Will the Browns next win come this season?

View full sizeAmy Sancetta,
Associated PressFans of the 0-2 Cleveland Browns feel your pain, coach Eric Mangini.

Mo Williams got so down when LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat that he considered leaving the game. Seriously. Williams, 27, has three years and $26 million left on his contract but he still thought about giving it up because of "The Decision." Marc Spears writes on Yahoo.com: “That’s how bad it got,” Williams said....

Lonnie Timmons III/The Plain DealerGuard Mo Williams

Mo Williams got so down when LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat that he considered leaving the game.

Seriously.

Williams, 27, has three years and $26 million left on his contract but he still thought about giving it up because of "The Decision."

Marc Spears writes on Yahoo.com:

“That’s how bad it got,” Williams said. “I contemplated it. I really sat down and envisioned life after basketball. …I really saw myself not playing."

Fortunately Mo is better, and he hasn't retired, but playing this season without LeBron is not just going to be tough on the fans, but also on the players.

“As anyone tied to the Cavs, you want to be in denial,” Williams said. “…You never want to say, ‘Yeah, OK, he’s gone.’ ”

Williams and James have remained friends, but he’s also tried to use the past two months to move on. It's been difficult because not only has LeBron moved on, but coach Mike Brown was fired, former general manager Danny Ferry resigned and assistant GM Lance Blanks is now the GM in Phoenix.

The Cavs didn't make a splash in free agency or via trade during the offseason. They did acquire reserve guard Ramon Sessions, and center Ryan Hollins through a trade.

And now Williams has to adapt to a new system under new coach Byron Scott.

“We just got to go to work, man,” Williams said. “…At the end of the day we still have to move forward because the only people who feel sorry for us are the ones who have the Cavs uniform on and whoever is in the stands rooting for the Cavs. That’s it. Everybody else could care less.”

Now's the time to make your picks in our predictions contest, sponsored by The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.

This is the third of 17 contests. Enter for a chance at a $250 gift card.

St. Edward and Solon also make the top ten in Division I. Elyria Catholic tops Division IV.  

Glenville received 20 first-place votes.



-

(Ohio Helmet Project)

St. Edward and Solon also make the top ten in Division I. Elyria Catholic tops Division IV.

Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto today at noon as he talks Browns, Indians and Cavaliers. Hear Terry's thoughts on the Browns' 0-2 start, the Indians' final weeks of the season and the Cavaliers' as they open camp next week.

Terry Pluto tackles your questions live every Tuesday at noon.

Hear Terry's thoughts on the Browns' 0-2 start, the Indians' final weeks of the season and the Cavaliers' as they open camp next week.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Terry's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

LeBron James protected by the black community, writes ESPN.

APLeBron James

LeBron James, especially in Cleveland, is one of the most hated people in sports. His positive Q rating (the industry standard for measuring an athlete's familiarity and appeal) is way down and his negative Q rating went from 24 percent to 44 percent.

But that's not the case in the black community, writes ESPN's Vincent Thomas.

Meanwhile, LeBron's positive Q rating among blacks went from 52 percent in January to 39 -- a noticeable drop -- but his negative Q rating barely budged, going from 14 percent to 15. Among African-Americans, says The Q Scores Co. executive vice president Henry Schafer, the shift in opinion was mostly to neutral.

The general, expressed sentiment of African-Americans has been, "I may not have agreed with how LeBron carried the whole free-agency thing, but I'm not gonna hate the man." The more America shuns LeBron, the more Black America retreats to his corner. In fact, as America hates LeBron more and more, Black America's collective hug embraces LeBron tighter and tighter. It's called black protectionism.

Thomas writes how there are plenty of black folks who want LeBron to score 60 on the Cavaliers when he visits Cleveland and wouldn't mind the maligned Heat winning a championship.

Certainly Thomas didn't interview anyone from the black community in Cleveland. He may have gotten a different response. But Thomas concludes that the black protectionism is strong nationwide because of what he calls yahoos in Cleveland who burned jerseys.

He also writes:

Brewed smarmy beer called "Quitness," and putting up ingrate billboards. Frothy-mouthed Cavs owner Dan Gilbert made like Syndrome from "The Incredibles," sending out a maniac missive, stopping just short of calling down evil upon LeBron.

And for what? Why? Because "The Decision" was annoying and self-indulgent? I'm sorry, but Brett Favre was nowhere to be found on The Q Scores Co.'s top 10 most disliked list. And, dig this: America dislikes LeBron more than it dislikes Ben Roethlisberger. That's just not deserved. So, you know what? Enter the ride-or-die black community.

  

Grades are out for the Browns, and it should be no surprise that only the defense passed.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter,
The Plain DealerBrowns quarterback Seneca Wallace, who threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, got a D-plusfor his performance in Sunday's 16-14 loss to the Chiefs.

It's Tuesday and that means it's grade day for the Cleveland Browns. Professor reporter Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com has posted grades for Sunday's loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ulrich likes how the defense has played, but the turnovers and sputtering offense has been been less than desired.

The offense received a D for its performance last Sunday. Here are some of the breakdowns on offense:

• Quarterback: D+. Wallace was late on a pass to Chansi Stuckey, and Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers intercepted it and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown. To his credit, Wallace rebounded with a 65-yard touchdown pass to Josh Cribbs. Wallace completed 16-of-31 passes for 229 yards, but he was 5-of-10 for just 44 yards in the second half.

• Running backs: D-. Jerome Harrison had 16 carries for 33 yards (2.1 average, longest 8), and Peyton Hillis had eight carries for 35 yards (4.4 average, longest 12), including a 1-yard touchdown. Harrison, who had 286 yards rushing and three touchdowns last season against the Chiefs, also lost a fumble that led to the Chiefs' first field goal. Mangini challenged the fumble, but the call stood after a review. Harrison and Hillis combined for six catches for 61 yards. I include fullbacks in this category, and Lawrence Vickers was called for holding and did not have his best game.

The defense received a B grade based on the solid play from linebacker Marcus Benard, lineman Robaire Smith and safety T.J. Ward's nine tackles.

COACHING: D

By popular demand, I added this category. Players need to execute regardless of coaching, but coaches should be held accountable, too. The use of timeouts was an issue, and there seemed to be some confusion on defense in the second half. More important, the offense didn't have a turnover in the final two quarters but still did nothing. That falls on the coaches.

 

 

More talent needed

CantonRep.com reporter Steve Doerschuk interviews former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, and Kosar says the Browns’ biggest problem is a lack of talent.

A year after undertaking his biggest role with the expansion-era Browns, including extensive film review and consulting with coaches, Kosar is in Jim Brown’s boat to an extent. That is, he was offered a role with the team, just not the one he had before Mike Holmgren took over as president.

Unlike Brown, Kosar has not denounced Holmgren and says he continues to live and die with the team on Sundays.

Kosar said the roster is “devoid of difference-makers on offense and defense,” a trait that is manifesting itself in second halves.

“You can’t trick a team for four quarters,” he said.

"Whether it's turnovers or penalties, if it becomes a pattern, then we can't play the people who create turnovers or penalties because it hurts our chances," said Mangini.

The Browns had two turnovers -- a Seneca Wallace interception and Jerome Harrison fumble -- that cost them 10 points, and nine penalties that led to the 16-14 loss to the Chiefs.

"I don't really see it as me benching anybody," said Mangini. "I see it as either hold onto ball and get carries or you don't hold onto the ball and you don't get carries. And I'm not limiting it to the running backs. This isn't just about Jerome [Harrison], let me make that clear.

"The same thing with penalties. Either you stay onsides or you don't. If you jump offsides on third down, then we're not going to play you on third down. That's it. We'll put somebody else in and if they beat us on the play, they beat us on the play. If that person's maybe not exactly who we'd want on that play, it's going to be better than giving away a first down. We've got to do it. There's no alternative."

Cabot also talked to center Alex Mack, who was flagged for a personal foul penalty that turned what would have been a chip shot field goal for Phil Dawson into a snap hook that ultimately proved to be the difference in the game. Turns out, Mack might still have been fuming over Kansas City (and former Browns) defensive lineman Shaun Smith. Mack says Smith grabbed his private parts in a scuffle on the sidelines. You know, there are personal fouls, then there are PERSONAL fouls. This falls into the latter category, for sure.

Meanwhile, columnist Bill Livingston didn't drop the ball. He picked it up and ran with it, wondering why it appears the wildcat package -- or basically anything that puts the ball in Josh Cribbs' hands, pretty much got left in the don't-open-till-Christmas box.

And finally, columnist Terry Pluto throws a flag on the many penalties the Browns have accumulated so far in the young season: 15, eighth among the 32 teams in the NFL.

Former Cleveland Browns receiver Braylon Edwards has been arrested in New York City on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

Updated at 10:23 a.m.

View full sizeAP FileBraylon Edwards, dealt by the Browns to the New York Jets last season not long after an altercation with a friend of LeBron James, has been arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated in New York.

"We are very disappointed in Braylon's actions this morning. The Player Protect program is in place for our organization to prevent this situation. Braylon is aware of this program and showed poor judgment," the Jets said.

"We are reviewing the information with the league and will impose the appropriate disciplinary measures."

Edwards had five catches for 45 yards and a touchdown this past Sunday in a 28-14 win over New England after catching just one pass for nine yards in the season opener against Baltimore.

We have a finalist!

Michigan's Denard Robinson is putting up lofty numbers in the Heisman race.

View full sizeAP FileMichigan quarterback Denard Robinson has the loftiest numbers in the country. But they've come against lesser teams. Are they enough to take the Heisman from Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor or Alabama's Mark Ingram?

It means that Denard Robinson, just 3 games into this season, is not only leading the Heisman race, he's actively destroying everyone else involved, including the ghosts of winners past. In looking at similar-style players of the past, and the entire seasons that ended with them winning the award, Denard will have to at least maintain production during the conference schedule in order to actually win the award. Crouch and Young had their best games against a conference opponent later in the season. Making a snack out of Notre Dame is no small task, and I'm not implying that it should be taken lightly for Denard's campaign, but if he starts to fade over the course of conference play, it will not bode well for him winning the award. He will not be able to hang his Heisman hat on the Notre Dame game. He will likely need a "statement" or "signature" game against a Big Ten foe (Ohio State? Pretty please?) in order to truly lock down on the award.

Eastern Michigan had successful battles with Jim Tressel-coached teams at Youngstown State, with the then-Hurons holding a 4-1 record against the Penguins between 1986 and 1990. The four setbacks account for five percent of Tressel's 78 career losses in 25 years as a head coach.

Eastern won the Sept. 6, 1986 match-up in Youngstown by a slim 18-17 margin before following it up with a 35-20 victory Sept. 5, 1987, at Rynearson Stadium en route to the school's lone Mid-American Conference Championship. The Green and White then posted a 17-12 victory, Sept. 10, 1988, and added a 14-3 decision Sept. 9, 1989. Tressel's lone victory occurred in the series finale, when YSU won 24-14, Sept. 22, 1990.

PD columnist says Browns have a history of playing well against teams that are heavily favored.

The Browns must make more use of the game-breaking ability of Josh Cribbs, Bill Livingston says.

Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's going on in Cleveland sports. Today's show is hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.

Let's go to the highlights:

• The Browns are 0-2 heading into Sunday's divisional game at Baltimore. Can they go on the road this week and knock off the Ravens? Branson Wright thinks so, and so does today's guest, Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston. When do you think the Browns will win their first game? Vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.

• Livy also talks about his column today, in which he wonders why the Browns haven't made more use of the Wildcat formation and Josh Cribbs' game-breaking ability. Also, Livy talks about whether Eric Mangini's decree will work, that he will bench players who commit bad penalties or make silly mistakes; and about Braylon Edwards' DUI arrest this morning.

SBTV will return Wednedsay morning with The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises talking Ohio State football. And don't forget to play our new You Pick the Winners Contest where you can outpick Chuck and Branson each week and earn an appearance on SBTV and a chance at a $250 gift card.

How disappointing is the Browns' 0-2 start? What's a realistic expectation for the Cavaliers in 2010-2011? Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto was online, tackling those questions and more in his weekly chat.

Terry Pluto tackles your questions live every Tuesday at noon.

Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto was online, tackling those questions and more in his weekly chat on cleveland.com earlier today.

Among the other topics discussed:

- What's a best-case-scenario for the Browns before the bye week?

- Should Peyton Hills be getting more touches?

- Considering how hard it is to find a superstar, how do the Cavaliers go about rebuilding?

- Are you a believer in the Indians' current rebuilding plan?

Hector Ambriz is getting second opinion on sore right elbow.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Right hander Hector Ambriz went home to California instead of making this trip with the Indians. He's been shut down for the season with a sore right elbow and is getting a second opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles.

 Ambriz opened the season on the disabled list with elbow problem. The Indians sent him to Class AAA Columbus where the Rule 5 pick pitched well. He rejoined the Indians on April 30 and stayed with the team until elbow pain ended his season.

 He went 0-3 with a 5.59 ERA in in 34 appearances. He struck out 37 and walked 17 in 48 1/3 innings. He allowed 68 hits, including 10 homers, as the opposition hit .338 against him.

 Ambriz has not pitched since Sept. 8 when he went 3 1/3 innings against the Angels at Angel Stadium. It was his longest outing of the season and he took the loss in a 4-3 defeat in 16 innings.

The Indians took Ambriz in December in the Rule 5 draft. Arizona did not protect him. By taking him in the draft, it meant the Indians had to carry him in the big leagues all year.

"Good for Mangini. Hold the players responsible. If they make costly mistakes, they shouldn't be on the field. However, he also needs to hold his offensive coordinator to the same standards." - dblue

View full sizeBrian Daboll has not done much to endear himself to Browns fans.

In response to the story Eric Mangini to the Browns: Stop the mistakes or hit the bench, cleveland.com reader dblue thinks Mangini needs to hold his offensive coordinator to the same standards as his players. This reader writes,

"Good for Mangini. Hold the players responsible. If they make costly mistakes, they shouldn't be on the field. However, he also needs to hold his offensive coordinator to the same standards."

UFC President Dana White should act decisively in the wake of Chael Sonnen's positive drug test, or risk losing the gains achieved by mixed martial arts.

View full sizeAP FileChael Sonnen, right, tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in the post-fight urinalysis when he almost beat defending UFC champ Anderson Silva, left. Sonnen faces a one-year suspension and a fine.

Neither is it the sheer gall of today’s announcement that he would appeal a one-year ban and $2,500 fine by the California State Athletic Association, the regulating agency for that particular fight, which was held in Oakland last August. Nevada and other states that are members of the Association of Boxing Commissions would honor the ban as well, which essentially means no fighting for Sonnen if the appeal is denied.

No, what’s really troubling is a comment attributed to UFC President Dana White.

Now I don’t KNOW Dana White, and I didn’t hear him utter these words exactly, but what he told Yahoo Sports.com’s Kevin Iole rings true for everything I DO know about the guy, and everything I’ve heard him say in the past:

“When (a UFC fighter) fails a test, the government is going to fine them and suspend them and tell them they can’t make a living for a year. So should I come in after they’ve already lost the ability to make a living for a year and been fined all this money and, in the worst economic disaster in the history of the world, fine them another huge amount and take away their ability to make a living even longer?”

YES, you should.

Look, mixed martial arts is fighting an uphill battle right now. Boxers and their fans turn a deaf cauliflower ear to those of us trying to convince the world this is a real sport, not just a steel-cage street fight.

Who is respected in baseball: Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds? Or Mickey Mantle, Albert Pujols, Bob Feller and Joe DiMaggio?

Do you think Muhammad Ali or Joe Frazier would’ve slipped a horseshoe into his gloves?

Look what has happened in the NFL, the league whose popularity UFC is trying to attain. Commissioner Roger Goodell has turned into a sports world Billy Jack, breaking headlights and heads whenever wrongdoers get caught (Ben Roethlisberger, Michael Vick .¤.¤. and Braylon Edwards?).

Baseball’s Bob Watson, who’s in charge of discipline for do-nothing Commissioner Bud Selig, doesn’t care if Petey Pitcher loses money or even his career if that’s what happens; it was Petey’s decision to violate a known rule.

Goodell wants his league to make money, obviously; but like Watson and Selig, he’s realized that athletes must be held to a higher standard. Baseball and football realize that making a living in those sports is a privilege for those who have those gifts. A privilege, not a right.

Chael Sonnen, like anyone who cheats, needs to understand that the same standard applies to mixed martial arts. It MUST if the sport is to be accepted. And as the head of UFC, and undoubtedly the man who has brought it this far, White can’t sit on the sidelines and boo-hoo for the lost bucks of his fighters. Hey, you want ’em to make more money, PAY ‘em more money. They’re all under contract to you, and as you pointed out, they don’t make nearly what athletes in other sports do.

White has to be proactive. Don’t fine ’em. BAN ’em.

Yeah, Sonnen was a character. I understand the pay-per-view sales for his fight with Silva topped 600,000, and the average pay-per-views are usually half that or less. The rematch with Silva was supposed to happen during the Super Bowl week, when folks are already a little sports-nutso, and thus potential for PPV sales was and is incredible. It’s unlikely that the California State Athletic Commission will side with Sonnen on his appeal, and the ban and fine will stand. The UFC is out that cash anyway.

So that really leaves just one question for White:

How much does an ounce of integrity go for these days?

Coming up: UFC 119 is at 10 p.m. Saturday [cya: sept. 25: ]at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Heavyweights Frank Mir (13-5-0) vs. Mirko Cro Cop (27-7-2, and 1 NC) and light heavyweights Antonio Rogerio Noguiera (19-3-0) vs. Ryan Bader (12-0-0) are main event and co-main event, respectively.

It’s available on pay-per-view with a suggested price of $44.99; contact your local provider. Also, several local bars are showing the fight. See ufc.com for one near you.

"Yeah, they stink. But at least they are young and stink. They all have a chance to develop and belong in the Majors. With the way the game is structured today, the best we have to hope for is to become like Minnesota, Tampa Bay or St. Louis - a consistent, contending mid-market team. I think most of the players on our roster have a chance to be a good Major League player on a team like that. Not everyone can be the Yankees." - wahoorc

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerIt's been a long season for the Indians and their fans, but there's hope that some of the young players on the roster can turn things around.

In response to the story Indians Comment of the Day: A manager can't win without talent, cleveland.com reader wahoorc still has hope for the Tribe's youngsters. This reader writes,

"Yeah, they stink. But at least they are young and stink. They all have a chance to develop and belong in the Majors. With the way the game is structured today, the best we have to hope for is to become like Minnesota, Tampa Bay or St. Louis - a consistent, contending mid-market team. I think most of the players on our roster have a chance to be a good Major League player on a team like that. Not everyone can be the Yankees."

"Take him for what he is - a good point guard - and hope he can improve. The guy has a decent attitude and some talent. If he plays hard and can be more consistent, he can make an impact." - northcoastcat

View full sizeScott Shaw | The Plain DealerMo Williams will be expected to carry the load this season for the Cavaliers.

In response to the story Cleveland Cavaliers' guard Mo Williams came close to retiring, cleveland.com reader northcoastcat appreciates Mo Williams for what he is. This reader writes,

"Take him for what he is - a good point guard - and hope he can improve. The guy has a decent attitude and some talent. If he plays hard and can be more consistent, he can make an impact."

"I personally could care less who wins the Heisman and I wonder why anyone else cares. I only care if my team wins championships. I have a feeling Jim Tressel thinks the same way I do and would sacrifice Pryor's numbers for the sake of victories and the improvement of the team." - wahoo rights

View full sizeAP Photo | Matt YorkTerrelle Pryor began 2010 as a frontrunner for the Heisman. That hasn't changed after three weeks.

In response to the story P.M. Ohio State links: Are Denard Robinson's numbers enough to take the Heisman from Terrelle Pryor?, cleveland.com reader wahoo rights doesn't care much about the Heisman. This reader writes,

"I personally could care less who wins the Heisman and I wonder why anyone else cares. I only care if my team wins championships. I have a feeling Jim Tressel thinks the same way I do and would sacrifice Pryor's numbers for the sake of victories and the improvement of the team."

Bernie Kosar says Browns quarterbacks need help from the receivers.

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerBrian Robiskie hasn't posted many receptions so far this season for the Browns, which reflects on what Bernie Kosar says is the offense's greatest weakness.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What's wrong with the Browns?

Looking for a little different answer from the point of view of a quarterback, I called Bernie Kosar. The former Brown began with a discussion of the receivers.

"I'm a quarterback, so I tend to give those guys a break," he said. "Jake [Delhomme] and Seneca [Wallace] each made a mortal sin with those picks [that set up touchdowns], but I really don't think they have been that bad. They are far more accurate than what we had last year."

So what is the problem with the offense, which has scored only 14 points in each of the first two games ... and no points after halftime?

Kosar said there are a few issues, but he started with the receivers. Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi have combined for only five catches and 73 yards in two games.

"Those passes down the sidelines that guys can't catch and stay in bounds," said Kosar. "If you watch them, you see that the receivers are 1-2 yards away from the sidelines as they run down field. That's too close. They should be 5-6 yards. You want to give the quarterback about 15 feet to throw the ball between the receiver and the sidelines."

Kosar said he "knows" the coaches are stressing this to the receivers, but added, "I'd be really hard on them this week. Each guy is being covered by one cornerback. The two safeties are up on by the line, looking to stop the run. They aren't respecting our receivers."

Massaquoi and Robiskie were both second-round picks in 2009. They have had 19 balls tossed in their direction. Only two of their five receptions earned first downs.

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerThe wide receivers haven't been the only culprits in the laboring passing game, says Bernie Kosar, who has seen drops throughout the receiving corps, including tight end Evan Moore.

Kosar said they can improve. But he added, "It's really been all of our receivers. We started the Kansas City game with Seneca throwing a good pass to Evan Moore, and he dropped it. Then Seneca threw a pass for what should have been a first down to [Chansi] Stuckey, and he dropped it. Those were good throws, we just didn't catch them."

Running back Peyton Hillis leads the team with four catches for first downs. Moore is the only player with more than one catch (he has two) for at least 20 yards.

"Of all the guys, Josh [Cribbs] is probably doing the best job at receiver," said Kosar. "He is making a lot of progress. He's using his hands to get open. He doesn't get shoved off his routes."

What is happening to the offense in the second half?

"I don't think it's so much our lack of adjustments," said Kosar. "Eric [Mangini] and his staff are starting games with some really good schemes. The other teams adjust to us, and then it comes down to talent -- man-on-man. You can't out-scheme the other team for the entire game."

Keep in mind that Kosar is close to Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. He respects this coaching staff and it pains him to see all the "little things that we've been doing wrong" that have led to losses by scores of 17-14 in Tampa, 16-14 to Kansas City.

This is not a longing for Braylon Edwards, traded to the Jets last year and arrested on DWI charges this week. It's simply that Kosar believes the feeble running game is partly due to the inability to establish a passing game.

"I know we won five games last year where we were 33-of-89 passing and had only one touchdown pass," he said. "But four of those came at the end of the season when the weather was bad, the players were banged up and it's easier to run the ball. Early in the year on a faster turf with good weather, quickness shows up more."

What Kosar left unsaid is the Browns often are the slower team.

"But it's not just pure speed," he said. "You can make up for some of that if you pay attention to detail, and just run better routes. Our receivers need to do that."