T.J. Houshmandzadeh probably wouldn't help the Browns that much, and Tony has a selfish reason for not wanting the team to sign him.
Q: Hey, Tony: What's your opinion on why the Browns weren't interested in T.J. Houshmandzadeh? For the past seven years I think a team in last place the year before won its division the next year. Wouldn't "Housh" help the Browns possibly be that team this year? Wishful thinking? -- Richard Borelli, Lakewood
A: Hey, Richard: I think their feeling is that if they are going to bring in anybody to displace a young receiver, it would be one with high-end speed. Housh doesn't fit that mold. Could he play for the Browns? Yes. Would he make a big difference? They must think not. On a personal note, I would not want to have to spell his last name in every game story I write.
Q: Hey, Tony: Joe Thomas has truly proven the wisdom of drafting him as a big step to rebuild the line. What concerns me is that in the Browns' depth charts that they have back-ups for everyone but him. Many view the left tackle position as the keystone of the offensive line, so why is no one listed as his backup? Are they tempting the Browns' horrible luck on injuries to key personnel -- remember LeCharles Bentley and Winslow the Lesser? -- Alan Fojt, Manassas, Va.
A: Hey, Alan: The Browns are currently going with only three offensive tackles on their roster -- Thomas, John St. Clair and Tony Pashos. Either St. Clair or Pashos would move to left tackle if Thomas is hurt in a game. Or guard Eric Steinbach could slide over. If Thomas was out of the lineup for more than a game, the Browns would be in a world of hurt.
Q: Hey, Tony: Nice article on Nick Sorensen. Got me wondering about what a guy like Nick, 10 years special-teamer. . . . What does he make doing that? I was wondering if I should come out of retirement. -- Dennis Bartlett, Queensbury, N.Y.
A: Hey, Dennis: According to NFLPA salary data, Sorensen makes a base salary of $760,000 in 2010. It's the last year of his current contract.
Q: Hey, Tony: I am very confused how you won't admit drafting [Montario] Hardesty was a mistake. You talk about the picks they gave up and how the fifth-rounders are not with their teams. This makes no sense since Hardesty was a second-round pick. Based on this logic we can look at every pick after Hardesty to see who is doing well.
The Browns need players on the field now. We can't wait till next year again. It's frustrating to hear you say it may be a bonus next year! The problem again with that approach is that he was supposed to play this year. I was also concerned with T.J. Ward's past injuries. -- Bill Thiro, Staten, Island, N.Y.
A: Hey, Bill: If Hardesty never plays again for the Browns, then the selection and trade obviously would be a huge blunder. But I'm not smart enough to project that he won't be back on the field next season. Yes, they will miss him in 2010. The good organizations recover from situations like this.
Q: Hey, Tony: What exactly is the major problem between the owners and the players and will this get resolved before it's too late? -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland
A: Hey, Angelo: It comes down to this: The players won the negotiating battle when the collective bargaining agreement was extended in 2006. The deal included the option for either side to "opt out" after 2009. The owners exercised that option. They want the players to give back some things. The deadline for resolving this mess is March. I think a resolution will come at the last minute. If not, both sides will suffer a tremendous backlash from fans.
Q: Hey, Tony: Was Joel Reinders picked up by anyone after he was waived, or is he headed to the CFL? -- Kevin F, Brunswick
A: Hey, Kevin: To my knowledge, Reinders has not signed with another NFL team or a CFL team.
Q: Hey, Tony: 'Thursday a few of the Vikings and Saints players came out onto the field and raised their hands pointing to the sky to represent they are all "one." I still don't truly understand what is going on with this CBA issue (nobody has said what the real issue is for a player vs. the league).
Most everyone talks about it being an uncapped year, but are the players not "one?" What's the purpose of the NFLPA? Are not all players part of the NFLPA? So, I guess what I'm really asking is, why did the players feel the need to do that, when their voice is the NFLPA?
Also, I was reading an article about what had happened, and Osi Umenyiora/Mathias Kiwanuka said the fans have a voice; what can we do other then just buying tickets? -- Justin Mitchell, Albuquerque
A: Hey, Justin: The raised-hands gesture of the Saints and Vikings was a message to owners, who may doubt whether the players are unified. I believe the fans are voicing their displeasure about the goings-on by staying away from NFL games in increasing numbers. Believe me, the decline in NFL attendance is getting everybody's attention on both sides of the labor issue.
Q: Hey, Tony: Would you agree that Jon Jansen and Justin Hartwig would be good pick-ups for an offensive line that is a little banged up? Why haven't the Browns picked either of them up from waivers? -- Robert Grace, Napa, Calif.
A: Hey, Robert: Hartwig is a center, and the Browns have no problem there. Jansen is strictly a right tackle and has had repeated injuries. I'm not sure he could help the Browns right now.
Q: Hey, Tony: With a 35- year-old starting quarterback and no third-string quarterback even close to being ready to play, why would the Browns put Seneca Wallace in the wildcat or whatever and risk injury? Seems like a greater chance of injury in the non-quarterback role. -- John Casey, Athens, Ohio
A: Hey, John: Excellent observation. I think it's easier to answer this way: It's a way of getting Wallace a few reps in a game and keeping him in the flow. Now that Jake Delhomme is injured and Wallace is starting, I believe you will see less of Wallace in any wildcat package.
Q: Hey, Tony: Is it true that Mangini would not be fired midseason, even if we began 1-7 or 2-6? If we finished 6-10, is there any hope Jon Gruden or Bill Cowher would arrive 2011? -- Mason Tucker, Galion, Ohio
A: Hey, Mason: I really don't want to begin answering those doom-and-gloom scenarios. As for Gruden, he told me last year he would not coach in the NFL for a minimum of two years. I believe him. Cowher, I believe, will be back in 2011, if the labor situation is resolved.
Q: Hey, Tony: Is Romeo [Crennel] still being paid by the Browns? If so, how much are the Browns paying and how much are the Chiefs paying? -- Rick Green, Cleveland
A: Hey, Rick: The money owed Crennel by the Browns is offset by what the Chiefs are paying him. Those figures are not available like player salaries because the coaches are not part of the union.
Q: Hey, Tony: Joe Haden said he never looks back when he's covering somebody. Are we going to need to keep a new statistic of how many would-be interceptions bounce off his helmet? -- Gary Shulman, Novelty
A: Hey, Gary: Give the guy a chance, huh?
Q: Hey, Tony: The Browns made 38 passing attempts and 23 rushing attempts in the opener, in wet conditions, and were never down by more than three points. I'm sorry, but Brian Daboll has got to go. -- Kevin C., Phoenix
A: Hey, Kevin: I just think experienced NFL play-callers are far more cognizant of the run-pass ratio during games.
Q: Hey, Tony: As easy as it would be to write about Delhomme's interceptions, the fumbles by [Peyton] Hillis or wondering if Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert really have improved the team compared to last year, tell us about some positives you took away from [last week's] game, and what you think the Browns can exploit or take advantage of vs. the Chiefs. -- Tim, Winter Haven, Fla.
A: Hey, Tim: The defense performed well. T.J. Ward was excellent in his first NFL game. Joe Haden can play and will improve by leaps and bounds over the course of the season. Marcus Benard continues to be productive and should be on the field more. Same for Ahtyba Rubin.
Mohamed Massaquoi looks real good. Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis ran well. The Browns' defense against the run was improved.
As for the Chiefs game, the biggest advantage the Browns hold is the fact the Chiefs are on the road after a short work week following a Monday night game.
Q: Hey, Tony: Who do you think is more upset at the loss to the Bucs, Mike Holmgren or die-hard Browns fans? -- Shawn Gray, Mansfield
A: Hey, Shawn: Both. Why would you question Holmgren's emotions after that debacle?
Q: Hey, Tony: Can you tell me when it is that [Eric] Mangini actually does any coaching on the sidelines during a game? He stands either with his hands on his hips, or with his arms crossed shaking his head, and rarely says anything! It's driving me crazy! -- Brad A. Watkins, Indianapolis
A: Hey, Brad: You only see him when the cameras are on him. There's a lot of conversation going on between him and the coaches. I do fault Mangini and his staff for not making adjustments in the second half.
Q: Hey, Tony: In the Tampa Bay game, why weren't more passes thrown to the wide receivers? Were they covered, or they couldn't get separation? What is your opinion of [Brian] Daboll's game calling in this game? -- FC, Los Angeles
A: Hey, FC: I think the pass routes need to be changed. The wideouts are sent on too many long patterns. I'd like to see the ball get into their hands more quickly on quick outs, inside slants -- patterns that enable them to separate from the defense with the ball, not without it. Daboll's play-calling was not good, obviously.
Q: Hey, Tony: After Delhomme's now customary meltdown I was stunned to hear fans put the loss on Mangini's shoulders, and start their Gruden and Cowher calls to the local radio shows. The fans screamed bloody murder last year when Mangini favored [Derek Anderson] DA (who is now starting in the NFL again and winning) over [Brady] Quinn, who is practically out of the league now.
This year Holmgren brings in washed-up Delhomme and they in turn blame Mangini still. Do these fans realize this team is in rebuild mode and Cowher and Gruden are not riding in on white horses to save the day? -- Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio
A: Hey, Michael: I do think Mangini needs to win this year to stay as coach. What does that mean? Fewer than 10 losses, in my opinion.
Q: Hey, Tony: In the Tampa game, Harrison was 9-for-52 and Hillis was 9-for-41. The mix of pass to run from Daboll was about 70/30 against a weak run defense. Your team is up 14-3 and instead of pounding the ball on the ground or screen passes you call more downfield pass plays. As was the case last year, the biggest problem for this offense is Daboll as the offensive coordinator. When will Holmgren step in and get rid of the biggest problem with the offense: Daboll? -- Dave M, Lawrenceville, Ga.
A: Hey, Dave: I believe there is more pressure on Daboll than on any Browns offensive coordinator in recent memory. Why? Because of the presence of Holmgren and Gil Haskell, his longtime offensive coordinator who is an adviser to Holmgren.
Q: Hey, Tony: While I wasn't surprised that Hillis played so much, I was a bit surprised that Harrison played so little. Is he in some version of the doghouse? I thought perhaps Harrison's preseason fumble played a role, but Hillis got put right back in after his fumble. Any idea why Harrison has fallen out of favor? -- Stan Himes, West Des Moines, Iowa
A: Hey, Stan: These are the theories: Mangini didn't like Harrison's practice habits last year. While improved at picking up the blitz, Harrison is still a potential weakness there. Neither Mangini nor the new regime of Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren believe Harrison can hold up over the long haul. Just theories, mind you.
Q: Hey, Tony: With all the ado about Jim Brown recently, I was thinking about what his contract amount might have been back in the early '60's and how that would compare with today's contracts with the top running backs in the NFL? I'm wondering what his worth back then would be, relative to today's top stars in actual dollars. -- Don P, Worthington, Ohio
A: Hey, Don: I'm not sure what Brown made in his heyday. I believe he was the highest-paid player in the league at one time with a salary of $100,000. Today, he would command a contract in the range of $8 million to $10 million a year. The problem nowadays is that running backs don't pull in the salary numbers of, say, quarterbacks and even receivers because their NFL life span is much shorter as a result of the pounding they take. No teams are willing to invest long-term in running backs.
Q: Hey, Tony: I am well versed on Tony's anathema list of subjects NOT to address, but maybe there is a loophole here since I am asking about coaches' attire for games rather than team uniforms.
How do the NFL dress police stipulate coaches appear on the sidelines on Sundays? Personally, I am not a big fan of the Bill Belichick una-bomber look with the hoodies and ripped sleeves. Are coaches not allowed to wear suits and ties along the sidelines? Does a suit make it hard for them to stuff their laminated play charts down the front of their pants (should be a fine for that!)? Why do they dress like ball boys and trainers? I miss the suits and ties (and derbies) of Paul Brown, Vince Lombardi, Blanton Collier, Hank Stram, etc. Thanks. -- Jim Albertson, Norman, Okla.
A: Hey, Jim: The league requires coaches to wear team-authorized attire. In recent years, the commissioner permitted former San Francisco coach Mike Nolan and Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio to wear suits and ties, but only for a game. The league is big on uniformity and does not encourage individuality.
Q: Hey, Tony: Are the Browns coaches too focused on outsmarting the opposition? What else explains Hillis when we were all expecting Harrison. There are plenty of similar examples going to the beginning of last year. Didn't they play best last year when they had limited options and just ran the ball? -- Randall Rupp, Winston-Salem, N.C.
A: Hey, Randall: I rest my case, your honor.
Q: Hey, Tony: There isn't one press conference that your buddy Bruce Drennan doesn't slam his colleagues in the media for not asking the right questions. Comments? -- Bobby Meyer, Elyria
A: Hey, Bobby: Drennan is mad that I beat him in the Par 3 Shootout on SportsTimeOhio.
Q: Hey, Tony: Based on what you saw after only one game from Josh Cribbs, did you like the underpaid hungry Josh better than the current Cribbs? To me, he looked like a guy who not runs like he just got paid. -- Brett Ormsby, Bay Village
A: Hey, Brett: You raise an interesting point. I am not saying that Cribbs is giving less effort after his $20 million new contract, but I have heard sources say that he seems to have gotten a big head. Hunger -- his inner drive -- certainly made him a Pro Bowl player after being not drafted out of Kent State. Keeping that hunger is imperative for Cribbs to reach even higher levels of play.
Q: Hey, Tony: Any chance the Jets inquire about Shaun Rogers' 'availability now that their NT Kris Jenkins has gone down for the year? Considering the recent trade history between the two teams and the high expectations in New York this year, I thought it might be a possibility. If you do think the Browns would put Rogers on the trade market, what do you think they would get in return? -- Josh Melitschka, Middleburg Heights
A: Hey, Josh: My gut feeling is that the Browns recognize Rogers as a great player and integral player in their defense and would not make him available in a trade. However, if an attractive trade offer materialized before the deadline in the season's sixth week, I am sure they would consider it. What could they get for him? It's hard to say because it seems like so many quality players have been traded for mid- to low-round draft picks.
Q: Hey, Tony: You mentioned that Mike Holmgren experienced his "Welcome to Cleveland" moment with the Jim Brown fiasco. Care to rank the top ten of these "moments" that seem to happen only with this franchise? -- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake
A: Hey, Steve: Wow, great question. Without ranking them, I would include the following: Orlando Brown's meltdown after getting a penalty flag thrown into his eye. Bottlegate. LeCharles Bentley's knee injury on his first team rep at training camp. Kellen Winslow blowing out his knee while practicing motorcycle stunts. Tim Couch's crying interview after suffering a concussion and getting booed at home. The rash of staph infections and lawsuits filed by Joe Jurevicius and Bentley. I have to stop now. I'm getting a headache.
Q: Hey, Tony: Everyone, with the exception of the Browns management and leadership, questioned our current talent at wide receiver during the off-season. Not only did we not make any moves of significance, but we did not even draft any prospects. What were the Browns thinking? This simply seems to me like inept management and it is inexcusable. -- Drew Branham, Minneapolis
A: Hey, Drew: Well, they did draft Carlton Mitchell of South Florida in the fifth round. What were they thinking? They were expressing confidence in Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie, along with Josh Cribbs and Chansi Stuckey. Plus, they felt they had other priorities to address.
Q: Hey, Tony: ESPN has the Browns ranked as the worst team in the entire NFL. Do you think there is any merit to this? If so, does that mean it is time for Mangini to go? -- Dave Larson, Lorain
A: Hey, Dave: I do not think the Browns are the worst team in the NFL. I would rank the following teams lower: Detroit, St. Louis, Tampa Bay (don't say it), Jacksonville, Buffalo and Seattle (don't say it).
Q: Hey, Tony: If everyone realizes that the Browns right side of the offensive line is weak, how come the Browns do not look into trading for Logan Mankins, the holdout Pro Bowler who refuses to sign a contract in New England? -- Brent Kallay, Mentor
A: Hey, Brent: My guess is the Browns have a lot of money already invested in their offensive line and don't want to add what would be a sizable contract if they traded for Mankins.
Q: Hey, Tony: It seems like the Mark Sanchez trade may be paying off for the Browns with all the negative press he is getting. The other early draft winner seems to be Joe Haden versus Kyle Wilson, who was torched by the Ravens. What are your thoughts? -- Tom Quayle, Aurora
A: Hey, Tom: Yes, Sanchez continues to struggle. But the trade for Sanchez netted the Browns the three ex-Jets -- Abram Elam, Kenyon Coleman and Brett Ratliff -- in addition to draft picks that resulted in Alex Mack and David Veikune. While Mack has quickly developed into a sturdy center, I would not write off Sanchez. As a quarterback, his ceiling is much higher than Mack's. As for Wilson, I never understood the fascination with the cornerback from Boise State over the one from Florida.
Q: Hey, Tony: It seems to me that Mangini sticks with his guys at the expense of the Browns' best interests. Two examples to me are Elam and Barton. I have seen very little positive from either and yet Mike Adams and any other linebacker (pick one) occasionally make plays. Can you shed any light on this situation? -- Joel, Sidney, Ohio
A: Hey, Joel: Elam and Barton were brought over by Mangini because of their familiarity with his system and also to serve as locker room leaders who could assure the doubters that Mangini knew what he was doing.
Q: Hey, Tony: I know this is a jackpot of a question, but do you have an opinion on the report of Ines Sainz being treated unprofessionally by N.Y. Jets players in the locker room? I had never heard of her before, but it seems to me that she flaunts her physical attributes and that some catcalls should be expected. Does the NFL have a dress code for women reporters while they are in the locker room? -- Rich Smith, Columbus
A: Hey, Rich: As for your last question, I don't believe the NFL has a dress code for women reporters or men reporters in locker rooms. As for the general issue of Ines Sainz, I don't know her and don't know the facts of the situation in the Jets' locker room. I will say I have witnessed instances of players abusing reporters -- female and male -- and it is not a pretty thing to watch.
Q: Hey, Tony: With Delhomme getting injured, it got me thinking about our QBs. Is Colt McCoy making any progress as a third string QB? Is he learning the system well, and what are the possibilities of him playing any extended time this year, especially if Wallace goes down? -- Chris Lowe, Parkersburg, W.Va.
A: Hey, Chris: I think if Delhomme's injury was determined to keep him out for an extended period, the Browns would seek to acquire a veteran QB to back up Seneca Wallace.
Q: Hey, Tony: Why do the Cleveland Browns team shows like "Berea Report" and "The Red Zone" make excuses for Delhomme. He made the same mistakes that cost him in Carolina and now they're trying to blame the ankle? Why don't we go with Wallace and become the Cinderella team this year? We can win with Wallace at the controls. -- James Williams, Cleveland
A: Hey, James: The Browns have no editorial control over the "Berea Report" and "The Red Zone." The opinions are those of the individual panelists. They are entitled to their opinions, just like you. We shall see what Wallace can do, possibly beginning Sunday.
Q: Hey, Tony: Where do you get off starting your podcast with derogatory comments about ". . . bug-infested Florida?" With that remark you not only cast dispersions on the whole Tampa Bay area, you portray yourself as negative, dour and bush league. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Don't you remember the 2007 MLB playoffs when massive swarms of midges descended on Progressive Field and distracted Joba Chamberlain to the point of losing that game? Gimme a break and stop the stupid negative comments. Your readers are dropping like flies! -- Robert Simone, St. Petersburg, Fla.
A: Hey, Robert: I first used the phrase "bug-infested Florida" in a column I did lamenting the move (back then) of Indians moving their spring training camp from Tucson, Ariz., to Winter Haven, Fla. It drew so much attention that I have revived it several times and will continue to do so.
-- Tony