dame victory over USC and a Cleveland Browns win over Pittsburgh, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* The Browns win over Pittsburgh wasn't pretty but it was gratifying in the sense that the Cleveland defense was more physical than the vaunted number one defense in the league. The Browns D line has been playing extremely well, particularly since the return of Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin. These two provide quite a wall in the middle. TJ Ward has been the type of strong safety the Browns have not had since Eric Turner. This kid is a punishing hitter and coupled with cornerback Joe Haden gives the Browns a great foundation for their defensive backfield. Since the Browns have been back they have not had a defense who could punish the other team. With another corner and an OLB who can rush the passer, the Browns D will be a force to be reckoned with for a number of years.

* The Browns offense is another story. No question that Trent Richardson is the real deal and the O-Line is really improved. The wide receivers have improved and the acquisition of Josh Gordon was a good move by GM Tom Heckert. However, the Browns need to strongly consider picking up a veteran receiver to provide leadership and play the slot. The big question for the Browns is at quarterback but what else is new. As with those before him, I want to believe in Brandon Weeden but I'm just not sure he is going to be "the guy."

* The NHL and the NHLPA are bringing a federal mediator in to try to save the season. This whole situation is a disgrace and I don't care what anyone says Gary Bettman is to blame. When will owners of these big market teams have the stones to tell that little weasel that enough is enough. If Bettman wants cost certainty then he needs to stop his incessant desire to expand into non-traditional hockey markets. In fact, maybe he needs the Phoenix Coyotes to either move to Quebec City or to contract. I'll even go one step further, how about contracting the Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators. Not only would there be the elimination of struggling franchises but it would improve the quality of play by reducing the number of marginal players in the NHL.

* Buster Olney is reporting this morning that Andy Petitte will be announcing that he will be coming back to the NY Yankees for the 2013 season. This will certainly solidify the rotation. Now it will be interesting to see what else Mr. Cashman has up his sleeve heading into next week's Winter Meetings.

* I'm not sure what it is about Carmelo Anthony that makes me have a difficult time warming up to him. There is no question he is a superstar but aren't superstars suppose to make the big shot at the end of a game??

* The SEC arrogance and media bias is really annoying. When bowl season begins I always root against them.

* Wouldn't it be something if Georgia knocks off Alabama. I think I would laugh my butt off.

* Does anybody really care that Fireman Ed is giving up his act at Jets games??? I certainly don't and this guy must really be in love with himself. He puts a letter in a local free paper to make his grand announcement?? Really!!! Next Louie Lackwanna will be putting a letter in the Pennysaver saying that he will be turning in his Hank Bullough autographed 1985 Buffalo Bills schedule.

* Was on Twitter during the NFL games on Sunday and was dying laughing seeing Jeremy White's whining tweets. This guy really believes the propaganda that the Bills had a chance to make the playoffs if they beat the Colts. Maybe now White can dedicate his time toward analyzing the cause of the NHL lockout.

* Twitter was also the source of more laughs when a passionate member of the Bills Mafia said that the Bills still could make the playoffs. The sad thing is that this bird brain was serious. Bills fans face reality: You have no quarterback, your coach is terrible, your GM sounds like Foghorn Leghorn and who knows where your owner is. In other words, you're done like dinner!!!

And finally, if there is no NHL season what will the boneheads at GR have to talk about for the next 6 months??