Events Calendar
In This Section
Most Read Stories
Police accuse bank robbery suspect of gobbling up note (with dashcam video)
Man found dead in North Akron home is identified
Dad accused of forcing son into field, killing him
NFL star Chris Spielman's wife loses cancer battle
Coventry man killed in crash at I-77 ramp
College student mistaken for deer, shot to death
Man allegedly paid teens to spit in his face
Angel Food Ministries helps stretch grocery dollars
Blogs:
Pets:
Cat-loving chihuahua suckles seven abandoned kittens
The Heldenfiles:
Friday Night Notebook
Patrick McManamon:
For your Saturday entertainment …
Akron Zips:
Hitchens leads Zips in second-half comeback
Tribe Matters:
Seven players added to Tribe’s 40-man roster
Cleveland Browns:
Holmgren expresses interest in Browns position
Kent State Sports:
Kent State blown out in second half, loses to Temple 13-47
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Gameblog: Cavs vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Buckeye Blogging:
OSU – Michigan college football rivals meet in Baghdad
Varsity Letters:
Four area football teams play tonight
All Da King's Men:
Headed For Disaster
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Will Health Care Reform Pass?
Akron Law Café:
Federal Judge Declares DOMA Unconstitutional
See Jane Style:
Vintage Chic
Car Chase:
TIME TO GET YOUR COLLECTOR CARS WINTERIZED
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Silverdome Potentially SOLD!
Ohio Travels with Betty:
George is looking for a Thanksgiving buffet in Akron.
Sound Check:
Steely Dan Plays "The Royal Scam" at E.J. Thomas Hall
HRLite House:
Colloquium at University of Akron
Akron Gamer:
Nintendo's Mario endures even as games come and go
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
POSTED: 06:04 p.m. EST, Nov 15, 2009
1. Brady Quinn
The Browns' third-year quarterback returns to the lineup after being yanked at halftime of a 34-3 loss Sept. 27 at Baltimore after just 10 quarters. The former Notre Dame star, selected with the 22nd overall pick in 2007, is 1-5 as a starter. He will try to ignite an offense that is ranked 31st in the league and has scored just five offensive touchdowns, one with Quinn in charge.
But Quinn is 1-1 in prime-time games, beating Buffalo 29-27 on Monday night and falling to Denver 34-30 on Thursday night in 2008.
''I like playing night games,'' Quinn said. ''I don't know, it takes you back to those high school days, I guess.''
Quinn was the captain of checkdowns in his first 21/2 games, but offensive coordinator Brian Daboll liked what he saw from Quinn in practice last week. ''He's been running the offense pretty well,'' Daboll said. ''He's been on time with his throws. His drops have been crisp. His accuracy has been good. I think he's excited to get going.''
The Browns went 0-for-4 on third down with Quinn against the Ravens in September and Baltimore ranks seventh in the league on third-down defense (34.9 percent). But if Quinn has time to get the ball downfield, the Ravens' secondary appears vulnerable, ranking 19th in pass defense.
2. Jamal Lewis
The 10-year veteran running back will play his final game against the team that drafted him, if he plays. Lewis ripped coach Eric Mangini on Thursday for his long, physical practices, which Mangini could consider conduct detrimental to the team.
Asked whether Lewis would start if healthy (he missed some time the past two weeks with an ankle injury), Mangini said, ''It's based on the packages, so none of that's any different at all.''
Lewis has had one 100-yard game this season (117 at Buffalo), but has totaled 349 yards and is averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Despite those disappointing numbers, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis doesn't want Jamal Lewis to go until his contract runs out after the 2010 season.
''Hopefully, he gets a different spark that changes his mind,'' Ray Lewis said. ''Do I want him to leave? I don't think so. I think he has plenty of football left. I think he should ride it out no matter where you are in life, no matter what situation you may find yourself in.''
3. Ray Rice vs. Browns linebackers
The Ravens' stable of running backs includes Le'Ron McClain and Willis McGahee, but this season it has been second-year man Ray Rice who has emerged. A second-round pick out of Rutgers, Rice's 1,009 yards from scrimmage ranked second in the NFL last week. He has rushed for 573 yards and caught 46 passes for 436 yards. Against Minnesota, Rice caught 10 passes for a career-high 117 yards.
Against the Browns on Sept. 27, Rice ran 11 times for 48 yards and caught four passes for 27 yards. ''This guy is a little stick of dynamite,'' Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said.
Rice could have a field day against a Browns defense that has lost both of its starting inside linebackers. Eric Barton was placed on injured reserve last week with a reported neck injury; D'Qwell Jackson was lost after six games with a pectoral injury. Rookie Kaluka Maiava and 11-year veteran David Bowens will start inside, with Nordonia product Jason Trusnik taking Bowens' spot outside. Coach Mangini liked the communication on defense on Nov. 1 at Chicago after Barton went out, leaving Bowens to call the defensive signals.
''I'm basically the quarterback out there, responsible for knowing all the checks, all the fronts, all the coverage. It's a lot,'' Bowens said. ''But it's a responsibility I'm glad to take and I'm comfortable with.''
4. Derrick Mason
Derrick Mason, the 12-year veteran receiver, is practically Mr. Monday Night. Of his 823 career receptions, 90 have come on Monday Night Football, which ranks third among active players behind Terrell Owens (103) and Torry Holt (102). Mason's 1,151 receiving yards on Mondays ranks fifth.
In 15 career games against the Browns, Mason has hit 100 yards four times, including the last two meetings.
''I don't think he just picks the Browns; he's had big games against everybody,'' Ryan said. ''The guy is fantastic. I don't think anybody runs any better routes, especially comebacks and curls, than Mason does.''
Mason retired this summer after the death of his former Tennessee Titans teammate Steve McNair, but returned 21 days later, saying there were other issues that got him thinking. ''The desire to play and competitiveness was still in me,'' Mason said. ''It was me wanting to be out there with the guys and giving this one last shot and possibly getting to the Super Bowl.''
Browns cornerback Eric Wright is expected to defend Mason most of the night.
5. Ed Reed
The five-time Pro Bowl free safety has come under fire of late for his missed tackles, including four in the Ravens' last game against Cincinnati. That has led to speculation that he's playing with an undisclosed arm, shoulder or neck problem. On the injury report, he's probable with a wrist injury. Tonight's game should tell the tale, because Reed has been spectacular against the Browns. In 15 career games against Cleveland, he has totaled eight interceptions for 304 return yards and three touchdowns. His return yardage is the most by a Browns opponent and his interceptions tie for second in the Browns' record book, behind hall of famer Larry Wilson (10, 1960-69).
Prediction: Ravens 28-7. Ridenour's record: 8-0.
1. Brady Quinn
The Browns' third-year quarterback returns to the lineup after being yanked at halftime of a 34-3 loss Sept. 27 at Baltimore after just 10 quarters. The former Notre Dame star, selected with the 22nd overall pick in 2007, is 1-5 as a starter. He will try to ignite an offense that is ranked 31st in the league and has scored just five offensive touchdowns, one with Quinn in charge.
But Quinn is 1-1 in prime-time games, beating Buffalo 29-27 on Monday night and falling to Denver 34-30 on Thursday night in 2008.
''I like playing night games,'' Quinn said. ''I don't know, it takes you back to those high school days, I guess.''
Quinn was the captain of checkdowns in his first 21/2 games, but offensive coordinator Brian Daboll liked what he saw from Quinn in practice last week. ''He's been running the offense pretty well,'' Daboll said. ''He's been on time with his throws. His drops have been crisp. His accuracy has been good. I think he's excited to get going.''
The Browns went 0-for-4 on third down with Quinn against the Ravens in September and Baltimore ranks seventh in the league on third-down defense (34.9 percent). But if Quinn has time to get the ball downfield, the Ravens' secondary appears vulnerable, ranking 19th in pass defense.
2. Jamal Lewis
The 10-year veteran running back will play his final game against the team that drafted him, if he plays. Lewis ripped coach Eric Mangini on Thursday for his long, physical practices, which Mangini could consider conduct detrimental to the team.
Asked whether Lewis would start if healthy (he missed some time the past two weeks with an ankle injury), Mangini said, ''It's based on the packages, so none of that's any different at all.''
Lewis has had one 100-yard game this season (117 at Buffalo), but has totaled 349 yards and is averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Despite those disappointing numbers, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis doesn't want Jamal Lewis to go until his contract runs out after the 2010 season.
''Hopefully, he gets a different spark that changes his mind,'' Ray Lewis said. ''Do I want him to leave? I don't think so. I think he has plenty of football left. I think he should ride it out no matter where you are in life, no matter what situation you may find yourself in.''
3. Ray Rice vs. Browns linebackers
The Ravens' stable of running backs includes Le'Ron McClain and Willis McGahee, but this season it has been second-year man Ray Rice who has emerged. A second-round pick out of Rutgers, Rice's 1,009 yards from scrimmage ranked second in the NFL last week. He has rushed for 573 yards and caught 46 passes for 436 yards. Against Minnesota, Rice caught 10 passes for a career-high 117 yards.
Against the Browns on Sept. 27, Rice ran 11 times for 48 yards and caught four passes for 27 yards. ''This guy is a little stick of dynamite,'' Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said.
Rice could have a field day against a Browns defense that has lost both of its starting inside linebackers. Eric Barton was placed on injured reserve last week with a reported neck injury; D'Qwell Jackson was lost after six games with a pectoral injury. Rookie Kaluka Maiava and 11-year veteran David Bowens will start inside, with Nordonia product Jason Trusnik taking Bowens' spot outside. Coach Mangini liked the communication on defense on Nov. 1 at Chicago after Barton went out, leaving Bowens to call the defensive signals.
''I'm basically the quarterback out there, responsible for knowing all the checks, all the fronts, all the coverage. It's a lot,'' Bowens said. ''But it's a responsibility I'm glad to take and I'm comfortable with.''
4. Derrick Mason
Derrick Mason, the 12-year veteran receiver, is practically Mr. Monday Night. Of his 823 career receptions, 90 have come on Monday Night Football, which ranks third among active players behind Terrell Owens (103) and Torry Holt (102). Mason's 1,151 receiving yards on Mondays ranks fifth.
In 15 career games against the Browns, Mason has hit 100 yards four times, including the last two meetings.
''I don't think he just picks the Browns; he's had big games against everybody,'' Ryan said. ''The guy is fantastic. I don't think anybody runs any better routes, especially comebacks and curls, than Mason does.''
Mason retired this summer after the death of his former Tennessee Titans teammate Steve McNair, but returned 21 days later, saying there were other issues that got him thinking. ''The desire to play and competitiveness was still in me,'' Mason said. ''It was me wanting to be out there with the guys and giving this one last shot and possibly getting to the Super Bowl.''
Browns cornerback Eric Wright is expected to defend Mason most of the night.
5. Ed Reed
The five-time Pro Bowl free safety has come under fire of late for his missed tackles, including four in the Ravens' last game against Cincinnati. That has led to speculation that he's playing with an undisclosed arm, shoulder or neck problem. On the injury report, he's probable with a wrist injury. Tonight's game should tell the tale, because Reed has been spectacular against the Browns. In 15 career games against Cleveland, he has totaled eight interceptions for 304 return yards and three touchdowns. His return yardage is the most by a Browns opponent and his interceptions tie for second in the Browns' record book, behind hall of famer Larry Wilson (10, 1960-69).
Prediction: Ravens 28-7. Ridenour's record: 8-0.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Akron, OH
Posted 06:38 PM, 11/15/2009
Mangini Plays Tressel Ball, but doesn't realize if you don't have a great defense, and other great players you can't win like that, or even compete. If your not competing you might as well air it out, see if these young recievers have anything in them, they were 2nd round picks, come one, throw a deep route. What are you scared of?? Not making the Playoffs?
I think we all pray Quinn, comes out with a "Nothing To Lose" attitude, and throw's it around like he did at Notre Dame. He is King of the check down pass to runningback, or wide receiver. There's so many great Coaches, and GM's coming back after this season, I can't hope but to think we get a top 3 pick, and Mangini is fired, and we bring someone in. Mangini had the nerve to say we really don't have any depth at tight end, when he traded one of the top 5 in the league, (Winslow), for David Veikune, a special teamer at best. Just look at the mess he's made in half a season, if he stays on for another, he'll set us back another 7 years. The Draft was terrible, the trades terrible, Clay Mathews would look good in a Browns Uniform. but we got a center. I have a 16 year old nephew, and he thinks the Browns have never been good. I'd tried to tell him were one of the most storied Franchise's and he laughs, cuz we've been a joke for 10 years now. Sunday's used to be a big deal for NorthEast Ohio, the DawgPound jumpin off, pretty soon, nobody's gonna pay to see these guys, and were gonna lose the team again.. Then they'll hire a Football guy, once the Browns move to another city.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:32 PM, 11/15/2009
There are only two things I plan to watch - "House" and "Lie to Me".
Cincinnati, OH
Posted 09:35 PM, 11/15/2009
Five things to watch:
1. Brady Quinn spends half the game getting dumped on his posterior by the Ravens Defense.
2. Browns running game goes absolutely nowhere.
3. Browns receivers drop the balls Quinn manages to get off before the rush gets to him.
4. Ravens Offense scores at will and Harbaugh "empties" his bench.
5. Ravens Defense outscores the Browns Offense.
Think I've covered everything, Marla?
Port Saint Lucie, Fl
Posted 04:42 AM, 11/16/2009
Switch to Paul Brown's team the Bengals.Nuff said.
Lima, OH
Posted 08:38 AM, 11/16/2009
Well hopefully BQ gets the blocking he needs since he tends to hold the ball too long and checks down before the receivers on the long routes make their cuts and turns. I think after Charlie Weis gets fired from Notre Dame they need to bring him back to his old position that made him a household name. Make Charlie Weis the Brown's OC and see if he can get this team & his former favorite QB on track
akron, oh
Posted 08:43 AM, 11/16/2009
Browns vs. Ravens: Five things to watch?
Another program or go to bed early.
Lima, OH
Posted 08:48 AM, 11/16/2009
I agree with CharlieHustle. Mangini traded Winslow away & signed Robert Royal. Terrible, terrible decision. Then he released Martin Rucker without really seeing what the kid was capable of. Then a merry go-round of nobody TE's. The right side of the O Line has been pretty bad this year. Hopefully Al lerner will open the wallet & bring in one of the big names(Holmgren, Cowher, Wolf, Reese)as GM. So they can pick a winning coach(Gruden, Shanahan, Billick)
Kookville, Oh
Posted 09:09 AM, 11/16/2009
I will watch ONE thing...the replay of the Bengals/squealers game.
Where are all the squealer fans today??
As I have said in the past...there will be NO REPEAT !! Ha ha ladies !!
GO BENGALS !!!
Nice to see that game end with little ben FLAT ON HIS BACK !!!
Canton, OH
Posted 09:10 AM, 11/16/2009
I will be watching - but only 2 things - seeing what happens at Kick-off - I would love to see Cribbs score!
and seeing how McClain (Ravens RB) does since he is on my Fantasy team and i need him to score at least 10 fantasy points to win this week.
Kookville, Oh
Posted 09:13 AM, 11/16/2009
As expected, most squealer fans more than likely tripped and fell down as they hang their black and baby sh*t yellow away in their closets.
Hey squealers, get the brooms out, YOU'VE BEEN SWEPT !!!
Kookville, Oh
Posted 09:15 AM, 11/16/2009
Hey squealers, get the brooms out, YOU'VE BEEN SWEPT !!!
Or did Cincy just wipe that up with the turrible towelette?? Ha ha !!!
Kookville, Oh
Posted 09:50 AM, 11/16/2009
Instead of defacing the Browns today, many squealers fans will be out in full force to return much of their black and gold merchandise. Ha ha !!!
akron, oh
Posted 09:53 AM, 11/16/2009
5 things to watch:
1} p o r n
2}Howard Stern's Private Parts
3}Buttbongo Fiesta
4}the Playboy channel
5}NOT Woody Allen movies
akron, oh
Posted 09:54 AM, 11/16/2009
@Angler: Yes, they used the T-towel, to wipe Pittsburg's behind...
akron, oh
Posted 09:58 AM, 11/16/2009
@Mdoogal: Billick interviewed for the job, before Palmer got hired. He said the ownership had NO clue about owning ateam. He wont come here.
Kookville, Oh
Posted 10:08 AM, 11/16/2009
stleo...I will watch #1, #2 and #3 and the replay of the squealers *SS WHOOPING BY THE BENGALS !!
Kookville, Oh
Posted 10:36 AM, 11/16/2009
a possible 6th item to watch today...
#6) watch all the fair weather SQUEALERS FANS return their baby sh*t yellow and black merchandise to wally world after their big loss, er, uh SWEEP !! Ha ha ladies !!!!!!!!!!!!
GO BENGALS !!!!!!!!
Kookville, Oh
Posted 10:57 AM, 11/16/2009
I see Troy P. was injured during the Bengals WHOOPING of the squealers, was that a hang nail or did someone pull his hair?? Ha Ha !!
akron, oh
Posted 11:42 AM, 11/16/2009
Browns vs. Ravens: Five things to watch ......
As the Browns lose on Monday Night. LOL
tallmadge, OH
Posted 12:06 PM, 11/16/2009
1) Dancing with the Stars
2) Food Network
3) A good movie
4) PBS
5) FOX
Posted 12:24 PM, 11/16/2009
ok, think about this. i see the browns winning tonite. i really do. just because nobody thinks they will and the nfl is famous for this kind of thing. browns 24 baltimore 21 on a last second field goal.
Kookville, Oh
Posted 12:53 PM, 11/16/2009
I tell ya what, it don't take long for those squealer fans to go into hiding.
NICE SWEEP LADIES !!! GO BENGALS !!!
hudson, oh
Posted 02:12 PM, 11/16/2009
Brady Quinn, by definition is not a team player.
He's a republican, and we all know republicans are out only for themselves.
Can his Arse.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:35 PM, 11/16/2009
Are Cornerbacks should just wear skirts..Mcdonald, and Wright would be on practice squads on any other team.. They get burned all day long, then make one play, and jump around like they won a playoff game. Play Harrisson a whole game, I think he could be our starter next year maybe. Too many draft picks next year, to give Mangini the opportunity to trade them away for special teamers, or good character, terrible athletes from NY. He doesn't care about talent, he wants players to kiss his feet. Sure Braylon, and Winslow were self-centered, but all Pro-Bowlers mostly are. That's to TOP FIVE PICK TALENT PLAYERS he traded FOR NOTHING>> WE GOT NOTHING FOR THEM>..
Posted 04:08 PM, 11/16/2009
I am not in hiding; everyone has a bad day. I bleed Gold & Black and have for many years and will for many more. Go Steelers, We Love You Steelers Oh Yes We do!!! When are the Browns going to win 1 Super Bowl Ring? We have a 6 Pack and 7 would be Heaven? This game tonight might be good as it is The Old Browns against The New Browns. I might even watch it; thanks Cleveland area businesses for buying up the tickets so I can.
akron, oh
Posted 04:46 PM, 11/16/2009
If you bleed black and gold, yesterday's bloody nose the Bengals gave should fill a box of tissues.
RichRodforOH2010.com, .
Posted 04:52 PM, 11/16/2009
stleo,
The better question is did it ruin one of her seven Steeler jerseys? Seriously, does any fan base in America own more articles of Steeler clothing? You can walk into the nicest steakhouse in Pittsburgh and you'll see 86 and 7 all over the place. Bravo to the NFL for the line extension into "formal" fan attire.
RichRodforOH2010.com, .
Posted 04:52 PM, 11/16/2009
Oops, that would be more articles of TEAM clothing.
Kookville, Oh
Posted 05:12 PM, 11/16/2009
Dragonlady...OK OK you have SB rings and we have champ rings. Great, but that is in the past. The Bengals put a WHOOPING (a sweep) on the steel town just yesterday.
GO BENGALS !!!
Tallmadge, Oh
Posted 05:18 PM, 11/16/2009
The best thing about this game. You won't have to stay up late because it will be over at the 1/2
righthere, oh
Posted 06:07 PM, 11/16/2009
The best a browns fan can come up with is that the Steelers lost? Wow, there's an endorsement for your team, a team that is consistently rated as one of the worst sports franchises in all of professional sports. Keep the hate alive, you know you wish you had the team Pittsburgh has, now don't you?
By the way, I'm glad to see all you browns fans so supportive of the republican party, just like slow lerner and his daddy. Every time you buy something for the browns, you help support the 2012 republican ticket to defeat the Democrats.
The Rooney family donates to the Democrats.
browns = republicans = losers
Akron, OH
Posted 08:08 PM, 11/16/2009
We can watch a murderer, Ray Lewis, run free on the field and be celebrated by all of the announcers.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:12 PM, 11/16/2009
@Welcometothejungle,
Like it or not, Ray Lewis was acquitted. I was there in ATL at the time. As I recall, some dirtbag from AKR was the actual murderer. Go figure.
Larry Johnson to Cinci? Baltimore! Pittsburgh! CLE is mired in the cellar for YEARS!!!!
:0(
Akron, OH
Posted 11:26 PM, 11/16/2009
5 Things to watch:
1) CSpan
2) QVC
3) Hallmark Channel
4) Animal Planet
5) CNN
99) Clown's on TV!
Another embarassment in front of a national audience!
Thank you, Man-genius!
Please don't hit the door on your arse on the way out of town!
:0(
Kookville, Oh
Posted 11:45 PM, 11/16/2009
HondaCBx...I knew you couldn't stand it !!! Cincy used that towelette thingy to wipe you guys up this season !! Nice. There goes the repeat that I said would NOT happen.
he says "worst pro team in all pro sports"?? Huh?? They used to be one of the best. Now I know you are a real sh*ttsburgh fan.
Get used to seeing little ben on his back. You will see possibly Indy, Cincy again, New England and they all got your number ladies.
clinton, oh
Posted 05:50 AM, 11/17/2009
Five things to watch for
1.Falling Asleep
2.Waking up
3.Overdose of Tylenol
4.
5.
righthere, oh
Posted 06:10 AM, 11/17/2009
The Angler - "They used to be one of the best."
You are correct, that was 45 YEARS AGO....
Now eat your cheerios you're late for the bus.
clinton, oh
Posted 09:23 AM, 11/17/2009
They had buses then
tallmadge, OH
Posted 11:54 AM, 11/17/2009
I watched an hour of if and it was awesome! So many great ideas for Thankgiving.
Thanks, Food Network!
