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Do IT this week: Layering
In Cleveland, misery has plenty of company
By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal sports columnist
Published on Monday, Dec 22, 2008
CLEVELAND: A fan stood up in the club seats during the third quarter of Sunday's game at Cleveland Browns Stadium and fell.
Tumbled, really. Down two rows, and the beer in his hand went flying and spilled all over some poor woman sitting there minding her own business.
The rest of the game, she sat with frozen beer coating her back and hood.
The scene summed up this miserable Browns game and miserable season and miserable decade. Because the Browns have been leaving their fans soaked, frozen and disappointed since 1999.
The Browns were shut out by the miserable Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Chicago Bears reject Cedric Benson had a career-high 171 yards rushing. And the Browns' offense went the last three home games without a touchdown — for those counting, that's five games without an offensive touchdown.
It was as pitiful as it sounds on this frigid day on the lake.
By game's end, Bruce Gradkowski was in at quarterback and there were perhaps 8,000 fans left in the stands.
One of them wandered the club seats with a sign that said ''Cowher 09.''
Holmgren '09 perhaps?
Billick '09?
Nobody knows, but what is clear is that it will be a new name in '09.
After the game, the guy who has the coach's job sat at a small table in front of some microphones, talking quietly as he rubbed his left index finger and thumb together.
''Tough loss,'' Romeo Crennel said.
''Disappointing'' to finish 1-7 at home after going 7-1 a year ago, he added.
''Really disappointing'' way to end the season at home, he said, losing in the most embarrassing of ways to the lowly Bengals.
His voice was without expression, his face blank, as if he understands his future with this team will be one more week.
The Browns were overpowered by Benson, and underpowered on offense.
They now prepare for the Pittsburgh Steelers with Ken Dorsey hurt (ribs and head), and Gradkowski and perhaps Richard Bartel preparing to play quarterback.
Good luck.
Sunday's game highlights included a de-cleater of a block by Braylon Edwards and a return block on Edwards by Chinedum Ndukwe.
But this day more brought to mind the sickening finish to the 2000 season than anything. Those were the days of Spergon Wynn and Travis Prentice. These are the days that make a fan sick to his or her stomach.
It showed, as fans made a steady path to the exits in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Andra Davis said he'd never seen such a small crowd in the stadium. By game's end, the empty orange seats spoke louder than anything possible.
If a change is coming after the season, it might make sense to do it now.
Crennel has given his all and done his best. At this point, he's playing with a deck that has 49 cards, but it's just not working.
The Browns are too handicapped at quarterback to beat good teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans, but you'd have thought (or hoped) they'd compete against the Bengals, who started the day with two wins.
It was never a game, and certainly part of that rests with the fact that Dorsey is not a viable quarterback. But there are other facets to the game, and the Browns did not come through.
The Bengals won a game when their quarterback went 5-for-9 for 55 yards. Bengals receivers had one more catch (five) than their defenders (four).
And a running back who has never done a thing in his four years ran for 171 yards.
Crennel has been coach for four years, and he's not won. He understands the nature of things, and he'll understand when the decision comes.
Waiting until after the Steelers game prolongs the agony, but does show respect to a decent man.
The when is up to Randy Lerner. But it seems a certainty that it will happen.
When it does, make it a full housecleaning. Crennel and General Manager Phil Savage are a team; if one goes, both go.
Crennel didn't win.
But neither did Savage. If Crennel goes, both should go. Clean house. Start fresh, challenging as that can be. The two have been a team since they arrived. One loses, all lose.
The Browns have some talent, but they lack a lot. A back who was rejected by his original team does not top 170 yards rushing without problems on defense.
The offense's highly paid second receiver does not even have 20 catches this season.
The Browns have let a bad start turn into a mess. They lost seven of eight at home. They've disintegrated, and now they can't beat a team that is 3-11-1.
Sunday ended with the guy dressed as Santa Claus walking to the exit with 2:58 left.
It ended with Gradkowski scrambling on a fourth-down play with no receiver within 30 yards of him.
It ended with the woman with the beer on her back leaving with her family.
Ten years into a rebirth and all these fans have received is cold beer dumped on them on terribly cold days.
Ten years of sitting and being miserable.
>> What they're saying today from Cleveland to Cincinnati
Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/.
CLEVELAND: A fan stood up in the club seats during the third quarter of Sunday's game at Cleveland Browns Stadium and fell.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 04:40 AM, 12/22/2008
Dare I say it? There's always next year.
Posted 07:36 AM, 12/22/2008
For once this season, Messrs. Lerner, Savage and Crennell should do the honorable thing and forfeit next week's game. It is pretty obvious this pathetic excuse for a team and organization doesn't care to play and has no sense of professional pride. The fans shoulds take back the team name and let them try and earn it. Meantime, they can look to the Cavs as to how a team should be built and play. In fact, maybe the Cavs should play the Steelers next week. We know that they care a lot more about winning and professionalism than do the Browns.
youngstown, oh
Posted 07:39 AM, 12/22/2008
It is good to know that Dorsey is the guru of this offense and a mimi-coach. I'd hate to think how bad he'd be if he didn't know the offense.
Akron, OH
Posted 07:55 AM, 12/22/2008
I DID cheer once... while watching the Steelers lose to the Titans!
Akron, OH
Posted 08:02 AM, 12/22/2008
Frederick, you're missing a couple of key facts:
1. the Browns cannot forfeit--they are probably contractually required to show up--Steelers fans pay good money to watch them beat up on the Browns, and I think next week they are going to get their moneys worth!
2. the NFL is a business, and so are the Browns, and they have an owner, and it is not "the fans"
Find something else to do on Sundays--you'll be happier.
Posted 08:23 AM, 12/22/2008
I said it now and 2 years ago, Crennel should have been dumped. However, you can now add Savage. Send super scout back into the field.
The Browns have to be "rebuilt(again) similiar to Miami. You have to bring a known winning mgmt team into the organization otherwise foreget it. It won't work and we ALL know that. Frankly, Crennel should have been fired at mid season similar to what Art M did with Sam R. You also have to send a message to these "fat asses" that play on the defensiive line that are not doing "jack squat". What linebackers?
Thanks Brownies, you sold us another bill of goods before the season.
I definitly have a right to speak since I spend $800/game for tickets. Season tickets to the Cavs look good.
Wooster, Oh
Posted 08:24 AM, 12/22/2008
Straight up, I'm not much of a sports fan. I'm a team fan. I don't have a rooting interest, I'll find something else to do. That's why I'll be at a Cavs game this week, and why with the Browns gone I won't watch much of the NFL playoffs.
But I'm pumped... for the offseason! Will there be a new general manager? Who will be the new head coach and staff--assuming Crennel is gone? How high will the Browns draft, and what players, and who might be traded, and who is going to be calling all those crucial rebuilding shots?
See, fans, there's plenty to be excited about!
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 08:42 AM, 12/22/2008
Disappointed again Browns fans? Come join me and the Akron Steelers fan club. You'll never be disappointed again as the Steelers continue to win AFC North championships and make the playoffs regularly. The Clowns are years away from even sniffing the playoffs. Why be disappointed? Join us and say Go Steelers !!!
Wooster, Oh
Posted 09:32 AM, 12/22/2008
While I appreciate your uncharacteristically restrained and gracious post, it misses the point. If we are Browns FANS, then by definition we are not Steelers fans. Angry, frustrated, and demoralized, yes, but I grew up with those plain orange helmets and all-white uniforms. I have no emotional connection to the Steelers. If they have some down years, will you switch allegiance? Were you a fan before 1972 when they perennially sucked?
Root for the Steelers, but please leave off the Browns. They're not a team you're interested in, so why do you even bother to post?
Mansfield, OH
Posted 10:08 AM, 12/22/2008
Akron Steelers Fan Club? Has that been renamed recently? I always thought the name was the Akron Bandwagon Jumping Rednecks
Posted 10:33 AM, 12/22/2008
Sorry OMG, we refuse to join you on the dark side. It would be like turning our backs on our religious beliefs. For those of us who have none, like suddenly realizing everyone needs something to believe in and joining the local satanic cult. It's just not gonna happen.
Nice post Frederick! Reality check and sarcasm have been noted. Telling it like it is.
RomeoMustGo.com
Barberton, OH
Posted 10:59 AM, 12/22/2008
Gut the team. Throw money at the best management talent available, Cowher, Holmgren etc. and start anew. The team lacks focus, and needs a coach to rule with an iron fist. For some teams, having a 'players coach' is the way to go, but not with this team. We need Cowher or someone of his ilk to shape this franchise with DISCIPLINE!!! The second this franchise gets some of that, we'll see more wins.
Stow, OH
Posted 11:19 AM, 12/22/2008
Whoever said in the past this team has "talent" doesn't know much about football.Having 3 or 4 guys who are "athletic" is not talent.Braylon just runs his routes like it was on a chalkboard, you still have to go fight for the ball if it is not going to reach you,not just go "oh well I was where I was supposed to be but the ball wasn't there".
As for you OldFatChump ,your posts are getting old.Find a Steelers web site and fly your pathetic flag in front of your trailer and shut up!WE DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK .
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 11:24 AM, 12/22/2008
Pitiful. I don't even care anymore. I had season tickets for 10 years from '79 to '89-'90, and used to bleed Orange and Brown on Sundays. I'm pretty certain that yesterday was the first time in almost 30 years that I didn't even bother to tune in. Heck, it took all I could muster to get excited last year when they were winning. Like many of us, I saw it for what it was - an abberation. Call me a fair-weather fan - I couldn't care less. The Cleveland Browns are that in name only, and have been since the "transition" to the new stadium. The franchise has lost its identity. Hopefully it won't lose its entire fan base before all is said and done.
cuyahoga falls, oh
Posted 11:26 AM, 12/22/2008
the Browns and their insistance that fans suffer through another season with the same personnel means that Phil savage now HAS to be fired, along with the man to large for his britches and too small to be offensve---pun intended...the team is pathetic, unfairly so, and fans like myself are thinking maybe football in the NFL isn't all that important and far too expensive, anyway...i'm 63, used to have season tickets every year, and wouldn't dream of attending a game in today's economy due to the quality of product---i don't attend games to cheer the other team.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:30 AM, 12/22/2008
OldFatChump (Sorry Tim, I had to take it) - Shut your yapper. I'm tired of reading your posts week after week. They have no relevance to the columns that you post under. Save it for the trailer park.
Posted 11:33 AM, 12/22/2008
If it weren't for the Lions, the Browns would be the NFL's biggest embarassment this year. It's just sad that it has been the case 5 out of the last 10 years.
Cleveland, OH
Posted 11:39 AM, 12/22/2008
A few weeks ago I was with the fire Crennel and keep Savage contingent. I have switched gears at this point and would prefer to see them both leave. Crennel's gameday decisions/personnel usage have been a conundrum since his first season. Savage showed this season how little management experience he has. As evidenced, at least in part by the Dolphins and Falcons, it is not impossible to shake up the coaching staff/front office and have a good season the following year. I'm just sick and tired of "waiting for next year."
Spencer, OH
Posted 11:40 AM, 12/22/2008
http://fancleveland.blogspot.com/2008/12/browns-disappoint-diehards.html
Posted 12:10 PM, 12/22/2008
Can we pay Anderson another 7 million? I mean that browns fans money is burning a hole in the browns pocket...
Wooster, Oh
Posted 01:21 PM, 12/22/2008
Frank, I'm with you. I think we always have to be patient and see what a management regime can do. Savage has had a fair chance but when you look at his drafts and overall management the results have been mediocre at best.
Meanwhile, look at Atlanta. That's a team that was in the pits last year and now is in the playoffs. That's how fast good management and coaching can make a difference. Dare we dream? GIVE US SOME HOPE!
A last thought: I don't know the man but from what I've read Romeo is a good, decent man. I feel sorry for him, fumbling for words to explain the latest debacle. Apparently he will be assured of getting a plum assistant coordinator job, so let the man go. I believe a week from today he will be fired and may be relieved by it.
Posted 01:41 PM, 12/22/2008
Until Randy Lerner sells the team, the browns are going to continue to be inept. he is not capable of running the night shift at the neighborhood Burger King - he cannot possibly compete with other ownerships in the NFL.
Barberton, OH
Posted 02:47 PM, 12/22/2008
Now now, Lerner has thrown money at all the right people, its just that all the supposedly right people have turned incredibly sour after a few years. There's an unreal amount of pressure from the fanbase here in Cleveland to produce a consistent winner, and every regime in the past 10 years has wilted under the pressure WE put upon them. Time to get managment and coaching that matches OUR intensity and fire.
akron, oh
Posted 02:48 PM, 12/22/2008
Cleveland Browns X-Mas List
1.Coach
2.Quarterback
3.Players who can hold the ball
4.Oh, yah a winning season.
Please Santa some of the fans are Good.
If we have a winning team we all might be good.(maybe)
This Place, 32
Posted 03:53 PM, 12/22/2008
THAT WAS AWESOME. ROMEO is a defensive GURU! And if Jamal was anymore of a threat, we would have to call in the National Guard to maintain order.
THE BROWNS ARE, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, PATHETIC UNTIL REAL CHANGE HAPPENS.
NEW OWNER.
NEW GM.
NEW COACHES.
GOODBYE: Edwards, Winslow, Lewis....etc....you get the point.
Better Yet, just send the whole team away. ALL OF THEM.
Akron, oh
Posted 07:29 PM, 12/22/2008
Million spent on salaries, millions on advertising, millions on tickets and parking. Just to watch 22 guys run into each other while sitting in the cold and wet. Some days I'm ashamed of the human race.
Bethesda, MD
Posted 07:26 AM, 12/23/2008
The Browns should move to LA and become the Rams but leave their heritage, except for the last ten years, here. Seattle should then move to Cleveland (or any other franchise) where they become the Browns picking up where the Baltimore (Ravens) left off when they left town (Cleveland).
