We are all aware at how starved our city of Cleveland is for a winning football team. It finally looked like we were turning the corner.........a Super Bowl winning coach as our team president, a proven General Manager who had great success in Philadelphia and finally this season a brand new young coach hand picked by our Super Bowl winning president in install the west coast offense in Cleveland (of all places!). All of this combined with a pro bowl caliber cornerback drafted last year, an up and coming young slinger at qb in Colt McCoy and a pro bowl running back who just hit the cover of the Madden video game. So far I think it is fair to say this fairy tale isn't going the way we had all envisioned or hoped. Is it time to give up though? We have been doing that for the past 12 years. Regime after regime, qb after qb (I believe it is 16 different starting qb's now since 1999-wow!), we just can't seem to get it right. We are as frustrated as anyone here as part of the living we make depends on the success of the Browns. Despite their troubles we feel we are on the right track for a few reasons. First and foremost is the proven track record of Mike Holmgren, the guy has won everywhere so why not here in Cleveland? Secondly, Tom Heckert can draft, not many can argue that. Sure the offense has struggled but the defense in ranked in the top 5 of the league and is very, very good. Where has Heckert focused on in his 1st 2 drafts? You guessed it, DEFENSE! He is well aware that defense is what will win us games in our division and in the AFC. Let's add some offensive pieces in the draft next April, continue to build on our highly ranked defense, and give it one more season. Regarding Colt McCoy, we all know that if this regime doesn't believe in him they will not stick with him. Holmgren knows how important it is to find his future qb and won't waste time holding onto one who isn't the answer.
On the baseball front (sounds weird talking baseball on November 1) we here love the Indians acquisition of Derek Lowe. A proven veteran who will eat innings and keep you in games. What isn't to like about a 38 year old veteran who has won in multiple places (not to mention in both leagues). The risk is very little; $5 million for a starting pitcher in today's game is not much. Despite his struggles last season I challenge anyone to find a starting pitcher with the potential upside of Lowe. Starting pitchers command high dollars in today's market, which is teh reason we exercised the option on Carmona for $9 million.
GREAT win by the Buckeyes Saturday. Can Braxton keep his hot hand (and feet) and run the table these last four weeks and carry us to Indy for the Big 10 title game. We think it could happen! GO BUCKEYES. Tickets are still on sale for this Saturday at the shoe against Indiana. Weather is supposed to be great for the noon kickoff.