Quantcast
Channel: Cleveland Sports News
Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live

Cleveland Browns fall, 27-11, to Pittsburgh Steelers: 2013 NFL Megablog

November 24, 2013, 2:32 pm
$
0
0

Keep up to date with instant news and analysis from today's game between the Browns and Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Do they get it?

That was the question we asked at high noon today. As it turned out, it really doesn't matter if you don't have a reliable offense.

Jason Campbell reinjured his ribs in the second quarter and left for good in the third with a concussion. But the Browns couldn't move the ball with either Campbell or Brandon Weeden in a 27-11 loss that ended their faint hopes for a meaningful December in the playoff hunt -- and left the open question of whether there are any more victories remaining in a season that has been a roller coaster of intrigue and disappointment.

So welcome to today's Megablog in the early-winter chill of Lake Erie, otherwise known as "are the Browns really going to give fans a reason for Thanksgiving this week?"

As always, we had the latest from the stadium throughout today's game, with reports from reporters and columnists from cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, as well as observations from national voices. You're always welcome to offer your impressions in the comments below, as well as in our pre-game, halftime and post-game post.

5 p.m.: So the blog wraps up with this comment from Weeden, asked about the reaction from the stands when he entered in the third quarter.

"They weren't booing when I threw that touchdown pass."

Weren't much cheering, either, since most were in the Muni Lot or headed back home.

We'll be back next week for the peaking Jags as they visit FirstEnergy Stadium. It's win then -- or that first-round draft pick might be getting a lot better than anyone in Berea might have imagined a few weeks ago.

4:51 p.m.: Brandon Weeden says he hopes Jason Campbell gets back soon, "we're all in this together." But admits he would look forward to getting more reps next week. "I've never been in a situation like this (with so many QBs getting hurt), but this is the National Football League, and you've got to be ready."

On his pick-six, he was looking for Gordon, switched to Cameron and never saw William Gay in the way.

4:45 p.m.: A soft-spoken Josh Gordon on his 14-catch, 237-yard performance.

"We didn't win ... it's all for nothing."

4:42 p.m.: From Branson Wright's Quick Slants ...

"Big-time teams don't consistently make critical mistakes. Trailing 10-3, and driving, running back Chris Ogbonnaya fumbled late in the second quarter. It was Ogobnnaya's second fumble in his last two games. The Steelers recovered and converted the mistake into a field goal for a 13-3 lead.

"That was the first buzz kill. The second momentum killer arrived midway in the third when quarterback Jason Campbell, who improved from his play last week, fumbled when sacked and the Steelers converted that mistake into a TD for a commanding lead.

"So now is the time to end dreams of a postseason berth. We're only six months away from the NFL Draft."

4:34 p.m.: Chud: "The future is going to be bright. ... We're going to take that step. ... I firmly believe that."

Asked if the Browns just aren't ready to win meaningful games, Chudzinski concedes "the results haven't been what we want."

4:32 p.m.: Rob Chudzinski says his team "will bounce back," with "opportunities" to still play. Says he complained to the officials, who didn't feel that Jason Campbell was hit in the head on the play that knocked him out with a concussion.

Team will look at other quarterbacks starting on Monday.

Chudzinski says that Campbell never said that his ribs were a problem, but that he "would look at the tape." That does of course, beg the question ... wouldn't the tape say he had bad ribs last week?

"Whoever the quarterback is next week, we'll get him ready to play. The guys will rally behind him, and we'll go out and play."

4:20 p.m.: The early tale of the game, from Mary Kay Cabot.

"The Browns have now lost five of their last six games and stop the folly of playoff talk. They also fell to 5-24 against the Steelers in the regular season since 1999.

"With Campbell in the locker room, Brandon Weeden was strip-sacked and threw a pick-six by cornerback William Gay in the fourth quarter. He completed 13 of 30 attempts for 209 yards. He threw for one touchdown and one interception, which was returned for a touchdown."

4:17 p.m.: Gordon finishes the day with a team record 237 receiving yards, surpassing Ozzie Newsome, and tied Newsome's Browns record of 14 receptions.

Final: Steelers 27, Browns 11

4:10 p.m.: After an Al Woods sack of Weeden, a short pass to Bess on fourth-and-18 is only 12 yards short of the first down. Steelers run out the clock.

Steelers 27, Browns 11; 1:57 left in fourth quarter

4:06 p.m.: A 13th catch for Gordon gives the Browns a first down at their 23.

Donovan jokes that he'll have more people at his Thanksgiving dinner than are left in the stadium. Then again, his guests probably won't have to see Fozzy Whittaker miss two catchable balls. Gordon gets 12 more yards and another first down. Weeden scrambles for no gain at the two-minute warning.

4:01 p.m.: As Steelers work on the clock -- and the Browns burn their timeouts -- Donovan is pondering who the Browns might pick up as backup QB help. He notes that Matt Flynn isn't available.

According to thesidelinereview.com, here's the top of the list: Vince Young, Matt Leinart, Tyler Thigpen, Byron Leftwich, David Carr, Tim Tebow, Trent Edwards.

Steelers punt, Browns start at their 2.

Steelers 27, Browns 11; 3:13 left in fourth quarter

3:55 p.m.: Weeden hits Gordon three times on a meaningless drive that reaches the Steelers 2. Cameron can't grab the ball on a dive -- it barely eludes his grasp. Finally, Weeden finds Gordon for the touchdown. All 79 yards of the drive is Gordon's -- who has never had a shorter TD grab. Weeden hits Bess for a two-point conversion.

Actually, 12 catches for 204.

Dwyer recovers the Browns' onside kick.

3:49 p.m.: There's no truth to the rumor that the Jaguars have been installed as a six-point favorite for next Sunday -- Las Vegas actually waits until all games are played on Sunday.

Steelers 27, Browns 3; 4:27 left in fourth quarter

3:48 p.m.: Weeden looking for Cameron, but never sees William Gay standing in front of Cameron for what is a 22-yard TD return.

3:45 p.m.: CBS shows that the Browns have had the ball for 54 seconds in the fourth quarter, with just 4:45 remaining. Steelers go three-and-who cares with only a handful of Steelers-clad fans remaining in the stadium. McBriar punt is a touchback.

With Jacksonville closing in on a second victory in three weeks, the Browns are about to be 4-7 with maybe just one game left in which they'll be favored the rest of the way.

3:41 p.m.: Weeden has nothing to lose by being aggressive, and hits Gordon for 42 yards on first down from the 1. Ball originally ruled out of bounds, but linesman overrules correctly. Weeden too high for Little on first down, then misses Ogbonnaya in the open field badly when he can't move his feet in the pocket.

Weeden fumbles when he's hit by Polamalu, it's picked up by the Steelers' Cameron Heyward and returned to the Browns' 45.

"This is simply a comedy of errors," exclaims a frustrated Jim Donovan.

3:36 p.m.: Weeden's arm is hit by Worilds, and the ball is well past Bess. Lanning's punt caught by Brown and returns six yards to their 44.

Steelers haven't run the ball all year, but they're determined to try with a 17-point lead. Bell over left tackle -- Pittsburgh has an extra lineman in the game -- for three yards. Second down over left guard has three more for Bell, who has 60 yards. Shotgun handoff for Bell gets four yards and the first down at the Browns' 45.

Bell ran up to 40 times in a game for Michigan State, so this is nothing new for him. He gets a yard on first down. D'Qwell Jackson playing aggressively on second down drags down Bell at the 43. On third-and-8, Roethlisberger hits Sanders against Chris Owens -- playing way off the line of scrimmage -- for 10 yards and a first down. Yes, you're allowed to ask why anyone would play defense BEHIND the sticks.

Bell, with former Ohio State lineman Mike Adams giving him a serious push, gets four up the middle. Bell's seventh carry of this drive gets four, and his eighth gets five more and a first down.

Dwyer replaces Bell -- who has 76 yards in 20 carries -- for no gain. Reverse to Antonio Brown stopped for an eight-yard loss by T.J. Ward. CBS's Wilcots praises Ward ("he's still competing"). On third down, Dwyer drops a short flip. On fourth-and-18, Roethlisberger pooch punts perfectly to the Browns' 1. Emmanuel Sanders grabs the lefty punt perfectly with 6:54 left.

Steelers 20, Browns 3; end of third quarter

3:23 p.m.: Steelers nearly have another big play, but Roethlisberger underthrows Jerrico Cotchery at the Browns 20. On third-and-10 at the Steelers 47, Barkevious Mingo breaks in clean and forces a wobbly incompletion. McBriar's punt is nearly blocked, as Haden runs into McBriar -- it's ruled a five-yard penalty and Browns start at their 18.

Steelers' Curtis Brown injures left knee on punt coverage.

Greg Little drops an eight-yard gain -- the second of the day by the Browns with Weeden in the game. Dumpoff to Ogbonnaya gets four yards. Browns let the clock run out on the quarter.

3:14 p.m.: Weeden sneaks for the first down. Crowd cheers, but Doug Dieken wonders on the radio how risky the move is with no QBs left on the roster.

Weeden hits Cameron for 12 yards to the Browns 48. Weeden to Gordon for eight yards. Whittaker against a Steelers run blitz is a yard short of the first down. McGahee spins over the center and gets the first down at the Pittsburgh 42.

Weeden knocked down by Worilds as his throw for Cameron is well wide at the 30. Weeden shows off his arm with a line-drive throw to Little to the 29 for a first down. Browns try a delayed handoff to Whittaker which gets just a yard. Weeden looks for Cameron inside the 10, but he trips over Allen's feet. Weeden to Bess is incomplete with Taylor and Bess colliding at the 25.

Cundiff from 46 is yanked severely wide left by the wind with 2:18 remaining.

3:05 p.m.: Whittaker returns to 24 as Weeden takes over while Campbell is carted off the field. His head droops nearly to his chest the entire time to the tunnel.

Whittaker for three yards on a pitch right. Weeden, of course, is in a no-win situation here, as his throw for Bess is deflected at the line of scrimmage and is three yards short of Bess at the 35. On third-and-7, Bess makes a diving catch two feet short of the first down. Browns look to go for it, but the Steelers call timeout.

Steelers 20, Browns 3; 7:43 left in third quarter

3 p.m.: Steelers run a pick play to the right, and Buster Skrine can't keep up with Sanders, who has an easy TD catch.

2:58 p.m.: Steelers lose the challenge and Browns take over at their 45. Campbell to Gordon on a cross for eight yards. McGahee now in the backfield, and he gets the first down to the Steelers' 42.

Campbell on a quick hitch to Bess for three, with Wil Allen making a tenacious stop. Against just a four-man rush, Campbell can't find anyone and throws the ball away. On third-and-7, William Gay comes free on a blitz from the left side, blasts Campbell, who fumbles and the ball is returned to the Browns 5 by Allen, Ogbonnaya preventing the touchdown.

Campbell staggered again and needs help to leave the field.

2:52 p.m.: Steelers facing a wobbly opponent on their first possession of the half. Roethlisberger hit hard by Ahtyba Rubin, but throws deep for Brown. Haden has solid position and Brown plays defense to prevent the interception.

Delayed screen to Bell gets 11 to the 32. Bell over left tackle for six and Browns don't seem to have an answer. Chris Owens too far off Sanders, who gets seven yards and a first down with a quick out. At their 46, it's Miller in the right flat for six more yards. Roethlisberger is razor sharp now. Desmond Bryant denies Bell a first down, pulling him down at the Browns' 45.

On third-and-1, Jonathan Dwyer stopped by Phil Taylor and Kruger for no gain. Steelers will go for it -- for real, this time. Dwyer again up the middle, and Taylor and Rubin force the play. Steelers challenging the spot.

2:45 p.m.: Browns get the ball at their 20 after a touchback. Campbell back at QB. Whittaker gets five on a pitch sweep left, could have had more except he stumbled over a prone Ike Taylor. Campbell can't find an open target and throws it away on second down. On third-and-5, Campbell hits Little for three yards, and Wil Allen denies him any yards after the catch. Ah, the baffling three-yard route on third-and-5.

Antonio Brown fair catch at the Steelers 21.

2:39 p.m.: From Bud Shaw on the Browns' hopes for the second half:

"Sunday’s first half confirmed what we thought last week – that Jason Campbell is playing with injured ribs suffered against Baltimore three weeks ago. He was reluctant to move out of the pocket in Cincinnati. Against the Steelers, he was more willing but unable to avoid reinjuring his ribs on a scramble in the first half.

"Campbell was his most effective against Kansas City and Baltimore, though, when he could tuck it and run for short gains to keep drives alive. If he can’t do that, the Browns are going to need big plays from Gordon and their defense to win this game."

From Terry Pluto:

"Watching a game like this in the cold and wind, it makes you think that a team that scores 2 TDs will win."

2:31 p.m.: Sputtering offense an issue as Steelers have a 216-139 edge in yards, 12-7 in first downs.

Halftime: Steelers 13, Browns 3

2:27 p.m.: Bouncing ball nearly eludes Whittaker at the 17. Browns take a knee to end the quarter. Boos come down.

Steelers 13, Browns 3; 0:07 left in second quarter

2:26 p.m.: Haden lucky to not be called for interference after grabbing the back of Brown's jersey and then spiking the ball away at the goal line. Bell has 10 yards -- and maybe a score -- on a short swing in the right flat, but drops the ball as Tashaun Gipson delivers a hit at the 5. Suisham's field goal is good from 32 yards.

2:23 p.m.: Bell gets 12 yards on delayed handoff, breaking tackles of at least six Browns. Roethlisberger hits Sanders for seven at the 35. Roethlisberger hits Miller -- you can hear the Steelers fans' "Heeeeath" chant for a first down at the 27. Steelers call timeout with 37 seconds remaining.

Browns desperate for a big defensive play, but have been unable to really bother Roethlisberger. Miller beats Jabaal Sheard off the line and is an easy pitch and catch for Roethlisberger at the Browns 14. Browns charged with a timeout with Carder down on the field with 20 seconds.

2:19 p.m.: With three timeouts in hand, Campbell hits Gordon for 10 yards as Ike Taylor is playing super deep off the line. At the Browns' 46, Ogbonnaya has eight yards before he's stripped by Polamalu, who recovers at the Steelers 45. It's an automatic review -- replays don't look encouraging -- and the call stands, says referee Terry McAuley.

Pressure now officially on the Browns' defense.

Steelers 10, Browns 3; 1:56 left in first half

2:14 p.m.: The early news isn't good.

...But Campbell returns as Browns start at their 20. Steelers send five, but Campbell has time to hit Gordon, who goes OB at the Steelers 36. Campbell goes too deep for Gordon at the Steelers' 30 as we hit the two-minute warning.

Steelers 10, Browns 3; 2:33 left in second quarter

2:10 p.m.: Bubble screen to Sanders gets 11 to the Browns' 41. Joe Haden's difficult half continues as Brown is five yards past the cornerback and easily waits for the TD throw at the goal line. Haden lost contact searching for the ball around the 15.

Campbell throwing on the Browns' bench.

2:08 p.m.: Steelers have a big cushion on Gordon, and Browns take advantage with a quick flip for 11 yards. Whittaker gets three over left tackle. Campbell rolls right and throws high to Gordon as Worilds trips up Campbell, who stays down after potentially slamming his ribs pretty well.

In comes Brandon Weeden for a third-and-7. Boos can be heard clearly. Jim Donovan says he's hoping Weeden "is wearing an 'S' on his chest" as he pulled off his cape. Weeden hits Cameron in the hands at the 34 for a first down, but Cameron has it slip away.

Lanning's punt returned 14 yards by Brown to the Steelers 48 with 3:17 remaining.

2 p.m.: Steelers add a lineman, but Roethlisberger hits Antonio Brown for four yards as Haden misses a tackle at the line of scrimmage. Browns zone blitz on second down, and Paul Kruger tracks down Felix Jones on a screen after three yards. With flurries falling on third-and-3, Antonio Brown on a cross beats Skrine for a first down at the 30.

Brown beats Haden to a high ball at the 39 for nine yards. Jones pushes to a first down at the 41 despite a quick hit by T.J. Ward. Seven-yard catch by Sanders is wasted by illegal formation by tackle Marcus Gilbert. On first-and-15 at the 37, Haden is caught backpedalling -- with a push from Brown -- as Roethlisberger is accurate for 20 yards to Brown to the Browns' 47. Browns getting no pressure at all, and Roethlisberger just misses Brown at the Browns 36.

Quick throw to Johnathan Dwyer gets just a yard thanks to quick reaction by Ward. On third-and-9, Browns blitz six and Roethlisberger can't get a middle screen set up quickly enough. Bess has a fair catch of McBriar's punt at the Browns' 13.

Steelers have done enough to flip the field and Browns need to generate some offense to prevent a late-quarter scoring chance for Pittsburgh.

1:51 p.m.: Browns line up Cameron and Burnidge on the left side, and Burnidge makes a nice block on Jones as Ogbonnaya gains 10 to the Steelers 43. Short crossing route to Cameron gets four. Alex Mack has the ball stick on the ground and is flagged five yards on the second-down snap.

Steelers sniff out a screen to Ogbonnaya and Campbell has to throw it away. On third-and-11, Campbell flushed right as Jason Worilds foces a weak throw to Cameron which Polamalu nearly intercepts. Lanning's punt goes OB at the 10 with 9:41 left in the half.

1:45 p.m.: Two runs by Bell get eight yards. On third-and-2 just beyond the 11, Roethlisberger stares down Miller -- who was double covered -- and D'Qwell Jackson nearly picks it off for a score. McBriar's punt dribbles over the 50 and is downed at the Browns' 47.

Defense has provided excellent field position. Can the Browns capitalize?

1:40 p.m.: Best news for the Browns' offense to start the game was a 6.2 yards per play average in the first 15 minutes.

On second-and-7 at the 40, Campbell scrambles right and hits Whittaker for five yards at the Steelers sideline. On third-and-2, Campbell is sacked by Jones and Cameron Heyward at the 46. Spencer Lanning -- after two blocks last week -- spins his punt back to the Steelers 6, and Pittsburgh is flagged for illegal block and will start at the 3.

Browns 3, Steelers 3; end of first quarter

1:35 p.m.: Rookie Jarvis Jones (a Browns fan favorite leading up to the draft) stops a quick flip to Gordon for two. Whittaker over right tackle stopped by Polamalu for a yard. On third-and-7, Campbell finds Cameron against LB Lawrence Timmons for an easy catch and run for a first down at the 39.

Willis McGahee gets a carry and four yards over right guard. Steelers have eight in the box and hold McGahee to three yards as Doug Dieken laments the veteran's lack of speed with a cutback lane open to the right. On third-and-3, Campbell turns down a covered Bess at the 50 and finds Ogbonnaya for a first down at the Steelers 43.

Ogbonnaya gets two yards with defensive tackle Steve McLendon making the tackle and then injuring his left leg as the quarter ends.

1:28 p.m.: Mat McBriar's punt goes OB at the Browns 19. Another TV timeout. How does any team build momentum with this many breaks? Sigh.

1:26 p.m.: Steelers start at their 16 after nice tackle by Jordan Poyer. Flat pass to fullback Will Johnson gets nine, and Bell converts the first down up the middle to the 28.

Steelers empty backfield on first down. Miller gains three on short dumpoff left. Roethlisberger starts 4-for-4. His fifth pass is well behind Antonio Brown at the 35 with some space against Joe Haden. On third-and-7, Browns all standing at the line of scrimmage. Roethlisberger hits Bell to the 38, which is a yard short of the sticks. Steelers show they'll go for it. It's a bid to draw off the defense, which fails and the Steelers call timeout with 4:33 left.

Browns 3, Steelers 3; 7:21 left in first quarter

1:19 p.m.: Campbell dumpoff to Ogbonnaya is bounced, with Troy Polamalu closing in. Quick bubble screen left to Davone Bess good for five. On third-and-5, Campbell gets good protection and finds Josh Gordon, who blazes past William Gay to the Steelers 36 for 24 yards. Campbell just a little too high for Jordan Cameron at the sidelines at the 25. On second down, Gary Barnidge is flagged for a false start.

On second-and-15, Ogbonnaya up the middle gets six. CBS shows graphic that Browns haven't scored a TD on their first possession in 18 games. Quick out to Bess gets just four yards --- conservative call to set up Cundiff for a 49-yarder which he drills easily.

Phil Who?

1:12 p.m.: Fozzy Whittaker finds a lane up the left side for a 32-yard kickoff return to the Browns 35. CBS, needing to fit in some commercials, goes to a break.

Steelers 3, Browns 0; 10:03 left in first quarter

1:09 p.m.: With an extra tackle on the line, Roethlisberger hits Emmanuel Sanders, who fakes out Buster Skrine up the right sideline for 15 yards. LeVeon Bell gets two off left guard, then a hesitation handoff to Bell gets 18 up the middle to the Browns 45. Tank Carder is playing linebacker for Craig Robertson. Short gain by Bell sets up second-and-8, with Roethlisberger escaping Jabaal Sheard and finding Heath Miller to the 31. First-down handoff to Bell -- Steelers playing at a no-huddle pace -- gets four yards. T.J. Ward on a run blitz stops Bell for a yard loss.

On third-and-7, Steelers elect to run Bell off left tackle -- who goes nowhere with Billy Winn and Chris Owens closing quickly. Shaun Suisham's 47-yard field goal just climbs over the crossbar.

1:03 p.m.: Billy Cundiff's kickoff -- with Leon McFadden holding the ball on the tee -- is returned two yards deep by Felix Jones to the 25. Wind chill? It's 12 degrees.

1 p.m.: Steelers call tails, lose the coin toss, will start the game on offense.

12:55 p.m.: Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots are a familiar sight for a Browns game. Their pre-kickoff themes focus on the Steelers being resilient particularly after last week's comeback win over Detroit. Wilcots praises Jason Campbell's "calming effect" on the Browns' offense, but cites Campbell's rib injury last week vs. Cincinnati and reports that Campbell says he's 100 percent today.

12:51 p.m.: No surprise, but Bernie Kosar is definitely pumped up this afternoon.

12:49 p.m.: Browns, wearing all brown, get the nod on CBS' pre-game show from ... well, no one. They apparently don't merit discussion against Jets-Ravens, Giants-Cowboys and Broncos-Patriots.

Back to normal, it seems.

12:35 p.m.: How does Bud Shaw see today's game?

"A win today won’t exactly make the statement that the Browns have a comparable quarterback in Jason Campbell. More likely, it’ll scream that their defense isn’t just the equal of their AFC North rivals but better than Baltimore’s and Pittsburgh’s at this point.

"The only question is whether it will be after Ray Horton leaves for a head coaching job. (Always thinking positive here in C-Town)"

12:30 p.m.: Here's today's inactive list.

Browns: DE Armonty Bryant, OT Reid Fragel, OT Garrett Gilkey, TE MarQueis Gray, C Patrick Lewis, ILB Craig Robertson, T Martin Wallace

Steelers: TE Richard Gordon, QB Landry Jones, DE Brett Keisel, WR Derek Moye, LB Stevenson Sylvester, SS Shamarko Thomas, OLB LaMarr Woodley.

↧
Search
↧

Quick Slants from Cleveland Browns loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers

November 24, 2013, 1:22 pm
$
0
0

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to dominate the Cleveland Browns.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Observations from the Browns' 27-11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium.

What we learned: The intensity displayed by the Browns (4-7) against the Cincinnati Bengals last week was an indication of the rivalry between the two teams in Ohio. An occasional push and shove between players, and even a few heated verbal discussions decorated a game that was intense from beginning to end.

That wasn't the case on Sunday in a game against a team the Browns are supposed to have an intense rivalry with. The reaction from the crowd when Brandon Weeden returned was the most emotion expressed at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Just when it looked like the Browns were ready to turn the tables on their rivalry with the Steelers, and on becoming a team no longer considered an automatic victory, things remained the same following Sunday's loss.

Big-time teams don't consistently make critical mistakes. Trailing 10-3, and driving, running back Chris Ogbonnaya fumbled late in the second quarter. It was Ogobnnaya's second fumble in his last two games. The Steelers recovered and converted the mistake into a field goal for a 13-3 lead.

That was the first buzz kill.

The second momentum killer arrived midway in the third when quarterback Jason Campbell, who improved from his play last week, fumbled when sacked and the Steelers converted that mistake into a TD for a commanding lead.

So now is the time to end dreams of a postseason berth. We're only six months away from the NFL Draft.

O-H-I-O: Former Ohio State safety Will Allen made a huge play for the Steelers when he scooped up a Jason Campbell fumble and returned the ball to the 4-yard line. Two plays later, the Steelers scored for a commanding third-quarter lead.

Injuries: Linebacker Tank Carder did to return after a shoulder injury in second quarter. Quarterback Jason Campbell did not return after concussion in third quarter. CB Buster Skrine (ribs) hurt in the fourth quarter.

Next game: Browns host Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.


↧

Glenn Moore and Dennis Manoloff recap the Browns' 27-11 loss to the Steelers: Podcast

November 24, 2013, 1:53 pm
$
0
0

Cleveland.com's Glenn Moore and The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff recap the Browns' loss to the Steelers Sunday evening.

Podcast: Browns Postgame Show (11/24/13)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland.com's Glenn Moore (@GlennMooreCLE) and The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff (@dmansworld474) recap the Browns' 27-11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday evening.

Among other topics discussed:

• Jason Campbell's performance; Brandon Weeden coming into the game.

• No pressure on Big Ben.

• Look ahead to rest of season.

Read what D-Man (@dmansworld474) and G-Mo (@GlennMooreCLE) have to say on Twitter.

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Follow our coverage on Twitter

More Browns stories

Return to Browns section





↧

Former Ohio State star Will Allen enjoys victory in Ohio: Cleveland Browns Insider

November 24, 2013, 3:19 pm
$
0
0

Pittsburgh Steelers DB Will Allen enjoys his homecoming.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The so-called rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns has been so one-sided that Sunday's 27-11 Pittsburgh win means quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has defeated the Browns in 16 out of 17 games.

Despite the domination, Steelers safety Will Allen not only understands the history of this game as an Ohio native, but also how the numbers don't change the intensity.

"We knew it was going to be intense," said Allen, who played at Ohio State. "It was 3-3 in the first quarter. It was a tough quarter. They played us hard. They were making strides. If you [previously] watch the tape, they were making big plays on offense. The Browns are not a pushover team by any means. We executed today and got turnovers. That helped us."

The Steelers were helped tremendously early in the third quarter. On third-and-7 at the Steelers' 39, cornerback William Gay blitzed and caused quarterback Jason Campbell to fumble. Allen scooped up the loose ball and returned it to the 4. Roethlisberger's TD pass to Emmanuel Sanders gave the Steelers a commanding 20-3 lead.

"It was a great call by coach [Dick] LeBeau," said Allen, crediting the Steelers defensive coordinator. "William came from the outside and got the sack fumble. I saw the ball, scooped it up with one hand and started trucking down the field. I was hoping to score. I should've scored, but we scored on the next play so it was all good."

Defeating the Browns is not only good for Allen because of the rivalry and key conference game for the Steelers, but it's a especially a bonus for Allen and Roethlisberger to defeat a team from their home state.

"With us both being Ohio guys, and both playing college football in Ohio, it's good to make our fans from here proud," Allen said. "It's fun to come back here and get a win. It's exiting."

Scoring drought: Since leading the Bengals, 13-0, after the second quarter last week, the Browns have been outscored 68-18 over their last seven quarters.

AFC North: The Browns became the first AFC North team to lose a home conference game this season.

He said it: RB Willis McGahee on the Steelers: "They were being Pittsburgh. They showed up. Everybody's saying that they aren't the same Pittsburgh, but at the end of the day, they did what they do best."

↧

With another QB injury, how can Browns build a running game? Terry Pluto's Final Scribbles

November 24, 2013, 4:07 pm
$
0
0

Chris Ogbonnaya came into the season with only one fumble in 95 carries. He now has two in his last 12 carries.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my notebook after the Browns 27-11 loss to Pittsburgh:

1. With another quarterback hurt and Brandon Weeden back for a third turn, the Browns need to find a running game. They have wanted to use Chris Ogbonnaya more the last two weeks, but suddenly, Ogbonnaya has been coughing up costly fumbles. He did it in the second quarter, with 1:56 left. The Steelers recovered on the Browns 46, and eventually kicked a field goal to take a 13-3 lead at the half. At that point, Ogbonnaya had 26 yards in four attempts. He did not run the ball in the second half.

2. Ogbonnaya fumbled in last week's 41-20 loss at Cincinnati, and it was turned into a 13-yard touchdown return. Two costly fumbles in two weeks, and he had only 12 carries.

3. Ogbonnaya has been the Browns' most effective rusher this season (196 yards in 31 carries, a 6.3 yard average). But the fumbles hurt his chances of being a bigger part of the offense. The problem is the alternatives are so sad. Willis McGahee had 12 yards in four attempts, he's averaging 2.6 yards per carry. Fozzy Whittaker has 58 yards in 17 attempts (3.4 average), and the Browns view him as a third-down specialist who can catch some passes, run some sweeps. Even at Texas, he was never a heavy-duty back. He also has battled some serious injuries in his career.

4. In case you were wondering, Bobby Rainey returned to earth with 35 yards in 18 carries -- but his Tampa Bay Bucs beat Detroit. Cut by the Ravens and Browns this season, Rainey had 163 yards in 30 carries last week against Atlanta. I keep thinking, "The Browns should be able to find a decent running back somewhere." I keep being wrong.

5. Here's the strange thing about Ogbonnaya and the fumbles. Heading into this season, he had only one in 95 career carries. Now, it's two in his last 12. I still think he's the best option, but Ogbonnaya is not helping his own cause.

6. The season is 11 games old and the Browns have only one rushing touchdown. Just one. Since the return in 1999, their lowest total is four -- 2005 and 2011. One? Hard to believe.

7. When Antonio Brown caught a 41-yarder for a touchdown, he beat Joe Haden. It's Brown's sixth TD catch. This is only the second pass of at least 40 yards allowed by the Browns this season.

8. Inside linebacker Tank Carder left with a shoulder injury. Darius Eubanks (a third-stringer) is now at inside linebacker. The Browns entered the season extremely thin at inside linebacker. D'Qwell Jackson and Craig Robertson were the starters. Behind them were waiver wire guys such as Carder, Eubanks and Brandon Magee. Eubanks played last season at Georgia Southern. He was cut at the end of training camp by the Vikings, then picked up by the Browns.

9. After taking a lot of grief for not re-signing Phil Dawson, the Browns have been pleased and relieved by Billy Cundiff. He came into the game 15-of-17 on field goals. But the Browns also know that the real test for a Cleveland kicker begins with long field goals in November and December. So it was a major positive to see him boot a 49-yarder on the opening drive. He later missed a 46-yarder that got caught by the wind. He is 16-of-19 for the season.

10. I was wondering how Dawson was playing for 49ers. He was 14-of-17 on field goals heading into Sunday. Two of his misses were from more than 50 yards.

11. I think Jason Campbell has been beat up since the end of the Baltimore game. Players hate to talk about the severity of rib injuries because it inspires even harder hits from the defense. Campbell now has a concussion. Who knows when he'll be able to play again.

12. I keep thinking this: Brandon Weeden got hurt after eight quarters. Brian Hoyer didn't last nine quarters. Campbell was hurt in his 14th quarter. No deep thoughts about this, other than, "Even with the Browns, this is hard to believe."

13. The officials should be fined for missing the obvious hit to the head on Campbell, which took him out of the game. It's exactly the type of play that the NFL wants to prevent, and no one dropped a flag.

14. The Browns defense has zero sacks and only three quarterback hits in the last two games -- Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. The pass rush just isn't there.

15. Barkevious Mingo was not on the field to block on punts. Mingo missed an assignment last week in Cincinnati that led to a blocked punt.

16. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton has been challenging Mingo to be more of a factor. He didn't have a tackle against the Steelers. He was credited with a quarterback hit. But it is reasonable to expect more. Mingo has only one sack in his last seven games.

17. The Steelers decided Josh Gordon was the only player on offense who could beat them. They played way off and gave him a lot of short- and medium-range catches. Gordon made them pay with 14 catches (on 17 passes) for 237 yards. He had more receiving yardage (237) than Ben Roethlisberger had passing (217). But the Steelers kept Gordon out of the end zone until 3:13 left in the game when the score was 27-3.

18. It was great to see Gordon play so well in the cold weather. He is from Houston and played at Baylor. But you'd think he was from a Big Ten school considering how he has handled the cold. That's not true of all players from the South.

19. Roethlisberger played brilliantly, 22-of-34 with no interceptions, sacks or turnovers and two touchdown passes. Yes, the Steelers are an aging team, but he keeps them in contention. After that 0-4 start, the Steelers are 5-2. And he's is 16-1 vs. the Browns.

20. I'm still amazed at Roethlisberger's 28-yard quick punt that pinned the Browns back on their own 1-yard-line. He throws right-handed, but booted the ball with his left foot. It was the fifth punt of his career, the first of the season.

↧
↧

Josh Gordon says record-setting day 'doesn't mean that much' because of Cleveland Browns' loss to Pittsburgh Steelers

November 24, 2013, 3:55 pm
$
0
0

Gordon's 237 receiving yards break Ozzie Newsome's 1984 single-game mark; and his 14 catches tie the franchise record.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Josh Gordon set the Cleveland Browns franchise record for receiving yards in a game and tied the team record for catches in a game Sunday, but his mood was anything but festive in the postgame locker room.

Gordon grabbed 14 passes for a team-record 237 yards in the 27-11 loss to the Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium - many of those catches coming with the game was out of reach and the Steelers playing a soft defense.

The performance broke the mark of 191 yards set by tight end Ozzie Newsome in 1984, and tied the record for catches set in that same game. Newsome's big day also came in a loss, 24-20 to the New York Jets on Oct. 14, 1984.

Gordon's performance included a 1-yard TD pass with 3:13 left to pull the Browns within two scores. An onside kick that followed was unsuccessful.

"Honestly, it really doesn't mean that much to me," the second-year receiver said of the milestones. "After taking a loss like that, it means nothing. It is great for me as a wide receiver to get that experience, but if we can't go out there and win, I don't really care about it."

Gordon said the series of quarterback changes this season would be difficult for any team to handle. Already, the Browns have had Brandon Weeden, Brian Hoyer and Jason Campbell start games because of injury and ineffectiveness. Next Sunday at home against Jacksonville, the Browns will be back to Weeden after Campbell suffered a concussion in the third quarter of Sunday's loss.

"The only benefit is that we have already played with Brandon, so it's easier to adjust to him," Gordon said. 

Weeden was welcomed with an undercurrent of boos as he took the field to replace Campbell on Sunday.

"We want the fans to get behind guys, and we don't want them to boo guys when the get on the field," Gordon said. "I mean, (the booing) is difficult. I'm sure it's difficult for (Weeden), too. Now, as professionals you have to drown that out, but even still, I can't really say that was what played part in the loss. But I'm sure that couldn't have helped either."

Gordon has 54 catches for 988 yards this season. With 12 more yards, he will be the first Brown to crack 1,000 in a season since Braylon Edwards (1,289) and Kellen Winslow Jr. (1,106) both did it in 2007. 

Gordon also now owns the team mark for most 100-yard receiving games in a season, with five. Edwards (2007), Webster Slaughter (1989), Milt Morin (1968) and Gary Collins (1965) all had four in season.

"Josh obviously had a big game and has been playing at a high level," Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said. "We have to find some other guys to make plays as well. I think (tight end) Jordan (Cameron) made a few today. We just have to be more consistent in what we're doing."


↧

Cleveland Browns are Ben Roethlisberger's patsies once again: Bud Shaw

November 24, 2013, 4:16 pm
$
0
0

For the 16th time in 17 meetings, the Browns lost to Ben Roethlisberger. The only way to interrupt that trend is to find a franchise quarterback of their own one of these days.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – As part of his ownership stake in the Browns, Ben Roethlisberger might be tempted to pitch city council today on the deal to renovate his personal lakefront playground.

Who has more fun in this place? (Not you or me, certainly).

Who feels more at home? (Not any of the 117 or so quarterbacks who’ve started games for the Browns during Roethlisberger’s career)

If the first 15 times didn’t convince you, the 16th should. That’s Roethlisberger’s record against the Browns now: 16-1. Which is only ridiculous. Throw Baltimore’s Joe Flacco in there and it’s 27-2 against the top two QBs in the AFC North.

Even with the mental agility of a sports writer, it’s easy to detect not only a trend there but to conclude that maybe the quarterback matters.

Who knew?

Today, the talk will no doubt touch on a non-call on a sack of Jason Campbell that left him concussed and the Steelers in possession inside the Browns’ 5. Rob Chudzinski argued Campbell was hit in the head. He was. The refs didn’t think so.

Of that turnover and three others, Browns safety T.J. Ward spoke to the frustration of watching this offensive ineptness by saying the Browns can’t win giving the ball away.

They probably weren’t going to beat Roethlisberger with Campbell remaining vertical either. Not Sunday. Not most Sundays. Especially when Roethlisberger had protection, the lead, and was coming off his best game of the season against Detroit.

The Browns are so limited offensively, it didn't take much to put them on the brink of yet another loss to Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger’s 41-yard TD pass to Antonio Brown over the top of Joe Haden gave the Steelers a 10-3 lead that felt more like 20-3.

The Browns never got Roethlisberger to the ground. They missed the few opportunities they had.

“He’s a great player,” said Chudzinski. “You know what you have to do. It’s just hard to do it against him.”

What the Browns have to do to beat him, apparently, is sack him eight times as they did in freezing conditions in 2009 for a 13-6 victory. That was his only loss. Sunday he was 22 of 34 for two touchowns and a 102.2 passer rating. Without a punishing running attack. Without James Harrison cracking helmets.

We can only conclude the Browns won’t close the gap on the Steelers until Roethlisberger is traded, retires or the home team finds a dueling franchise QB.

Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi tabled that agenda until at least 2014, deciding (rightly) that Brandon Weeden probably wasn’t the answer but that the answer wasn’t going to present itself this early in their tenure.

They saw Campbell as insurance, not as a path out of the darkness. Right again. When Brian Hoyer became available after the Campbell signing, they acquired him as a bridge to the Next Big Thing.

After Sunday, the Browns clearly are what we thought they were. And, just as clearly, what they thought they were. A franchise under construction, especially offensively.

That was obvious when they delayed their gratification with draft day trades, sent their No. 1 running back packing for a 2014 first rounder and decided they were fine with Weeden backing up Campbell.

They’ve won games with all three of their quarterbacks playing, if you give Weeden part ownership of the Buffalo win (I do). Not many teams can say that. But it’s just as obvious nothing Hoyer or Campbell did this season should stop the Browns from pursuing their Ben Roethlisberger.

“Everybody was saying they aren’t the same Pittsburgh,” Willis McGahee said of Sunday’s 27-11 Steelers win. “But at the end of the day they did what they do best.”

Put the ball in Roethlisberger’s hands and let him dictate the pace and flow. Pittsburgh’s only glitch was when they took it out of his hands and got stuffed trying to convert a fourth-and-1 near midfield. The Browns, not surprisingly, did nothing with the gift of field position. That was a theme in the first half, too. In fact, they wrapped up the sack-fumble of Campbell for the Steelers.

This was not Pittsburgh’s usual scary defense, but that's not required to handle the Browns’ offense.

The Browns won the Trent Richardson trade. Nobody will argue that. But that reward won’t come until next spring when, armed with picks, they go looking for a quarterback and a renaissance on offense.

The draft has been moved from April to May in 2014.

So the wait is delayed more than normal. But the turnaround has been so long in coming, what’s another week or two?

↧

Video: Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed break down the Cleveland Browns' 27-11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers

November 24, 2013, 4:00 pm
$
0
0

Browns can't measure up, lose another rivalry game to Steelers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns had another disappointing showing against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, losing, 27-11, at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Ben Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes and improved to 16-1 against the Browns. Cleveland (4-7) has lost five of six games and will try to regroup next Sunday at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Browns quarterback Jason Campbell suffered a concussion in the third quarter when he was sacked by cornerback William Gay.

In this video, cleveland.com Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed talk about where the Browns came up short and where they stand going forward.


↧
Search

Cleveland Browns' defense frustrated with another loss and turnovers committed by their offense

November 24, 2013, 5:01 pm
$
0
0

Browns defense does not register a turnover or sack in loss to Steelers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – T.J. Ward didn’t try to mask the frustration.

Asked what it is about the Browns that allows a game like Sunday to get away from them so quickly, the safety showed no hesitation.

“It does go quick,” Ward said following a 27-11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. “Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. That’s it.”

In the past two weeks, the Browns have eight giveaways in a pair of blowout defeats to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. On Sunday, they committed four, including an interception for a touchdown and a strip sack that was returned 49 yards to the Browns’ 4.

Accurate or not, Ward implied the Browns are being hurt as much by their own offense as the opponents' offense. Such was the raw emotion following a fifth loss in six games and one that virtually ended all playoff hopes.

Asked about the eight giveaways in two weeks, Ward added: “That’s why we’re losing. You can’t win ballgames turning the ball over ...

“It is frustrating, I’m not going to lie. But it’s out of our power. We have to trust that (the offense is) doing everything in their power to win ballgames like we are, and I trust that and I know that. Just things are going the way none of us want ‘em to go right now.”

On a day the Browns lost quarterback Jason Campbell to a concussion, they managed just three points until Josh Gordon caught a 1-yard touchdown with 3:13 remaining.

But the defense could not deliver momentum-changing plays, either. Cornerback Joe Haden was beaten for a 41-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown late in the second quarter to give the Steelers a 10-3 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson failed to corral a potential interception in the first quarter.

The defense registered no turnovers or sacks against Roethlisberger, who entered play as the NFL's second-most sacked quarterback. The Browns haven't recorded a sack in the last two weeks.

“Absolutely it’s hard to win a game when you have a lot of turnovers like that,”  defensive end Desmond Bryant said. “But as a defense we’ve got to go out and get our own turnovers. We didn’t do enough of that.”

Roethlisberger rarely was pressured and seldom had to extend plays. Bryant confirmed the Browns did not blitz Roethlisberger often. Given the struggles of the Steelers offensive line, he was asked about the conservative approach from defensive coordinator Ray Horton.

“Ray makes the calls and I do my job,” Bryant said.

The league’s fourth-ranked defense surrendered 302 yards – slightly under its average – and just two plays for more than 14 yards. Steelers rookie halfback Le’Veon Bell finished with 80 yards rushing on 23 attempts.

Haden was asked to assess the state of the team following another loss.

“(Crap), I don’t know,” Haden said. “I can’t speak for anybody else. I can say as a defense we’re going out there every time no matter where the ball is placed, no matter what it is we’re out there trying to do what we can do. I can only speak for the defensive side we’re not getting ran up and down the field on, you know what I’m saying?

“Of course, big plays, they made a play on me today. That’s a ... great play. Good receiver, good quarterback making a good play. I got beat. We just feel like our defense, when you look at it, we’re not getting marched on. We’ve just got to step up. We’ve got to do better in the red zone or whatever position we’re in.”

Before suffering a third-quarter concussion, Campbell reinjured his ribs late in the second quarter. The sight of him walking slowly to the sidelines seemed to deflate the team and the FirstEnergy Stadium fans. The Steelers struck for 10 quick points to take a 13-3 lead into the halftime.

“Yep, you saw it,” he said. “That’s what happened. They were making plays and playing aggressive and when Campbell went down – that’s our guy – Weeden is always ready to go in and play. But when you got something going and you think you’ve got your boy. ... There’s no excuses. We’ve got to step up and make stuff happen.”

Haden said despite the offense’s struggles the defense must focus on its game.

“You can control what you can control,” he said. “If I’m worried about what the offense is doing than that’s not going to make me as accountable if I’m trying to place blame on someone else.”


↧
↧

Early Thanksgiving meal for those in need at TownHall restaurant, 1909 West 25th St. in Cleveland

November 24, 2013, 4:40 pm
$
0
0

Early Thanksgiving meal for the less fortunate at Townhall restaurant, 1909 West 25th St. in Cleveland

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Feed the Need is an event where local community leaders will serve turkey dinners to those in need at TownHall restaurant, 1909 West 25th St., Cleveland on Tuesday, Nov. 26th  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteers serving dinners include past and present Browns football players, along with local business leaders and politicians. Meals are provided by TownHall and Amer-I-Can. Hats and gloves will be donated by the Willis McGahee Foundation. Former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, representing the Troy Smith Foundation, is also expected.


↧

Videos: Cleveland Browns' players disappointed after their 27-11 loss to the Steelers

November 24, 2013, 5:06 pm
$
0
0

Watch comments from the Cleveland Browns locker room after their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also, an analysis of the game by Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed. Watch video

 CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns lost their second straight game to a division opponent when they lost 27-11 to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Afterwards, a frustrated T.J. Ward said, "I'm tired of losing in this manner.  It's a little bit different if you go to the wire and you're fighting the whole game and you have an opportunity to win the game in the end, but we're out of the game in the fourth quarter.  Nobody wants to play like that."

The Browns turned the ball over four times in losing their fifth out of the last six games to place them alone at the bottom of the AFC North.

Quarterback Jason Campbell suffered a concussion in the third quarter when he was sacked by William Gay.

Follow on Twitter: @CLEvideos


↧

Which quarterbacks are available that the Cleveland Browns might look to sign?

November 24, 2013, 5:06 pm
$
0
0

The Browns may be in need of another quarterback on the roster after Jason Campbell suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh. Brandon Weeden is the only healthy QB on the team.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns may be in the market for a quarterback Monday after starter Jason Campbell suffered a concussion in Sunday's 27-11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium.

With Brandon Weeden the only healthy quarterback on the team and the NFL trading deadline passed, the Browns will likely have to turn their attention to a player from another NFL team's practice squad; or a free agent who does not have a team right now.

"We'll talk about that (Monday)," Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said after Sunday's loss about the possibility of adding a quarterback. "We'll evaluate and see where Jason is, but that's a possibility."

QBs on NFL practice squads

The Browns did try to sign former Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien off the Packers' practice squad about four weeks ago, but the Packers matched the Browns' offer and Tolzien decided to stay with Green Bay. On Sunday, Tolzien started in place of the injured Aaron Rodgers (broken collarbone) and Seneca Wallace. However, Tolzien was ineffective and was replaced by Matt Flynn as the Packers played to a 26-26 tie with the Minnesota Vikings.

Here are QBs listed on the practice squads of other NFL teams:

Name, TeamHt.Wt. Age Exp. College
Matt Blanchard, Panthers 6-3225241Wisconsin-Whitewater
B.J. Daniels, Seahawks 5-1121724RSouth Florida
Dennis Dixon, Bills 6-3215285Oregon
Seth Doege, Falcons6-119724RTexas Tech
Chandler Harnish, Colts6-2222251Northern Illinois
G.J. Kinne, Eagles6-2218241Tulsa
Greg McElroy, Bengals6-2225253Alabama
Jordan Rodgers, Buccaneers6-121225RVanderbilt
Matt Scott, Jaguars6-321223RArizona
Nick Stephens, Ravens6-3221261Tarleton State
Alex Tanney, Cowboys6-4220261Monmouth

Available free agents

Here is a list of quarterbacks with NFL experience who are without a team right now, as compiled by the football website thesidelineview.com:


↧

Akron Zips soccer falls to Marquette, 1-0, in overtime

November 24, 2013, 5:38 pm
$
0
0

The Akron Zips traveled to play at Marquette in the second round of the NCAA Soccer Tournament, but fell in the end, 1-0, in overtime.

headA.jpg
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Akron Zips extended their soccer season into overtime, on the road, at Marquette, but ultimately fell, 1-0, Sunday evening in the second round of the NCAA Soccer Tournament.

The Mid-American Conference champions finish their season at 16-4-1.

↧
↧

BCS Breakdown: Ohio State remains at No. 3, inches closer to No. 2 Florida State

November 24, 2013, 5:47 pm
$
0
0

Ohio State solidified its standing in the BCS top three, but the Buckeyes closed the gap on No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Florida State.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State is still No. 3 in the BCS rankings, but the conversation has shifted.

No longer are pundits speculating about whether Baylor will jump the Buckeyes. The Bears were trounced at Oklahoma State, 49-17.

The Buckeyes seem to have solidified their standing in the top three. Now the question becomes: What can Ohio State do to secure a spot in the BCS Championship Game? It might depend on the efforts of the two teams ahead of the Buckeyes: Alabama and Florida State. That said, Ohio State did narrow the gap between itself and the top two teams.

Last week, Florida State held a .967 – .887 advantage over Ohio State for the No. 2 spot. Baylor sat one-thousandth of a percentage point behind the Buckeyes.

Here are the latest BCS Standings:

1. Alabama (.988)

2. Florida State (.970)

3. Ohio State (.920)

4. Auburn (.824)

5. Missouri (.808)

The AP, coaches' and Harris polls all slotted Ohio State third. The latter two tallies each account for one-third of the BCS formula.

Auburn hosts Alabama on Saturday in the Iron Bowl. The winner will play either Missouri or South Carolina the following week in the SEC Championship Game.

Ohio State, meanwhile, plays at Michigan (7-4, 3-4) on Saturday before a meeting with Michigan State (10-1, 7-0) in the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis on Dec. 7. The Spartans check in at No. 11 in the BCS standings.

The Buckeyes' highest-quality win so far is a 31-24 triumph against Wisconsin (9-2, 6-1) in late September. The Badgers are at No. 15 in the BCS standings.


↧

Cleveland Browns bow to Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-11; Jason Campbell leaves in 3rd quarter with concussion

November 24, 2013, 2:48 pm
$
0
0

Third-quarter strip sack causes Campbell to fumble, sets up Steelers TD that turns the tide; Browns drop to 4-7. Steelers are 5-6.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - In a game the Browns needed to win to keep their waning playoff hopes alive, quarterback Jason Campbell left in the third quarter with a concussion and did not return.

With Campbell out of the game, the Browns had no chance.

They lost 27-11 to the Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium to fall to 4-7. They also fell to 1-16 against Ben Roethlisberger, who improved the Steelers to 5-6 and kept them in the hunt with their third straight victory. The Steelers started the season 0-4.

The Browns have now lost five of their last six games and stopped the folly of playoff talk. They also fell to 5-24 against the Steelers in the regular season since 1999.

"It's disappointing," Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said. "Losing is never easy. We weren't good enough today. Give Pittsburgh credit.

"We've missed opportunities the last two weeks. The men in that locker room there have a lot of character, and I believe in them and believe in our coaches. We have lost some of the control we had in our own future, but we will bounce back and be ready to play next week."

With Campbell in the locker room, Brandon Weeden was strip-sacked and also threw a pick-six by cornerback William Gay in the fourth quarter. He completed 13 of 30 attempts for 209 yards. He threw for one touchdown and the one interception, and finished with a 64.4 rating.

The only bright spot offensively for the Browns was Josh Gordon, who caught 14 passes for a team-record 237 yards. It broke the record of 191 set by Ozzie Newsome in 1984. The 14 catches tied the franchise mark. Gordon caught a 1-yard TD pass with 3:13 left in the game to make the blowout seem a little more respectable.

"Josh obviously had a big game and has been playing at a high level," Chudzinski said. "We have to find some other guys to make plays as well. I think (tight end) Jordan (Cameron) made a few today. We just have to be more consistent in what we're doing."

Before Campbell left the game, he completed 14 of 22 attempts for 124 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions for a 78.6 rating.

He suffered the injury on a strip-sack by a blitzing Gay with about 7:57 left in the quarter.

Gay stormed in unabated from left side and dragged Campbell down by his shoulders. He hit the turf and didn't get up right away. Roethlisberger immediately came out to check on Campbell. When Campbell finally did get up, he moved very slowly and was helped to the sidelines by medical personnel.

Campbell looked wobbly and woozy as he made his way to the sidelines. He hung his head on the bench and was then walked over to a cart, and driven into the locker room. Campbell hung his head the whole way. Soon thereafter, it was announced in the press box that Campbell was out for the game.

Chudzinski said after the game that he thought Gay hit Campbell in the head on the play.

"I talked to the officials about that," Chudzinski said. "I felt like he was hit in the head on that. They didn't feel that way."

After Gay's strip-sack, safety Will Allen scooped up the loose ball and ran it back 49 yards to the 4, where he was tackled by Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya. A play later, Roethlisberger hit Emmanuel Sanders with a 4-yard TD pass to increase the Steelers' lead to 20-3 with 7:43 left in the quarter. Sanders beat Buster Skrine on a post route for the score.

Weeden came in and moved the Browns to the Steelers' 28 on 13 plays, but Billy Cundiff pushed a 46-yard field goal wide left. It snapped a string of 12 straight field goals for Cundiff.

The concussion was the second time that Campbell was forced to leave the game. In the second quarter, linebacker Jason Worilds tackled him by the ankle, and Campbell came down hard on his bruised ribs. Campbell got up very slowly and walked off the field, wincing in pain.

He was checked out on the sidelines by the medical staff, but began warming up after one play on the bench.

Weeden trotted in -- to a smattering of boos -- and fired a third-down pass in the right flat to Jordan Cameron, who promptly dropped it to kill the drive.

Two plays later, Roethlisberger hit receiver Antonio Brown with a pass down the deep left side for a 41-yard TD pass over Joe Haden to make it 10-3 with 2:33 left in the half. Brown got behind Haden by about 5 yards, and Haden never recovered. It was only the second TD pass given up Haden this season, and the second pass of 40-plus yards given up the Browns this season.

"Obviously the one they were able to get behind him, I think he just stopped on the play," Chudzinski said of Haden.

Campbell came back after the TD and fired a 16-yard pass to Gordon on his first attempt after the rib injury. He went deep on the next play, overthrowing Gordon down the right sideline, and it appeared he might be able to finish the game.

But four plays into the drive, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu reached in and stripped Ogbonnaya after an 8-yard run to the Steelers' 46. Roethlisberger moved Pittsburgh to the 14, where a wide open Le'Veon Bell dropped a short pass on the right side to set up a 32-yard field goal for a 13-3 Steelers lead with seven seconds left in the first half. It was Ogbonnaya's second lost fumble in as many games.

"I thought he had the ball pretty tight," Chudzinski said of Ogbonnaya. "It was a great play by Polamalu. You just have to protect it in those situations. I thought we had something going at that point in the half. . . . That was a big swing in the game."

Sunday marked the Browns' second straight second-quarter meltdown, although this one wasn't nearly as bad as last week's 31-point fiasco in Cincinnati.

But the 10 points in the final 2:33 of the quarter proved too much for the Browns to overcome, especially after Campbell left the game with the head injury and didn't return.

The Browns suffered a few other injuries in the game. Linebacker Tank Carder suffered a shoulder injury and did not return, and Buster Skrine suffered a third-quarter rib injury.

"Anytime your quarterback goes down, it's tough," Chudzinski said. "He actually went down twice in the game and had to come out on that one. But that's part of football. The next guy has to step in and be able to operate. We'll get Brandon ready to play if he has to play this week."

The game looked promising in the first quarter, after which Campbell had completed 6-of-8 attempts for 63 yards for a 97.4 rating. The teams were tied 3-3 after one quarter, on a 47-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham and a 49-yarder by Cundiff.

The afternoon also marked Haden's worst game after the season and came on the heels off holding Cincinnati's A.J. Green to a career-low 7 yards last week. He surrendered most of the six catches and 92 yards by Brown, who now has six TDs.

For the second straight week, Ray Horton's attack-minded scheme failed to produce a sack. Last week, the Browns failed to bring down Andy Dalton, and Sunday, they failed to get close to Roethlisberger, who came into the game second in the league with 36 sacks.

With Weeden the only healthy quarterback on the team, the Browns likely will need to add one to the roster this week.

"We'll talk about that tomorrow," Chudzinski said. "We'll evaluate and see where Jason is, but that's a possibility."

Chudzinski said he is confident that his young team will bounce back from the loss.

"You have to look at each game and ask, 'What things didn't we do well, what do we need to do to take the next step?' And we will take that next step. It will happen.

"I told the guys, tomorrow will be a better day. .. . And I truly believe that."


↧
Search

2013 NFL Power Rankings: Browns slide further back while a new No. 1 emerges

November 26, 2013, 11:17 am
$
0
0

It's now been 12 weeks in the season, and while things can certainly change - like they have all season - it's becoming clearer that there are a lot of bad teams in the NFL and very few true Super Bowl contenders.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – It's now been 12 weeks into the season, and while things can certainly change – like they have all season – it's becoming clearer that there are a lot of bad teams in the NFL and very few true Super Bowl contenders.

The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers and possibly the San Francisco 49ers. Those are the only teams that I can see winning the Lombardi Trophy. San Fran may not be there yet, but they have that potential if Michael Crabtree boosts the offense as anticipated in his return from an Achilles injury. Sorry New Orleans, you need to learn how to play on the road before you can be placed in that category.

Injuries could change this list, but with five weeks left to play that's the way I see things shaping up.

Now, on to the power rankings. Keep in mind, power rankings are not standings so style points matter, the opponent matters and what I think of them using the eye test also matters.

1. Seattle Seahawks (10-1; 2)

With the previous No. 1 team going down, someone had to slide into this spot. Seattle got the nod. They have played better on the road lately (33-10 against Houston), they have arguably the best home-field advantage (13-0 with Russell Wilson as QB) and they just got Percy Harvin back in the lineup. He's a difference-maker and could help raise the play of the sometimes-lackluster offense.

2. New England Patriots (8-3; 5)

It hasn't been pretty with New England this year, but they are finding different ways to win. On Sunday night it was QB Tom Brady reminding everyone why he is one of the best to ever play the game. With Rob Gronkowski and Shane Vereen healthy again, the Pats offense is dangerous ... just as long as Stevan Ridley stops fumbling.

3. Denver Broncos (9-2; 1)

Squandering a 24-point halftime lead is a tad alarming. The defense has major holes. They had no answer for Brady and Co., and it looks like they are going to ask Peyton Manning to score 30 points nearly every week. With the weather getting colder late in the season, that may prove to be more difficult.

4. Carolina Panthers (8-3; 6)

It's Cam Newton's world and we are all just living in it right now. The third-year quarterback rallied his team from a 10-point halftime deficit by making huge throws late. With Cam carrying the offense and the No. 1 defense on the other side of the field, the Panthers are a Super Bowl contender.

5. New Orleans Saints (9-2; 3)

Another road game, another lackluster performance. But once again they found  a way to escape a trap game, 17-13, against the Atlanta Falcons. If it seems like I have a love-hate relationship with New Orleans, it's because I do. Let's see what Drew Brees and Co. can do in Seattle this Monday night. My guess is not much.

6. San Francisco 49ers (7-4; 8)

Beating up on a scuffling Washington Redskins, 27-6, team doesn't show a lot, but the 49ers needed to snap their two-game losing skid. Health is the biggest key for the 49ers. WR Mario Manningham is still working his way back and Michael Crabtree, the team's leading receiver in 2012, is expected to return for a showdown with St. Louis. Their best football is still ahead of them.

7. Kansas City Chiefs (9-2; 4)

Just like that, the Chiefs have lost two in a row. I have been waiting to see how Kansas City would handle playing real, NFL quarterbacks as opposed to backups. I found out Sunday. Yes, the Chiefs lost pass rushers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston during the game, but Philip Rivers sliced up a defense that suddenly looks vulnerable. With Alex Smith at QB, KC needs the defense to be its backbone.

8. Indianapolis Colts (7-4; 7)

Will the real Colts please stand up? Which team are they? Are they the team that beat both Seattle and San Francisco? Or are they the team that got smacked around by Arizona and St. Louis in back-to-back weeks. I'm thinking the answer is somewhere in between. QB Andrew Luck needs some help; he's trying to do too much. He also misses Reggie Wayne.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (7-4; 11)

A bye week gave the Bengals a chance to refocus for the stretch run. They are still in the driver's seat in the AFC North, but the way Andy Dalton played in the three games before the bye (eight interceptions) won't be good enough to hold off the suddenly-charging Steelers and Ravens.

10. Arizona Cardinals (7-4; 12)

The Cardinals finally have a quarterback! OK, so maybe Carson Palmer isn't the same guy that was the first-overall pick in 2003, but he can still sling the pigskin. In the Cards' four-game winning streak, he has eight touchdowns and two interceptions. Combine his stellar play with the No. 8 defense and the Cards have the look of a playoff team.

11. Philadelphia Eagles (6-5; 13)

Their three-game winning streak is admirable; it's put them back in the playoff hunt. But the wins have come against Oakland, Green Bay without Aaron Rodgers, and Washington. They will be tested this weekend against Arizona and we will find out more about the Eagles then. No matter what happens the rest of the year, HC Chip Kelly's first season has been a success and the Eagles may have found their quarterback in Nick Foles, who has tossed 16 touchdowns.

12. Detroit Lions (6-5; 10)

All of a sudden the Lions from last year are starting to show up. That's two straight inexplicable losses for Detroit. This past weekend it was Tampa Bay who tripped them up. QB Matthew Stafford can't expect to win too many games throwing four interceptions.

13. Dallas Cowboys (6-5; 14)

Raise your hand if you thought the Cowboys were going to blow Sunday's game against the New York Giants. I'm guilty. Tony Romo continues to conquer his late-game demons and engineered a masterful game-winning drive. He has led 11 game-winning drives in the 4th quarter or overtime in the last three years. No one has more.

14. Green Bay Packers (5-5-1; 15)

A tie? Really? Against the Minnesota Vikings? At home? When is Aaron Rodgers coming back? Until that happens it's hard to see Green Bay being a playoff team.

15. St. Louis Rams (5-6; 17)

They are the kind of team no one wants to see late in the season. They can shatter playoff dreams. Tough and physical, the Rams are winning games behind their run game and a talented young defense.

16. Chicago Bears (6-5; 9)

We are seeing that Marc Trestman's wizardy with quarterbacks only goes so far. Yes, Josh McCown threw for big yardage by the end of the game, but the Bears will have a hard time winning consistently with the career backup. The defense, which used to be so dominant, has been decimated by injury and can't stop anyone. They need Jay Cutler.

17. San Diego Chargers (5-6; 19)

They went into Arrowhead Stadium, ran up 41 against them and snapped their own three-game losing streak. The Washington and Miami losses sting, but that was exactly the kind of performance the Chargers needed to get things going back in the right direction.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-6; 22)

Put those shovels down. It's not yet time to dig Pittsburgh's grave. The Steelers have won three straight behind QB Ben Roethlisberger, who is playing like an elite quarterback again.

19. Baltimore Ravens (5-6; 21)

The Ravens are getting back to their old identity, which is playing strong defense and then making big plays on offense. That's what they did this past week against the New York Jets. Suddenly, Thursday's showdown against Pittsburgh has lots of meaning.

20. Miami Dolphins (5-6; 18)

This is another team that has become increasingly hard to figure out. The Dolphins offensive line is a mess, their running game is nonexistent, but they are still putting themselves in games. They almost pulled off an upset against the Panthers, which would have helped keep their playoff hopes alive.

21. New York Giants (4-7; 20)

Their four-game winning streak came to an end on Sunday. It has been a heck of a fight during the season's second half. The Giants should be much better than they are. Quarterback Eli Manning, who went 16 of 30 for 174 yards needs to be sharper for them to chase down the division leaders.

22. Tennessee Titans (5-6; 23)

Surprisingly Ryan Fitzpatrick has kept the Titans playoff hopes alive. Right when it looked like the Titans were about to suffer a tough loss against Oakland, Fitzpatrick engineered a masterful game-winning drive, completing eight of 10 passes.

23. Buffalo Bills (4-7; 25)

They should come back from the bye as healthy as they have been all year. Given the injuries to QB E.J. Manuel and RB C.J. Spiller, it's a surprise they have won four games.

24. New York Jets (5-6; 16)

Quarterback Geno Smith continues to look like a rookie, and that's not a good thing. He's making too many mistakes, which is putting too much pressure on the Jets defense. They've already won more games than I anticipated. They gave some a false sense of hope earlier this season. Smith doesn't have much help on offense.

25. Oakland Raiders (4-7; 26)

Kudos to Matt McGloin for hanging in there and throwing a late touchdown pass. Oakland continues to battle as their last three games have been decided by 13 points. They just aren't talented enough yet.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-8; 30)

The Tampa Bay team that has shown up during the three-game winning streak is the team I expected to see this year. Their defense intercepted Matthew Stafford four times on Sunday and quarterback Mike Glennon, who threw multiple touchdowns for the fifth time in 2013, continues to make it a hard off-season decision for the front office.

27. Cleveland Browns (4-7; 24)

We are starting to see why Jason Campbell is a backup at this stage of his career. He came in and ignited the Browns offense for a few games. Then defenses realized his style and started to take away his strengths, and he has faded. That's what a backup quarterback usually does. The Browns have a QB depth chart full of backups. The only bright spot was WR Josh Gordon.

28. Washington Redskins (3-8; 27)

There are lots of problems in the nation's capitol. HC Mike Shanahan is on the hot seat, the offensive line can't protect their quarterback, the wide receivers struggle to get open consistently and the defense is a sieve. Then there's Robert Griffin III. He has been bad this year and it's been tough to watch him play. But he's not even a year removed from a torn ACL. While most QBs were working to get better on the field, RG3 was rehabbing just to get back on it. Write the final chapter on last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year at your own risk.

29. Minnesota Vikings (2-8-1; 29)

They couldn't even beat a Green Bay team led by the combination of Scott Tolzien and Matt Flynn. I hope Minnesota enjoyed last year's playoff run. It will be a little while until they return.

30. Atlanta Falcons (2-9; 31)

Well they haven't quit. That's a positive. Now the only problem is the injuries have become too much for them to overcome.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9; 32)

They have won two of three games since coming off the bye, despite not having WR Justin Blackmon. The defense was at the center of Sunday's win. So, too, was Maurice Jones-Drew, who had a season-high 84 rushing yards.

32. Houston Texans (2-9; 28)

If losing to the Jaguars at home while scoring six points isn't rock bottom, then Texans fans are going to have a hard time making it through the season. Hey, at least they are on track to get a new franchise quarterback in 2014. 


↧

Top 40 boys basketball players to watch 2013-14: Northeast Ohio full of Division I prospects (video, poll)

November 26, 2013, 11:37 am
$
0
0

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It's no secret the basketball talent in Northeast Ohio is loaded this season. There are dozens of Division I college prospects that will be playing in the area this season. To give you a jump on the high school hoops season, which opens Friday across the state, we've put together a list of 40 players (listed...

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It's no secret the basketball talent in Northeast Ohio is loaded this season. There are dozens of Division I college prospects that will be playing in the area this season.

To give you a jump on the high school hoops season, which opens Friday across the state, we've put together a list of 40 players (listed alphabetically) to keep an eye on. Any of these players is capable of taking over a game when he is on the floor.

What's your take on these players? Share your scout report in the comments section below.

Esa Ahmad, Shaker Heights, junior: Ahmad, a 6-foot-7 forward, had a breakout sophomore season and averaged 21.5 points per game. He was a second-team All-Ohio selection in Division I and was the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division Player of the Year.

Devon Andrews, Lorain, junior: After missing half of last season due to an injury, Andrews, a 6-5 guard, helped Lorain to a strong finish and a district semifinal appearance. Andrews, a Kent State recruit, averaged 18 points in three postseason games last year.

Ryan Badowski, Brunswick, senior: A Longwood signee, Badowski will lead an experienced backcourt. He is a 6-2 guard who averaged 16 points per game last season.

Tervell Beck, Central Catholic, sophomore: At 6-7, Beck impressed as a freshman for the Ironmen last year. The forward averaged over 10 points and five rebounds per game.

Dave Bell, Garfield Heights, senior: The 6-10 senior and Ohio State signee is an imposing presence in the frontcourt for Garfield Heights. Bell averaged about 17 points and eight rebounds per game last season.

Eric Black, St. Ignatius, senior: Black, a 6-7 post, is expected to help lead the Wildcats' frontcourt and try to get them back into the regionals.

Jibri Blount, St. Vincent-St. Mary, junior: Blount is a 6-7 transfer from West Virginia who should provide good defense in the Irish frontcourt.

Carlton Bragg, Villa Angela-St. Joseph, junior: The 6-9 forward is already one of the most highly-touted junior prospects in the country. After averaging 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds a game to lead the Vikings to a state championship, it's easy to see why.

Alex Brown, Berea-Midpark, senior: The guard will be expected to be a star for the Titans after averaging close to 20 points at Berea last season.

Anthony Carmon, East Tech, junior: Carmon will suit up for the Scarabs after playing for Martin Luther King last season. The 6-foot point guard will try to lead the Scarabs to a Senate Athletic League championship.

Angelo Cugini, Cuyahoga Falls, senior: At 6-5, Cugini is a forward with plenty of shooting range and showed it in his first season with Cuyahoga Falls.

John Davis III, Beachwood, senior: Davis will look to build off his junior season, in which he was named Division III Player of the Year. The 5-10 point guard averaged 20.3 points per game last season.

Charles Franklin, Warrensville Heights, senior: The 6-5 forward shot 59 percent from two-point range and averaged 11 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Franklin had a team-high 59 offensive rebounds last year.

Johnell Free, East Tech, senior: The Scarabs' 6-3 guard averaged 20.7 points per game last season. Free also led his team in steals, averaging more than three.

Derek Funderburk, St. Edward, sophomore: At 6-8, Funderburk is expected to be a strong contributor in the paint for the Eagles. He has already drawn interest from several schools, including Xavier.

Marsalis Hamilton, St. Edward, senior: Hamilton, a 6-5 forward, is the Eagles' top returning scorer and was second team all-district as a junior.

Jalen Hudson, St. Vincent-St. Mary, senior: The Virginia Tech signee averaged about 15 points per game as a junior. Hudson, a 6-5 guard, will be the veteran anchor of the Irish backcourt.

Rosel Hurley, Shaker Heights, senior: The 6-5 forward will play his college basketball at Kent State. Hurley averaged 12.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.3 assists per game last season for Shaker Heights.

Jimond Ivey, Glenville, senior: As a junior, Ivey helped lead Glenville to the Senate championship. The 6-3 guard averaged more than 15 points and four assists per game.


Willie Jackson, Garfield Heights, sophomore: The 6-6 guard is the top returning perimeter player for the Bulldogs and is drawing interest from Big Ten schools.
V.J. King, St. Vincent-St. Mary, sophomore: Ranked No. 6 nationally in his class by ESPN.com, the 6-7 guard spent part of the summer with the U-16 squad for Team USA. He averaged 16.3 points and six rebounds as a freshman. See a feature on King that was posted earlier Tuesday.
Conner Krizancic, Mentor, senior: He’ll make his debut late because of football, but the 6-2 guard should play the point position for the defending state champions. He’s committed to play football at Cincinnati.
Antwon Lillard, Central Catholic, junior: As a 6-5 guard who can not only score (12 ppg as a sophomore) but also rebound (7 rpg), Lillard is one of the reasons the team shouldn’t miss a beat in 2013-14.
Vonte Montgomery, Garfield Heights, senior: A transfer from Central Catholic, Montgomery is a 6-2 guard who averaged 18 points last season. He’ll join a loaded Garfield Heights backcourt.
Kipper Nichols, St. Edward, junior: Part of a terrific frontcourt for St. Edward, Nichols is a 6-6 forward who led his team in scoring last season.
Chris Oakley, Brush, junior: He’s the nephew of former NBA player Charles Oakley but plays nothing like him. Oakley is a 5-11 guard who is a great scorer and distributor.
Dererk Pardon, Villa Angela-St. Joseph, junior: The 6-7 forward shows the Vikings have more up front than just Bragg. Pardon had nine points off the bench in last year’s title game.
Brian Parker, Villa Angela-St. Joseph, junior: Parker, along with Bragg, are the two returning starters from last year’s team. He’s a 6-2 guard and had 15 points in last year’s title game.

Armond Perry, Bedford, sophomore: Perry, a 6-1 guard, will be asked to play a bigger role on a Bedford team looking to build off a big season. 
Caleb Potter, Mentor, senior: Potter is headed to West Virginia to play baseball but is a standout in basketball too. He started for last year’s state title team and scored 24 points in the championship game.
Zavier Powers, Lake Catholic, senior: Was first team in the North Coast League as a junior, Powers returns as a third-year starter. He’s the go-to guy for his team and averaged 16.8 points last season.
Craig Randall, Medina, junior: A transfer from Girard, Randall averaged 23.5 points last season. He’s received interest from Division I schools, including Cleveland State.
Kaleb Roy, Shaker Heights, junior: One of many talented guards for the Raiders, Roy might not lead the team in scoring, but he's an integral part of what the team does offensively and defensively.
Gavin Skelly, Westlake, senior: The 6-8 forward is headed to Northwestern after his senior year. He’s a versatile player who can score, rebound and block shots.
Omari Spellman, North Royalton, sophomore: An intimidating presence down low, the 6-8 forward helped lead North Royalton on a magical run to the regional semifinals last season.
Kyauta Taylor, East Tech, senior: Last year’s Senate MVP averaged 23.1 points as a junior. At 6-2, Taylor can play both guard positions for East Tech.
Isaiah Walton, Elyria, senior: Walton, a 6-4 guard, will play at UC-Davis after he graduates. He’s a terrific scorer, who averaged 16.8 points last season.
Josh Williams, St. Vincent-St. Mary, junior: It’s been a busy off-season for Williams, who transferred from Barberton and committed to Akron. The 6-2 guard averaged nearly 20 points last year.
Spencer Williams, Orange, senior: A guard who’s capable of playing both positions, Williams is the reason Orange will be in games this season.
Cristen Wilson, John Hay, senior: A transfer from John F. Kennedy, Wilson is a 6-4 guard that should give the Hornets a boost in scoring.

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Contact sports reporter Tim Bielik by email (tbielik@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@bielik_tim). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

↧
↧

What an obscene banner taught Urban Meyer about the magnitude of the Ohio State–Michigan rivalry

November 26, 2013, 11:42 am
$
0
0

Urban Meyer was a 21-year-old graduate assistant driving to work when he noticed an obscene banner that taught him the significance of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Urban Meyer, a brown-haired, mustache-sporting, 21-year-old graduate assistant at Ohio State, made his morning commute to work one Monday in 1986.

As he passed Lincoln and Morrill Towers, he noticed sheets hanging from the two massive dorm-filled pillars overlooking Ohio Stadium. The sheets displayed a message.

"Muck Fichigan"

That's when Meyer realized the magnitude of Ohio State's rivalry with Michigan.

"I said, 'That is really cool right there,'" Meyer said. "And they did, they switched the 'M' and the 'F,' and someone made them take it down. So that was in 1986, so there is some old student now that is laughing their tail off saying, 'Yeah, that was my room.'"

Meyer was raised in Ashtabula, Ohio, but said he never really grasped the depth of the rivalry until he became a part of it.

"I didn't realize it, because I was just like most that from the outside looking in, 'Hey, it's a really great game,'" Meyer said. "I grew up in the 10‑year war, and I learned to dislike Michigan at a very young age. But, no, you never really appreciate it until you're behind the walls here and find out how serious it is."

Meyer probably won't hang an obscene banner from the window of his Dublin home, but he plans to expend plenty of energy emphasizing the significance of Ohio State-Michigan.

"Do we make a big deal out of this game? Absolutely," Meyer said. "Do we make a huge deal over the top about rivalry games? Yes, we do That's the way I was brought up. We kind of go over the top here, and we always have.

"A new coach doesn't come in here and try to stimulate that rivalry. That rivalry's been stimulated a long time ago, and we need to carry it on and make it stronger."


↧

Will Cleveland Indians get a No. 1 starter this winter? Hey, Hoynsie!

November 26, 2013, 12:57 pm
$
0
0

It doesn't appear the Indians will pursue a top free agent starting pitcher this winter.

Hey, Hoynsie: What is the chance of the Tribe landing a good top of the rotation arm like Matt Garza or Ricky Nolasco? I personally don't think if the Indians would have signed Tim Hudson it would have paid off. – Jeremy Hawks, Aurora.

Hey, Jeremy: Unless the Indians make a trade, I don’t see them acquiring a No.1 or No.2 starter. I think they feel they already have those two spots filled with Justin Masterson and Danny Salazar.

Last season the Indians did talk to the Cubs about Garza. When the Cubs asked for Lonnie Chisenhall, the Indians backed off. Garza was eventually traded to Texas  and finished the year at 10-6 with a 3.82 ERA.

Nolasco was traded from the Marlins to the Dodgers last season. He finished the year 13-11 with a 3.70 ERA. 

Hey, Hoynsie: A national publication has the Indians landing Joe Nathan and Bartolo Colon. What do you think of the chances of the Indians geting both of these pitchers? – Andy Bartos, Hilton Head, S.C.

Hey, Andy: Slim and none. A word to the wise, don’t believe everything you read. The deadline for those articles was well before the free-agent market took shape. The authors can see the future at best they were educated guesses.

Hey, Hoynsie: What is the reasoning for the Indians' low emphasis on the offense this offseason? Pitching was a strength last year, and the same team that "finished 5th in the AL" in runs got shut out in the wildcard game and finished lower in many other offensive categories. – Gavin Potter, Shaker Heights.

Hey, Gavin: See what happens when you listen to me? I’ve spent all offseason saying that the Indians need to concentrate on acquiring pitching, and the first big move they make is signing an outfielder in David Murphy.

I still think pitching is their primary need this winter, but there is no schedule when opportunities present themselves. Teams have to be ready to strike at any time.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why were the Indians willing to let Joe Smith go and sign a three-year deal with the Angels? He's still plenty young and has been a crucial piece of their bullpen the last few years. Why the reluctance to offer him a multi-year contract? – Steve Christopher, Spokane, Wash.

Hey, Steve: I know the Indians wanted to keep Smith, but the three-year $15 million deal he was looking for didn't fit in their budget. Not only did the money scare them, but so did the length of contract. As good as Smith has been for five years with the Tribe, the recent performances of free-agent relievers who sign multiyear deals has not been good.

If the Indians were in a different market, with a bigger payroll, I think they would have been much more aggressive in trying to keep Smith. I think they feel they have relievers who can do an adequate job in Smith's role for less money.

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think Lonnie Chisenhall will get another chance to prove himself to be a capable full timer at the hot corner? Or in your opinion is the brass getting to the point that they are ready to pull the plug on him? – Rick Furmage, Ashtabula.

Hey, Rick: I think they’ll give Chisenhall another chance. The question is can he take advantage of it?

Hey, Hoynsie: Can you ask around this winter and get some feedback as to why non-big spending teams continue to not fight for a salary cap even though they are in the majority? It seems like a taboo subject for the baseball media even though the NBA and NFL adopted a "cap" years ago. – Don Draper, New York.

Hey, Don: I think revenue sharing has eased some of the angst among the small to mid-market teams over not having a salary cap. I also think the players association has proven that a salary cap is a non-starter and that they are willing to strike to prevent it from happening.

Hey, Hoynsie: I've seen a documentary regarding a switch-throwing pitcher. To my knowledge no switch-throwing pitcher has made it to the majors, but if one did and they were facing a switch-hitting batter, who would have to pick a side first? – Andrew Ciccolini, Seattle.

Hey, Andrew: I think the word you’re looking for is ambidextrous. By the way, not only did your question make my head hurt, but I broke out in a cold sweat thinking of how I’d have to describe that if it ever happened in a game that I was covering. You know I once wrote that a pitcher was warming up in the dugout, so who knows what I would write if a ambidextrous pitcher faced a switch-hitting batter.

Anyway, here’s MLB rule covering such a possibility.

8.01 (f), regarding ambidextrous pitchers

A pitcher must indicate visually to the umpire-in-chief, the batter and any runners the hand with which he intends to pitch, which may be done by wearing his glove on the other hand while touching the pitcher's plate. The pitcher is not permitted to pitch with the other hand until the batter is retired, the batter becomes a runner, the inning ends, the batter is substituted for by a pinch-hitter or the pitcher incurs an injury.

In the event a pitcher switches pitching hands during an at-bat because he has suffered an injury, the pitcher may not, for the remainder of the game, pitch with the hand from which he has switched. The pitcher shall not be given the opportunity to throw any preparatory pitches after switching pitching hands. Any change of pitching hands must be indicated clearly to the umpire-in-chief.

That makes things crystal clear, right?


↧

Longest football winning streaks in Ohio State history topped by 2012-2013 Buckeyes

November 26, 2013, 12:48 pm
$
0
0

Find details about the longest football winning streaks in Ohio State history, including the record 23-game winning streak by the 2012-13 Buckeyes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The list of the longest winning streaks in Ohio State football history is topped by the 2012-2013 Buckeyes, who enter the Michigan game having won 23 in a row.

Below is a rundown of the five longest winning streaks.

Ohio State last lost in the final game of the 2011 season, 24-17 to Florida in the Gator Bowl. Since then, the Buckeyes have outscored their opponents by an average of 43-21, in winning 23 straight games.

Just five times have the Buckeyes enjoyed longer winning streaks of more than 15 games, but three of those winning streaks have occurred since the national championship in 2002.

The previous record for longest winning streak - at 22 games - ran from 1967 until the final game of the 1969 season when first-year Michigan coach Bo Schembechler defeated Woody Hayes, Rex Kern and the rest of the Buckeyes, 24-12.

Here are the 15 Ohio State winning streaks of at least 10 games. Below the list, game-by-game details can be found about the five longest streaks.

  • Streak - Season - Ended
  • 23 - 2012-13 (current)
  • 22 - 1967-69 (at Michigan, 24-12)
  • 19 - 2005-06 (vs. Florida, 41-14)
  • 19 - 2002-03 (at Wisconsin, 17-10)
  • 17 - 1915-17 (tied Auburn, 0-0)
  • 14 - 1899-00 (Ohio Medical, 11-6)
  • 13 - 1957-58 (tied at Wisconsin, 7-7)
  • 12 - 1944-45 (Purdue, 35-13)
  • 11 - 1995 (at Michigan, 31-23)
  • 11 - 1979 (vs. USC, 17-16)
  • 11 - 1975 (vs. UCLA, 23-10)
  • 11 - 1954-55 (at Stanford, 6-0)
  • 10 - 2010 (Illinois, 28-21)
  • 10 - 1996 (Michigan, 13-9)
  • 10 - 1934-35 (Notre Dame, 18-13)
Buckeye Numbers is a weekly feature from cleveland.com focusing on stats involving Ohio State football. This is a Nov. 25 update of a story originally published earlier in the season.

Details of longest streaks

  • 2012-2013
  • 2005-2006
  • 2002-2003
  • 1967-1969
  • 1915-1917

2012-2013 - 23-game streak
Combined scored: 982-476; average score: 43-21

Miami (OH) 56-10
Central Florida 31-16
California 35-28
Alabama-Birmingham 29-15
at (20) Michigan State 17-16
(21) Nebraska 63-38
at Indiana 52-49
Purdue 29-22
at Penn State 35-23
Illinois 52-22
at Wisconsin 21-14
(20) Michigan 26-21
Buffalo 40-20
San Diego State 42-7
at California 52-34
Florida A&M 76-0
(23) Wisconsin 31-24
at (16) Northwestern 40-30
Iowa 34-24
Penn State 63-14
at Purdue 56-0
at Illinois 60-35
Indiana 42-14

2005-2006 -19-game streak
Combined scored: 704-240, average score: 37-13

(16) Michigan State 35-24
at Indiana 41-10
at Minnesota 45-31
Illinois 40-2
(25) Northwestern 48-7
at (17) Michigan 25-21
(5) Notre Dame (Fiesta) 34-20
Northern Illinois 35-12
at (2) Texas 24-7
Cincinnati 37-7
(24) Penn State 28-6
at (13) Iowa 38-17
Bowling Green State 35-7
at Michigan State 38-7
Indiana 44-3
Minnesota 44-0
at Illinois 17-10
at Northwestern 54-10
(2) Michigan 42-39

2002-2003 - 19-game streak
Combined scored: 542-260, average score: 29-14

Texas Tech 45-21
Kent State 51-17
(10) Washington State 25-7
at Cincinnati 23-19
Indiana 45-17
at Northwestern 27-16
San Jose State 50-7
at Wisconsin 19-14
(18) Penn State 13-7
(23) Minnesota 34-3
at Purdue 10-6
at Illinois 23-16
(12) Michigan 14-9
(1) Miami (FL) (Fiesta) 31-24
(17) Washington 28-9
San Diego State 16-13
(24) North Carolina State 44-38
Bowling Green State 24-17
Northwestern 20-0

1967-1969 - 22-game streak
Combined scored: 777-265, average score: 35-12

at Michigan State 21-7
Wisconsin 17-15
Iowa 21-10
at Michigan 24-14
Southern Methodist 35-14
Oregon 21-6
(1) Purdue 13-0
Northwestern 45-21
at Illinois 31-24
(16) Michigan State 25-20
at Wisconsin 43-8
at Iowa 33-27
(4) Michigan 50-14
USC (Rose) 27-16
Texas Christian 62-0
at Washington 41-14
(19) Michigan State 54-21
at Minnesota 34-7
Illinois 41-0
at Northwestern 35-6
Wisconsin 62-7
(10) Purdue 42-14

1915-1917 - 17-game streak
Combined scored: 591-44, average score: 35-3

Indiana 10-9
Oberlin 25-0
at Northwestern 34-0
Ohio Wesleyan 12-0
Oberlin 128-0
at Illinois 7-6
Wisconsin 14-13
Indiana 46-7
at Case 28-0
Northwestern 23-3
Case 49-0
Ohio Wesleyan 53-0
Northwestern 40-0
Denison 67-0
at Indiana 26-3
at Wisconsin 16-3
Illinois 13-0

Sources: cleveland.com/datacentral, Ohio State University and Sports Reference LLC.



↧
Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live
More Pages to Explore .....
Search

Latest Images

Ukraine bans military from online gambling amid addiction concerns

Ukraine bans military from online gambling amid addiction concerns

April 22, 2024, 5:17 am
ಮಂಡ್ಯದಿಂದ ಸುಮಲತಾ ದೂರ; ಹೆಚ್‌ಡಿಕೆ ಪರ ಪ್ರಚಾರಕ್ಕಿಳಿಯದ ಸಂಸದೆ –ಬರ್ತಾರೆ ನೋಡೋಣ ಎಂದ...

ಮಂಡ್ಯದಿಂದ ಸುಮಲತಾ ದೂರ; ಹೆಚ್‌ಡಿಕೆ ಪರ ಪ್ರಚಾರಕ್ಕಿಳಿಯದ ಸಂಸದೆ –ಬರ್ತಾರೆ ನೋಡೋಣ ಎಂದ...

April 20, 2024, 8:08 pm
OCBC Bank Singapore Offers Up to 2.8% p.a. Fixed Deposit Promotion from 21...

OCBC Bank Singapore Offers Up to 2.8% p.a. Fixed Deposit Promotion from 21...

April 20, 2024, 12:38 pm
National Poetry Month 2024: Maxine Starr

National Poetry Month 2024: Maxine Starr

April 19, 2024, 9:56 am
Vegan Chicken Pot Pie

Vegan Chicken Pot Pie

April 19, 2024, 9:18 am
Firefox UX: On Purpose: Collectively Defining Our Team’s Mission Statement

Firefox UX: On Purpose: Collectively Defining Our Team’s Mission Statement

April 19, 2024, 7:03 am
New $4.5 million East Bay trail path will connect bicyclists, pedestrians to...

New $4.5 million East Bay trail path will connect bicyclists, pedestrians to...

April 18, 2024, 11:05 am
Photographer Gifts for Clients / Print Packaging / 4x6 Photo Box by...

Photographer Gifts for Clients / Print Packaging / 4x6 Photo Box by...

April 17, 2024, 6:48 pm
Deepfake Video of Aamir Khan circulates Online

Deepfake Video of Aamir Khan circulates Online

April 17, 2024, 3:07 am
Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Shirt: World of Eric Carle™+ Little Goodall by...

Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Shirt: World of Eric Carle™+ Little Goodall by...

April 14, 2024, 8:14 am