Leafs/Sabres Tonight
The Toronto Maple Leafs have an opportunity to go into Christmas feeling good about themselves as they face-off tonight against the Buffalo Sabres at the Air Canada Centre. Last Friday, the Leafs couldn't stay out of the penalty box as the Sabres held on to win a wild 5-4 decision. In the team's recent slide, the Leafs have taken way too many penalties and their inability to kill them off has meant trouble for Ron Wilson's squad. The Leafs are hoping that the call-up of Darryl Boyce will bolster the PK unit.
The Leafs have also called up Nazem Kadri for tonight's game. Kadri was the 7th pick overall in the 2009 NHL Draft and Brian Burke's first draft pick as Leaf General Manager. He is an extremely talented player offensively but the Leafs have been concerned about his play in the Leafs' own end of the rink. All reports indicate that Kadri has improved immensely. He was named AHL Player of the Month for November (2nd Marlie to receive that honor this year as Joe Colborne was October's Player of the Month). Tonight, he will be on a line with Tim Connolly and Clarke Mac Arthur. This should be an opportunity for this young offensively gifted forward to shine. If he is able to contribute, the Leafs suddenly would have three legitimate scoring lines.
Both teams are struggling heading into this game. The Sabres have not played well and the fans are getting restless. Their veterans are not performing and the big free agent acquisitions of Ville Leino and Christian Ehroff are not having the impact that was thought. In fact, Leino has been a total non-factor. Both clubs have sustained injuries and have had to rely on youngsters to fill in. And both of them suddenly find themselves in the middle of a bunched up Eastern Conference where only 4 points separate sixth place New Jersey and 12th place Montreal.
This game is a big one. After tonight the Leafs head to Long Island for a game against the Islanders before the Christmas break. A two game winning streak would certainly be a nice Christmas present for Leafs Nation. It would also help to keep the Leafs inside that 8th and final playoff spot. A loss tonight and tomorrow would certainly be cause for concern and probably precipitate a move to be made by Burke. However, with Burke's history it seems that the Leafs will make a move regardless.
The puck drops tonight at 7pm and those of us with DirecTv in WNY will have to deal with the Pork Chop.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering what it must be like to make a $10,000 bet on national TV and not lose any sleep over it, here's what is on my mind this morning:
* The Toronto Maple Leafs were lucky to get a point last night in a 3-2 shootout loss to the L.A. Kings. The second period was one of the worst periods that the Leafs have played all year. If it were not for James Reimer, the Leafs would have been blown out. An extremely disappointing effort from a team that needed a win badly. It appears to me that the current team will not be together as we get closer to the trade deadline as it has to be apparent that the Leafs will need help in order to make the playoffs.
* Reimer's performance last night was his best since coming back from his injury and should put to bed all the talk about a goalie controversy in Toronto.
* Brian Burke needs to back off any contract extension for Ron Wilson. He has waited this long and it would seem he can wait until April. If the Leafs make the playoffs, Wilson gets his extension. If they don't, it's time for a change.
* If you want to know why I hate Buffalo sports teams and in this case the Sabres, here is a clip that was in the Buffalo News by some character by the name of Budd Bailey. It was under a column called FiveSpot that is supposed to be funny. In the column, there was a quote from an ESPN announcer blasting teams that took bowl invitations with a 6-6 record. The quote was, "In the real world you don't really get rewarded for mediocrity." Bailey then says, "That's true unless you are making millions to play for the Maple Leafs." Really, Budd. Have you heard of Ville Leino??? How about Druuuuuuw Stafford??? Derek Roy??? And how about your decreipt football team. Ryan Fitzpatrick = Millions, Mediocrity. You are a joke Bailey!!
* Last week Mike Holmgren addressed the media in regard to the Colt McCoy hit. I was so enraged I wanted to spit. First, Holmgren had the nerve to try to sell that no one on the sidelines or up in the booth saw the hit. Really, Mike??? Second, he emphatically said that Pat Shurmur was going to be in Cleveland for a long time. And finally, he gave this warning that you are basically with us or against us and that we Browns fans need to have faith in the direction they are going. How dare you, Holmgren!!! Have faith in a team that is regressing?? Have faith in a head coach who is in over his head??? Have faith in a team that refuses to infuse talent through the free agent market??? Have faith in a team that has just posted its 10th season of double digit losses in 13 years. Mike, you have to earn our trust.
* I saw Pat Shurmur's press conference yesterday and this guy makes Eric Mangini look like Mr. Personality.
* Mike Francesa yesterday was great. He lambasted the NFL for the lack of discipline that is rampant around the league. He was particularly talking about the ridiculous me first attitude that is exhibited by many players as evidenced by the celebrations after a tackle, sack or touchdown. These celebrations are even more ridiculous when your team is getting buried as was the case Sunday when Santonio Homes decided to mock the Philadelphia Eagles even though his team was losing 28-13. Holmes' stupidity led to a 15 yard penalty for taunting. I am with you Mike. It is one of the reasons why I am disgusted with the NFL.
* Has anyone wondered why the A's would want to get rid of a 26 year old left handed pitcher??
* The Texas Rangers won the bidding to have the right to try to sign Yu Darvish. The winning bid was for over $50 million. If the Rangers sign Darvish and then get Prince Fielder, they will have matched the Angels' signings of Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson.
* Meanwhile, the Yankees have been comatose. Don't see Brian Cashman doing a thing. Question for Yankee fans: Can this team win a 2012 playoff series with the current roster???
* It will be interesting to see what happens with Ryan Braun's appeal. I have to tell you I was shocked when I heard that Braun tested positive for an illegal substance. Once again, I have to ask the question: what did the Milwaukee Brewers and Major League Baseball know prior to the test?? In addition, aren't these tests suppose to be confidential?? What if Braun wins his appeal?? Another tribute to the bumbling Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig.
* I don't understand why Barry Bonds is appealing his sentence. My understanding is he is getting house arrest and community service. The whole Bonds situation is a joke. Barry, just move on with your life. You beat the feds now just move on.
* After week seven in the NFL, Gasbag Howard Simon was talking playoffs. Ryan Fitzpatrick was good enough to lead his team into the playoffs. Chan Gailey was a genius. The possibilities were endless. Boy, how a 7 game losing streak changes all of that. Simon wants to run Fitzmagic (or is that Fitznightmare) out of town. What's even more funny is how the Gasbag and his sidekick, Jeremy White, have done a 180 on CJ Spiller. Back in early November, this tag-team was listing Spiller as another terrible first round draft pick by the Bills. Now, he is the real deal. These guys are real beauties.
* If WGR550 was a real sports radio station, they would be turning the heat up on Ralph Wilson. This team is a disgrace and Wilson is making a ton of money while always doing just enough to get all of the Chesters and Louies jacked up in September only to be let down in November. Instead of being objective early in the season, the dopes at GR play right into the Wilson PR machine and Billy Blasdell and Arnie Amherst go all out for a big season only to be slapped down. It's like a continual bad story.
* Have to laugh at know-it-all Jeremy White. Earlier in the season, he was extolling the virtues of Jonas Enroth. His tune has changed since Enroth has not been playing that well. But White goes further blaming both goaltenders. Earth to White: goaltending is not the problem. It might be that the Sabre stars are not performing.
* And finally, what the hell is the Bills Mafia???
Leafs Need A Win Tonight
The Maple Leafs have had a lost weekend. The sad thing is they could have won both games. As it stands right now, they find themselves one point ahead of ninth place Winnipeg and Ottawa. However, the Leafs find themselves 2 points out of 6th place. So while its not time to panic, the Leafs need to get back to winning. Tonight they face off against the Los Angeles Kings, a team that the Leafs can beat but it won't be easy.
It's being reported that Ron Wilson will be shaking lines up, placing Tim Connolly with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Tyler Bozak will center a line with Matt Frattin and Joey Crabb while Clarke Mac Arthur will be reunited with Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski. The Grabovski line needs to get going. One thing we haven't heard is if their will be any changes with the defense corp. I'm very high on Jake Gardiner but he did not play well over the weekend and it may do him some good to have a game or two off. Keith Aulie would certainly fill in quite well.
Last year at this time the Leafs were 12-16-4 for 28 points. This year, having played the same amount of games, they find themselves 16-13-3 for 35 points. Improvement = Yes. But, the playoffs are not a given. Hopefully tonight they will be able to get a much needed 2 points heading into to a big game on Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres. The puck drop tonight is 7pm at the ACC.
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NFL Picks will resume this Friday. Tomorrow's Tuesdays Thoughts will be loaded as I will comment on the Leafs game against the Kings, Mike Holmgren's press conference from last week, Ryan Braun, Barry Bonds, the Buffalo Bills, NFL results and some Yankee stuff. Make sure you check it out
Leafs Gut Out 2-1 OT Win
The Toronto Maple Leafs totally dominated the game last night against the Carolina Hurricanes. But after 60 minutes they found themselves tied 1-1. Not getting two points at home against the East's worst team would have been demoralizing. But the Leafs were not to be denied as Tim Connolly scored his second goal of the night as the Maple Leafs defeated the Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime. Both of Connolly's goals were a result of the veteran free-agent acquistion's willingness to drive toward the net. His first goal was a beautiful deflection off a shot by Clarke MacArthur. The winner was a result of a Joffrey Lupul going toward the net poking a puck at Cam Ward. The puck escaped Ward and Connolly followed the play in toward the net and tapped it in easily giving the Leafs a much needed win.
Cam Ward had a great game bouncing back from a rough week but the Leafs also helped out by not having any traffic in front of him. The third period the Leafs seemed to pick up their game as far as making things tough for Ward. At the other end of the ice, James Reimer did not have a lot of work but made saves when he needed to. Alexi Ponikarovsky's power play goal that tied the game was not Reimer's fault as Jake Gardiner failed to tie up the big former Leaf. Ponikarovsky's inability to tie up Connolly in overtime resulted in the game winner.
The Leaf special teams once again failed them. The power play, which was impressive several games ago, was 0-3 last night and is 1-15. The Leafs penalty killing once again allowed a goal which tied the game late in the third period. I believe that the Leaf special team units need to work harder and and pay the price. On the power play that means going to the net. Other than Phil Kessel, I don't see anyone who is willing to take the puck to the net off the half boards. That creates space which can result in a good scoring chance. On the penalty kill, Gardiner's play last night typifies the problem: the Leafs need to be more aggressive. There is no way Ponikarovsky should have been allowed to get his stick on the puck. It wasn't like Gardiner was out of position. He just didn't do enough to tie the former Leaf up. On the penalty kill, the Leafs need to play like its the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals and you are up by a goal. It has to be balls to the wall.
3 out of the next 4 games for the Leafs are at home. The lone road game is against the Sabres on Friday. That will be a tough one. Then 3 games at home against Vancouver, Los Angelos and Buffalo before the Christmas break. 6 out of 8 points would be great. It's possible but the Leafs must be willing to pay the price. On Friday in a place where they have historically had problems will find out how willing they are to do that.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering if any of the remaining Buffalo Bills games will be sold out, here's what is on my mind this morning:
* The Toronto Maple Leafs will try to snap a two game losing streak when they take on the struggling Carolina Hurricanes tonight at the ACC. Had to laugh yesterday listening to Toronto sports radio as the big issues were: should Jonas Gustavsson replace James Reimer in goal and is it panic time for Leaf fans. As far as the first issue goes, Reimer is the Leafs starting goaltender. Are you going to blame Reimer for taking 6 penalties against the Washington Capitals??? I can't recall since Reimer's return a weak goal being allowed. It is ridiculous to believe that this kid was going to be in mid-season shape after having been out since October 22. Reimer is your guy and Gustavsson will certainly be in the nets over the weekend since the Leafs have back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday. With respect to the second issue, I'm not panicking yet. I think it is unrealistic to have thought that the Leafs were going to be a top 4 team in the Easstern Conference. They will be in a fight to land somewhere between 6th and 8th. They also are getting players back from injury so chemistry needs to be developed. However, the Leafs need to establish a better record at home. They have not played well recently at the Air Canada Center. With a number of home games coming up, it is imperative that they get things going on home ice. Tonight is a game that they need to win with tough contests coming up against the Sabres and Canucks on the weekend.
* The NFL today may rule on a suspension for James Harrison as a result of his hit on Colt McCoy Thursday night. My opinion is that Harrison should be fined and suspended. Having watched the hit over 10 times in slow motion, Harrison led with his head and McCoy was in a defenseless position. This was not similar to the hit Harrison made on Joshua Cribbs last year as Cribbs was not in a defenseless position as a runner. But along with Harrison, the Cleveland Browns should be fined for not following established league protocols. Along with that, the hit on McCoy should lead the NFL to adopt a policy that makes it mandatory for a player to be evaluated immediately by an independent physician after a hit to the head. The evaluation should be done off the field. This is similar to what is done in the NHL. If Commissioner Goodell is serious about player safety then this type of policy needs to be established and implemented immdeiately and the Players Union should be pushing for it.
* Where is Mike Holmgren??? With the organization he heads being questioned about its actions involving McCoy we have heard nothing from Holmgren. Just another reason for me to begin to doubt whether this guy can lead the Browns back to respectability.
* Listened to Cleveland Browns Daily that is hosted by Vic Carucci and he had on as a guest Michael Reghi who is a Cleveland sportscaster. Reghi was telling Browns fans that they need to be patient because Holmgren and Tom Heckert inherited a team that was old and devoid of talent. Well, I'm not going to dispute that. But what I take issue with is Reghi's call for fans to be patient. Are you kidding me???? 12 years with one playoff appearance and only 2 winning seasons in those 12 years!! My problem is that Holmgren and Heckert are selling that you have to build through the draft. But the Browns are so lacking in playmakers that they must augment these draft picks with free agents. Without the signing of quality free agents, we are looking at a 5 year rebuilding plan. 5 years from today!!!!!
* It was 47 years ago yesterday that the Browns clinched the Eastern Division title with a 52-20 rout of the New York Giants on a Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. I remember it like it was yesterday. Two weeks later they would go on to upset the favored Baltimore Colts 27-0 to win their last NFL Championship.
* Todd Haley and Tony Sparano were fired yesterday as was Terry Murray the head coach of the LA Kings. I have a feeling their may be more firings in the NFL as one has to wonder how long Steve Spagnulo can last along with wondering about the job status of Raheem Morris. In the NHL, you have to wonder about Jack Capuano with the Islanders.
* One NHL city where there should be some question of coaching competency is Buffalo. Lindy Ruff is one of the longest tenured coaches in the NHL. The Sabres are playing like a listless hockey club and Ruff doesn't seem to have any answers. It could be that Ruff's act has gone stale with many of the veterans. The problem is that as long as Darcy Reiger is in charge Ruff isn't going anywhere. Maybe both should go. If Mr. Pegula is serious about winning a Stanley Cup, these two must be shown the door.
* Interesting how I haven't heard the radio loudmouths on WGR550 clamoring for Jonas Enroth anymore. Prior to Ryan Miller's injury, there was all kinds of calls for Enroth to play more games with Jeremy White saying that goaltending doesn't matter. Well, Enroth is what we thought he is: a good back-up to Ryan Miller. His comments after the Ranger game were disturbing and if they were made by Miller they would have been considered selfish.
* The announcement that Sidney Crosby will have to sit out games due to concussion like symptoms is really unfortunate. Crosby is the best player in the game and its a shame that he may be out for awhile. You have to wonder if this kid is heading down the path of Eric Lindros.
* It's been reported in both NY dailies that the Yankees will bid on Yu Darvish but they will not go all out to get him. It is reported that the posting fee and contract for Darvish will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $125 million. The Yankees are reported to make an offer that will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $60-80 million. Not sure what Brian Cashman is doing. Maybe he's going to go the low end route and sign Joe Saunders who has been non-tenered by the Diamondbacks. I'm going to say one last time: I don't think Cashman is going to do anything. Hopefully, I am wrong.
* Had WGR550 on yesterday morning and it was typical GR. Not sure if its Jeremy White who does the sports updates but whoever it was led off the spot by saying that the Bills lost to the lowly Chargers. Really??? Look who is calling the kettle black. Maybe the better description would be the under-achieving Chargers. Would you rather have Philip Rivers or Ryan Fitzpatrick?? How about Scott Chandler or Antonio Gates??? Stevie Johnson or Vincent Jackson??
* I was laughing out loud listening to White and Howard Simon lamenting about the success of Aaron Maybin. They were questioning the Bills coaches for not getting the most out of its players and that they were tired of fans saying that if the Bills had Tom Brady he would be nothing because Brady has more weapons in New England. First of all, Simon has been bashing Maybin for years. If he is such a football wizard, why wasn't he saying that the Bills coaches weren't utilizing him better when he was here??? Instead he was blasting the general manager who selected him. With respect to their criticism of the fans, what do you expect from people who spend their hard earned money to go see a team that these losers on GR build up in July, August and September instead of being honest about the team's prospects. Simon had these guys in the playoffs after 6 games. They overrated the team's start. They didn't acknowledge the fact that they were living off turnovers. They weren't dominating teams. Now they cry and lament and blast the fans.
* I like Rob Gronkowski. The tight end position is my favorite in football. Guys with size who can run. Gronkowski is having a great season and I'm happy for him as he is from WNY. But, proclaiming that he is going to the Hall of Fame?? Well, that's what White blasted off on Twitter on Sunday and repeated yesterday on the radio. And you want to know why White is such a joke.
* Finally, this week my NFL Picks will be made on Wednesday as I will not be posting after Wednesday until Monday December 19th. Tomorrow, recap of Leafs-Hurricane game.
Sorry To Say But Browns Need A QB!!
With the Browns not playing yesterday, I had the opportunity to follow games on DirecTV's Red Zone Channel. It's probably the best thing about the NFL's Sunday Ticket. I found myself paying attention to young QB's namely Andy Dalton, TJ Yates, Cam Newton, Christian Ponder and Jake Locker and it hit me: the Browns need to draft a quarterback.
I have wanted to believe that Colt McCoy was the guy that would lead the Browns to a championship. But after watching these other young QBs and comparing them to McCoy one thing was clear to me: these other young QBs can make plays to move their teams, I don't see that from Colt. All of the guys that I've mentioned can throw the ball long down the field. They can keep the defenses honest. The same can't be said for McCoy.
All of these young quarterbacks give their fans hope for the future and while they all did not win yesterday they were exciting to watch. Unfortunately for the Browns they will need to draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft. Depending upon where they ultimately finish, the Browns could possibly get a quarterback with their first pick in the first round. They could also package their two first round picks and trade with Indianapolis to get the first pick overall and select Andrew Luck. The Colts may be willing to do that if Peyton Manning is ready to play next year. As was reported on the CBS pre-game show, the Colts are concerned about how things would work if Manning is ready to play and they draft Luck. It's felt that Manning would not be a good mentor.
Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert need to understand that the fans of this downtrodden team cannot wait for a five year rebuild. We've been rebuilding for 12 years. They will need to score on their draft picks and need to sign free agents and I'm not talking about middling players. I'm talking about game changers. All we are looking for is some signs of hope that things are improving. Otherwise, we can be looking at another long five years ahead.
Browns Make A Mistake With McCoy
By now everyone knows about the hit by James Harrison on Colt McCoy that occurred Thursday night at Heinz Field. Whether the hit should result in a fine and suspension is up to the NFL. Over the course of the last several days there have been differing opinions about what should happen to Harrison. But as a Browns fan, my issue is with whether or not Colt McCoy should have been allowed back in the game.
The Browns contend that they performed testing which resulted in the team allowing McCoy back in the game after 2 plays. Are you kidding me??? Having seen the hit a number of times and McCoy's reaction immediately after the hit, it would not have surprised me that he had a concussion. McCoy's father, who is a high school football coach, said that based upon how his son's body was so rigid after the hit was an indication of a concussion.
If we are to accept the Browns contention that McCoy did not exhibit concussion like symptoms immediately after the hit, then how come he exhibited them after the game??? How come the press corp was told to dim their lights before McCoy came in for his post game press conference??? Unfortunately, I don't buy the Browns explanation. I don't buy the Browns story that they completed concussion symptom testing on McCoy in 2 plays.
The NHL has put a big emphasis on concussions since Sidney Crosby was knocked out for an extended period of time. They have instituted a policy that if a player takes a blow to the head that player must be sent to the locker room for an evaluation. If the player does not pass the evaluation they are not allowed back in the game. The same type of policy needs to be enacted in the NFL. McCoy should not have been allowed back in the game. He says he doesn't remember anything that happened after the hit other than the fact that he knew he cost the team the game.
The Browns risked this kid's health and in the process lost a chance to beat a division rival. The game is not as important as McCoy's well-being. For a team that has had issues with player health (LeCharles Bentley, staph infections, the Hillis situation), this is the worst yet. The truth will come out and when it does someone needs to be held accountable and the team needs to be fined substantially. This whole thing makes me sick and is another example of an organization which just doesn't get it.
Week 14 NFL Picks
Last week was a mediocre week as I went 2-2 bringing my overall record to 24-19. Over the last 9 weeks my record is 20-9. Here's hoping for a better week.
*Cincinnati (-3) over Houston: The Bengals are in a must win situation here. A loss would put them at 7-6 and a Jets and/or Titans victory would put the Bengals one game out of a playoff spot. They are at home playing a Houston team without their starting quarterback, their second string quarterback and their star wide receiver. The Texans have a two game lead over the Titans. This game is more important for the Bengals and they are at home. Cincinnati 20 Houston 14.
*Atlanta (-3) over Carolina: I swore I would never pick the Falcons again but this game is huge for them and their playoff chances. They are fighting with the Bears and the Lions for wild card spots. A Falcon loss and the other two teams winning would put the Falcons a game behind. Keep in mind, the Bears hold the tie breaker over the Falcons having defeated them on opening day. The Panthers will not go down easy but this is a huge game for Atlanta. Atlanta 27 Carolina 21.
*New York Giants (+3 1/2) over Dallas: For the G-men this is do or die. A loss and they can kiss their playoff chances good-bye and it probably means that Tom Coughlin will be out as Head Coach at the end of the season. They have lost 4 in a row, including a gut-wrencing loss last week at home against Green Bay. The Cowboys had a chance to take a two game lead over the Giants but dropped a game they should have won in Arizona. Both of these teams are inconsistent. But I'm going with the team that needs it more. New York Giants 30 Dallas 28.
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Tomorrow my thoughts on the Browns and their handling of Colt McCoy after being hit by James Harrison
Dumb Penalties Lead To 4-2 Leafs Loss
The Washington Capitals had 6 power play opportunities and connected on four of the them to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 in the nation's capital. The Leaf penalty killing unit was terrible last night however what was worse was the undisciplined penalties that the Leafs took particularly Joey Crabb. With the Leafs 39 seconds away from killing a Colby Armstrong penalty, Crabb took an unnecessary boarding penalty resulting in a 5 on 3 power play for the Capitals. James Reimer made a great save with the paddle of his stick but the puck bounced up and hit the knob of his stick and went into the net giving the Capitals a 3-1 lead.
The Leafs fought back and Cody Franson brought the Leafs within a goal with a shot from the point on a good play from Nikolai Kulemin with a little over 6 minutes left in the game. The Leafs took the play to the Capitals and you had a feeling that they might be able to tie the game. Then Joey Crabb doesn't control his stick and clips John Carlson with about 2:15 left in the game killing whatever chance the Leafs may have had to tie the game. The Capitals once again scored as Dennis Wideman notched his third goal of the game.
The talking heads and media scribes are pointing out that the Leafs have now lost 4 out of their last 5 games but its not time to panic. If you look at the 2 losses to Boston, the overtime loss to New Jersey and last night, the Leafs were competitive and in some instances the better team when 5 on 5. But penalties are a killer and last night was inexcusable.
Some may start to clamor for Jonas Gustavsson to go back into the nets but Reimer was not the reason for the Leaf loss. He made some big saves to keep his team in the game. Goaltending is not the problem. Penalty killing and lack of secondary scoring are the problems. Hopefully, the current lineup can stay intact for awhile because there needs to be some chemistry developed. The Grabovski-Kulemin-MacArthur line looked good last night and had some chances. However, Coach Ron Wilson is right: they need to start shooting more. There was a point in the third period where the line had the puck in the Washington zone for over a minute but didn't get a shot on goal.
The Leafs are off until Tuesday when they take on the Carolina Hurricanes at the ACC. The puck drop is at 7pm.
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Later today my weekly NFL Picks and tomorrow my comments on the Colt McCoy hit.
Browns Respectable, But Lose 14-3
The Cleveland Browns were not embarassed on national TV. They had chances to pull off a huge upset but unfortunately it was not to be as Ben Roethlisberger pulled a Lazarus-act, rising from what looked like a severe injury, to lead the Steelers to a 14-3 win over the Browns. There were many opportunities for the Browns to win this game. In the first half, the Browns had numerous great drive starts only to have punter Brad Maynard continue to hem the Steelers deep in their own zone.
In looking at the game several things stand out. First, it is clear that the defense gave the Browns a chance to win. They forced 3 turnovers and made a tremendous goal line stand in the 4th quarter. I thought that the Steelers should have gone for a field goal there but they didn't and you had a feeling that something special was going to happen here.
Secondly, while watching the game I was on a roller coaster ride in evaluating Colt McCoy. At times he looked good, making good reads and moving out of the pocket to avoid a sack. There were the continued drops by Greg Little and you had to think that if McCoy had some quality receivers things would be different. But then you had the interceptions with the biggest one being made by William Gay in the end zone late in the 4th quarter after a Mike Adams interception gave the Browns great field position. McCoy admitted that he under threw the pass and did not give Massaquoi an opportunity to catch the ball. This was not the only time McCoy has under thrown a receiver and once again calls into question his arm strength.
Third, once again I find myself questioning decisions made by Head Coach Pat Shurmur. On the opening drive, the Browns methodically moved down the field setting up first and goal from the 3 yard line. After Colt McCoy was stoped at the one foot line, the Browns ran an off tackle play with Peyton Hillis that resulted in a 2 yard loss. It was a terrible play call as tight end Alex Smith was blown up by a Steeler defender. If Alex Smith is one of your blocking tight ends then you are in serious trouble. But then, Shurmur decides to kick a field goal. Why??? Well, in his press conference, Shurmur said that it was early in the game and he felt they needed to put points on the board. Nonsense!!! Your team is 4-8. You have a chance to send a message to the Steelers. You have a chance to let your offense build up some confidence. Instead you meekly kick a field goal and once again the Browns don't get in the end zone.
The other questionable decision was putting Colt McCoy back in the game after the cheap shot he endured from James Harrison. Seneca Wallace came into the game and threw a nice pass to Evan Moore that gave the Browns a first and goal from the 5 yard line. It was at that point that McCoy was sent back into the game. An intentional grounding call and then the fateful interception that ended the game. You have to wonder where McCoy's head was when he was sent back in. He said he doesn't remember the Harrison hit. Wallace looked crisp when he was sent in. Maybe Shurmur didn't want to start a quarterback controversy if Wallace led the Browns in the end zone. But that's faulty logic since the season is over and we know what Wallace can do. This should have been about winning the game against a division opponent.
If this game shows us anything it's that this league is a quarterback league. When Charlie Batch was brought into the game, the Steelers could do nothing. But a one-legged Ben Roethlisberger was able to pull out a win. Roethlisberger, even on one leg, made plays. Unfortunately, Colt McCoy could not make plays to win this game for the Browns. He had chances but couldn't capitalize. The hard question is whether McCoy's inability to lead his team into the end zone is a function of the players around him or his lack of ability to be a top flight quarterback in the NFL. Unfortunately, it might be a little bit of both and if that is case the road to respectability is even longer than we thought.
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