Battle of Ohio this weekend. Browns vs. Bengals. Cleveland has the talent, but played like crap against (better than I thought) the Saints. Leigh Bodden tries to shut down Chad Johnson for a 2nd straight year, but the deciding factor for this game could be if the Browns upgraded run D can stop Rudi Johnson.

the question is can you run the ball? you have to stay commited to the run, last week you didn't

No we didn't and I am a firm believer that Maurice Carthon sucks as an Offensive cordinator. He ran a pitch to the right 3 straight times on third down and didn't get it any of the times. He also took Rueben out on those plays. He doesn't utilize Braylon very well. If Charlie doesn't learn how to get rid of the ball, when a play isn't there, then we are screwed anyway. Yes he can run, but sometimes he needs to know when to throw the ball away. The run game was non-existent in the 2nd half. Penalites came in the most inopportune times, showing lack of discipline.

what's going on with Droughns? he's dissapointing me, I have a great fantasy team with Droughns as like my 5th back. I have no need to use him but during byes I might need someone. right now he's a horrible play. I might drop him soon if he doesn't do something

The offensive line did a good job of protecting Charlie last week, but they simply not opening holes for Rueben. Rueben is also questionable this week, if things don't change before the bye then I would probably drop him if there are better backs available.

Any Browns fans here? What's the thought for the 3rd/4th pick? Adrian Peterson, Joe Thomas, or Alan Branch?

Why not take Brady Quinn in round 1 and grab a RB in round 3, like Chris Henry? Peterson is so fragile I'd hate to get him in round 1 and then have him get hurt.

Thoughts?

I don't think they'll pass on Peterson. Just MO.

i think it will be AP or CJ hopefully they trade down and get more picks so they can get a skills guy, oline, and CB

I completely agree.

I'm a Bills Fan and if Adrian Peterson fell to us at 12 and Marshawn Lynch was still on the Board I would rather take Marshawn Lynch(this is if Patrick Willis is off the Board). Marshawn Lynch is a better all around back, doesn't have injury problems, and doesn't have a ton of miles on the tires.

They should trade up for Russell if CJ is picked by Raiders, if not then pick AP, Joe Thomas, or Brady Quinn.

I just hope they don't draft Brady Quinn. This year is weak in QB's. He would have been the 4th best QB last year and probably the 3rd or 4th best QB next year. With a suspect O-line, a worn out running back, and a defense that has huge holes, Quinn would do nothing. This staff will probably be fired, a new offense the following year, and they will still have the same problems with pass protection and a running game. Can anybody say Tim Couch? You also have to convince me that Brady Quinn is 10 times a better QB than Charlie Fry because they will be paying him 10 times the money. If your not going to take Joe Thomas, which would give you a solid LT for 10 years while allowing Tucker and Schaeffer to battle for RT, than please take Peterson. At least he is a legitimate franchise RB. With Thomas, the new Browns staff (which is going to happen after this season) will be able to come in with Thomas, Steinbach, Fraley, Bentley (assuming another year off will get him healthy), and Tucker/Scheaffer. That is a very good OL. With Edwards and Winslow making plays, maybe drafting a RB like Pittman or Hunt in the 3rd round to go with Lewis (if he has anything left), you will have a chance on offense and you can address the QB position next year. They already dropped the ball by not bringing in Carr or Harrington(not that they are great but they are young, have some talent, and don't cost a lot of money) to compete with Fry, but maybe they can draft Henne or Brohm next year. Even the best QB with no line and no running game is going to fail. Don't kill the franchise again.

I don't buy the Brady Quinn stuff. I think Cleveland is going with Peterson all the way, as they should.

Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn if I had to guess.

LeCharles Bentley has progressed with his rehab to the point he is going to try coming back this pre-season, and expects to start against the Steelers on opening day. This is big news, and good news for Browns fans. Here's the link, in case you missed it.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10242862

Thoughts on the Brownies:

1. Their running game is going to be bruising this year. With Jamal Lewis pounding the ball on 1st and 2nd, and Jason Wright in on 3rd downs, they are going to dominate teams by controlling the ball.

2. Brady Quinn is the starter. Not necessarily based on his performence against the Lions 3rd team defense, but by default because Anderson and Frye are just so terrible. Anderson has 0 awareness, and Frye can't control the intermediate pass down the field.

3. The defense is going to be hurting if Leigh Bodden doesn't recover from this chronic ankle injury. I think he's the heart and soul of the defense, and nobody's had to work harder than him to earn a starting spot.

4. Antuan Peek and Leon Williams are monsters. If they can team up and eat up blockers on the inside, watch out for Kamerion Wimbley to have another sack-happy year.

5. If the QB can manage the 3rd and long situations, they might win their division. I can't see another AFC North team that has such great play on Special teams, and such huge potential on both sides of the ball. Don't sleep on Josh Cribbs, that kid can take one back on any given kick/punt.

5. If the QB can manage the 3rd and long situations, they might win their division. I can't see another AFC North team that has such great play on Special teams, and such huge potential on both sides of the ball. Don't sleep on Josh Cribbs, that kid can take one back on any given kick/punt.

Okay, Adam, what have you been smoking? Win the AFC North? I still see them last in that division, although they very well could be greatly improved if, like you say, the QB play improves. However, barring injury I don't think they'll surpass the Ravens, whom I think are legitimate SB contenders. The Steelers are still a good team, and IMO, still a much better team than Cleveland. To me, the mystery team is Cincy. If they get any kind of defense, their offense can play with anyone. If I were picking a surprise team to make it to the AFC Championship, and perhaps the SB, Cincy could be it. In either case, I think I'd reconsider No. 5 in your list, Adam.

Naah, I have a feeling. It's high time things begin to change in that division. The Ravens, while always having a very respectable defense, lack depth at QB, RB, and WR. They also lost Edwin Mulitalo (Pro Bowl OG) to free agency this year. I think they're close, but still a year or two (and possibly a new QB) away from going all the way.

The Steelers have always had good defense. This year is no exception. However, they lost one of the league's elite defenders in Joey Porter this year. Not to mention Kimo Van Olhoffen is out for the season. Offensively, they lack explosion. Willie Parker showed last year that he can basically carry the load, but he's going to take his dings. With no noteworthy backup to him, and with Roethlisberger's play still in question, I see them as vulnerable.

Cincy is, as you said, soft on defense. They seem to have the secondary working, but morale always seems to be an issue with this team. My man Odell Thurman is going to be missing more time this season due to off-the-field concerns, and they still haven't filled the gap left by Brian Simmons in the middle. The D-line has been okay, but they aren't going to be able to stop the stampede of Jamal Lewis (nothing new there). Offensively, they are amongst the top-tier in the NFL. The passing game doesn't get much better, and that opens up a lot of opportunity for the running game. If they get their defense to hold teams to 17 points or less, they'll make the playoffs just on offensive explosiveness. Although, without good D, no team makes it far into the playoffs.

No, I have to say, I like Cleveland this year. I think it may only be a 1-year window for them to sieze the chance for, because the division will undoutedly be more competitive next season. I expect a slow start for Cleveland, but an extremely consistent finish. Depending on how quick Brady Quinn works out the kinks, I can see them in the Wild Card of the playoffs, possibly with a division title (if they play well against their division).

Adam, not trying to be a ball buster here but Kimo Von Oelhoffen went to the Jets via free agency in the spring of 2006. Brett Keisel took over for him at that position last year and has been more than adequate as his replacement.

lol...damn Dave

My bad, didn't they just have a D-lineman go down, though?

Backup NT Chris Hoke suffered a hyperextended knee in their second preseason game but he should be able to practice again soon. Other than that the D-Line has been healthy so far.

I am not sure losing Porter is that big a deal. It will be interesting to see if he "is what he is," because the Miami D is no slouch, and if he can't fill the spot they got him for, the Steelers will look wise in this move. There are many negative rumblings down here about him.

In Cincy, Hartwell is pushing young Mr. Brooks for the MLB position, which could help solidify the middle of their D, while giving Brooks a chance to catch his breath. They've basically force fed him ever since selecting him in last year's supplemental draft, and his learning has basically been on the fly. To back up, and learn from someone like Hartwell for a year, assuming he's fully recovered from his injury, might just be beneficial to Brooks, because in the long run I do like his talent and upside. MLB isn't their only hole, but plugging it in a reliable way will really help that D...perhaps enough to get them to the dance. They wouldn't be the first team with a great offense, and a so-so D to win a SB...just ask Indy.

I'm not saying Cleveland won't improve, I do like their Oline a lot, with or without Bentley. That OLB, Wimbley they got last year is a comer too. Still, their best hope probably lies with Brady taking over at some point (most are speculating around game 5 or 6), which makes me think they'll be hard pressed and in need of more than a few miracles to win the North.

I see it like this. Brady is going to earn the starting role within the first 3 games. From there, their offense is going to be based on a 65% run ratio between Jamal Lewis and Jason Wright. Between the good old "thunder and lightning" running attack, I put Brady Quinn in a similar situation to what Roethlisberger walked into in Pittsburgh a few years ago. All he has to do is manage the games, and not turn the ball over. But yeah, everything is riding on that young man's performence.

That being said, I'm still going to say that Cleveland will be one of the biggest surprises this year.

lol @ Browns fans and ESPN creaming over Quinn when all but about 4 of his passes were dumpoff screens while the Lions were playing prevent. Any QB higher than the middle school level of football would have put up the same numbers Brady did.

No arguement here.

What you say is true. However, more than one "hot shot" young QB in the past has not fared so well. Let's just say this...he did his job correctly...he did not stink it up...and he has a lot to work on for sure. To say he didn't accomplish anything meaningful because of the situation he found himself thrown into is also absurd, and if you had read the previous posts in their entirety, you would have noticed people acknowledging he played against scrubs in a prevent defense. The fact remains he had a positive performance overall. I'm also quite sure he has yet to digest the entire play book, so this particular situation may have been the perfect opportunity for him to make his debut. I think it's safe to say that neither Brady, nor the Brown's coaching staff are ready to call him the finished product...that won't come for a couple of years at best anyhow.

Sometimes, I just love being me.

Only kidding. I just wanted to post up here to congratulate any and all Browns fans on a well played first half of the season. If the Ravens can upset the Steelers tonight (MNF), then there will be a 3-way tie for first place in the division. I have to hand it to this offense, and especially Derek Anderson. He could very well be the next Drew Brees in the league. He might not be in the plans for Cleveland, but I think he's going to be a pretty solid NFL QB. I remember very well scouting him (back when I was covering the PAC-10) and thinking that he had an absolute cannon for an arm, and good leadership skills. He still has upside, and I think he'll only get better from here. J-Lew has been the bruising back that I'd hoped to see him be in Cleveland, and how about this for a nomination for comeback player of the year:

Kellen Winslow

What a season this young man is having. 9 catches for over 140 yards in Sunday's win. I like where this club is heading, and I am a real believer in their chances to win the division this year.

Ok...While I'll be the first to congratulate the Browns, and say how impressed I am with Derek Anderson and the receiving corps, they are going to find it tough to win this division. They are going to have to beat the Steelers, who I would say are the favorites in the AFC North. However, they can sure challenge for a wildcard, and from there who knows?

The Browns are doing a lot better than I thought they would. I thought they had promise coming into the season, but not like this. The offense is just clicking on all cylinders. 4 TD's from Jamal yesterday, 3 from DA last week. They're finding ways to get into the end zone. We knew Kellen and Braylon were good, but they're making things happen finally. If this is what they can do when they're healthy, imagine when they get to their prime in two-three years.

What happens with DA next year though? I don't think he'll stay, and I think he could be a Bear.

The Bears would be a good destination for him. I'd be willing to bet that they'd give up a 2nd-3rd rounder for DA. They need it, and he's been fantastic, only going to get better with experience. I like the idea especially because it would get DA out of the AFC.

He's a RFA, so he's not going anywhere, unless we trade him. I think he will stay and be a Brown for a long time. Quinn can be had for a 1st though.

Not a chance, the amount of money they have invested in Quinn this early in his contract, they won't pay out a penalty for trading him when they can get good value on a guy who (for all we know) might be having a fluke year. Quinn is the long-term solution, and he's going to be the eventual starter for the team.

I think this deal, if there is to be one, is largely contingent upon the development of Quinn/Anderson. Not to compare Quinn to Heath Shuler, but what if Washington had assumed the Heath was the long-term solution, and cut Frerotte they would have rued that day. Quinn might not be the eventual starter and if that's the case his value may never be higher. I think Quinn will be good but what if Anderson is just better?

I'm glad this has come up, as I think its a really difficult situation for the Browns. Personally, I don't think the Browns should do anything this offseason. I know they don't have a first rounder this year, and so there will be lots of speculation around them trying to get one back, but they need to resist it.

If I were the Browns, I would keep both and let them compete for the starting job in training camp. If DA wins, then they keep Quinn, keep training him up, and if DA is a flash in the pan, and struggles then they have a quality backup ready to go. If Quinn wins out in camp, then you can look to trade DA for a pick in 2009. I know that means they will probably end up with a lower pick than if they traded him during the offseason, but at least they will know they have the right QB giving them the best chance of winning, which has to be utmost in the mind of the Browns.

cjs, you are somewhat familiar with a similar situation with Schaub/Vick, and as unlikely as it could happen, it bit you in the butt. Which is unfortunate, but if anythng it cemented the idea to stay put. The difference is that the guy we would trade is the proven guy. Our situation is more like the Brees/Rivers situation. And they didn't get anything in return for Brees. So it's hard to tell what to do.

Well, Derek is playing as good as any other QB in the NFL right now, at least at home. I think he's the guy you have to stick with, but I fear that perhaps that decision will hamper Brady Quinn's morale, and possibly stunt his development as an NFL QB altogether. I guess what I'm saying is, you don't want to be the Browns and let Quinn turn into another Aaron Rodgers. I might agree with holding onto both of them for 1 more season, but I do believe that DA is going to be in high demand come March. And just because he's an RFA doesn't mean that he can't be signed away for compensation. If the Browns intend to hold him through his RFA year, then they will have to put a 1st round grade on him, which will mean paying him AND Quinn starting QB money. In this day and age of Free Agency and the CBA, that's a tough blow to the salary cap when, honestly, this team still has needs along the offensive and defensive lines.

On a sidenote, I gotta say, I absolutely love what the Browns are doing this year. And every time I see the Lions failing, I look and see the Browns succeeding. I love it. Finally Romeo Crennel can rest easy about keeping his job for another season or two. I hope to see them improve again after this season, and I don't think they'll need a 1st rounder to do it.

Yeah, it is a huge blow, but we have few players to sign this year and the 2nd most cap in the lead with nearly $40 million. Sean Jones is the only stud we need to lock up in the next 2 years. Jamal Lewis and Seth McKinney are our biggest FA's this year.

And if the Browns don't give J-Lew a big fat contract, well, it'll be the 'same old Browns.' I just can't understand why an all-pro RB with lots of tread left on the tires wouldn't be kept on. McKinney is expendable, good offensive guards are about a dime a dozen.

1. I never said I wanted to re-sign J-Lew. And I don't think they will unless the price is right, at the same time, even if they do re-sign him I think they will get someone else as well.

2. McKinney is a good guard, and they aren't as common as you think. If he is one of the good guards like others, then the difference from him and the other good guards is continuity on our OL. We may get Bentley back next year and he could play guard, so McKinney wouldn't be starting. I just don't understand why you would mess with one of the best OL's in the league.

Guard isn't an exclusive position, and there's a good reason for it. You can move any player on the Offensive line to Guard and still have success. It's the easiest position to play, and the only major responsibility is run blocking. Jamal Lewis has (for some unknown reason) become the most underrated RB in the NFL. He alone can get the job done at RB and doesn't need any help. McKinney might be a good player, but short of Alan Faneca or Steve Hutchinson, I wouldn't pay more than 5-mil over 3-4 years to get a starting guard.

There's an arguement to be made about continuity, but if you have that good an offensive line, that makes it easier for a player to adapt to whatever blocking scheme is in place. It's when an offensive line is young or rather untalented that continuity makes the biggest difference.

Browns got screwed yesterday just like the Jets got screwed against the Browns last year in the exact same situation. That's karma for ya...

Yeah, we did get screwed. Last year, yes Sean pushed him out, but I don't remember if he would've actually landed in bounds or not. Apparently you remember better than I do.

I see a potential trap game this week for the Brownies. (Don't know who they are playing in Week 15 so trap game may be the wrong term lol.)

The Jets have been playing better as of late, especially along the defensive line. If they can get some pressure on DA and force some mistakes, the Browns might be at 7-6 when it's over...

Jets can potentially hang with the Browns. I think theres enough playmakers on the Jets to beat them. As good as Braylon is, I think Revis can hang with him. Rhodes can take on Winslow, and Harris can take out Lewis. The amount of pressure the line gets on DA will be the x-factor. Some guys from last year, Coles, Cotchery, Ellis and Rhodes should remember how they got screwed last year and should look to be really physical with the Browns. I do think it'll be a good game and closer than people might think. Aside from the Cowboys game, the Jets have had some fight in them over the past month.

I'm sorry, but no one can hang with Winslow one on one. Week 15 we either play the Bengals or Niners. If the Jets DL is improved it should be a good one, because not even the Steelers have gotten a lot of pressure on DA. It looks like we will miss Eric Wright for another game it's a tough blow.

Pittsburgh is reeling after their spanking by the Jags, and finishes with two road games, while the Brownies finish with a road game at Cincy, and a home game against the 49ers. The Browns may just win this division, with a little help from either St. Louis, whose offense my cause problems for the Steelers, or Baltimore, who despite their loss to Miami always plays the Steelers tough. This is going to be a very interesting finish I think, and I am glad for the fans of Cleveland to finally get a winner to root for after the move Modell pulled on you guys. It's also nice to see Crennel (sp?) putting it together, now that his players are finally healthy. Now, if he can only draft some defense, and their front office makes a wise decision, and the right decision on their QB situation.

The front office will have to have an open mind about this, high draft status should not determine who gets the "annointing oils" you have to break down the tape on both guys bring in outside experts if you must but don't dump DA just because of the money you have tied up in Quinn, too many teams have made that mistake. I don't think Quinn's a bust, but how long before he's as good as what you have now? Do want to take any steps back at this point?

I said last year that I firmly believe that Brady Quinn will be the best QB in this draft class, and possibly one of the few star QBs in the league in a few years time. There's no way you can call him a bust yet. On the other hand, you can't drop DA as he's shown he's up to the job. I think the Browns will end up having to trade Quinn...the question is will it be this offseason, next, or maybe even later? And when is the best time to get his full value?

Brady Quinn make his NFL debut today, playing one series and going 3-8 for 45 yards, but Winslow did drop a sure TD pass on him.

Sorry Browns, but ur dream season has just come to an end.