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scarletngrey11
All right, all right, all right.
Actually the Browns should be given more credit. They have had a good if not great defense this year, last sunday was the first sunday in something like 4 weeks where they gave up more than one touchdown. It all depends on how the offense plays, Cleveland will load the box and slow down the Steeler rushing attack, especially with all the injuries at RB. They will make Charlie Batch beat them through the air, and im not so sure he can do that.
Im thinking something like 14-10, could go either way...
Im thinking something like 14-10, could go either way...
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
Why is it that everytime I post something about Cleveland, a Cincy fan has to come and bash the Browns?
What is the reason for this?
What is the reason for this?
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
scout.com
11/10/05
11/10/05
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width="98%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=3>Berea Report: The Rivalry Continues
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</TD><TD noWrap width=3></TD><TD vAlign=top>By Fred Greetham
Date: Nov 9, 2005
Fred Greetham reports from Berea, where over two dozen new Browns are getting a quick education on the Browns-Steelers rivalry. Also, updates on injured Browns, including Cosey Coleman, and a timely honor for a player who was on thin ice one week ago. Here's the latest Browns news, first and free from Bernie's Insiders!
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Berea – The Browns and Steelers have been going at it for over 50 years and the team’s will do battle this week on a primetime ESPN game Sunday Night. This will be the 105th regular season meeting of the two teams, with the Browns holding a 55-49 advantage over the Steelers.
However, there hasn’t been much of a rivalry --in terms of the Browns being competitive-- since the team returned in 1999. In fact, the Steelers have won nine of the 12 meetings between the teams since the return.
In fact, the last time the Browns won was on Oct. 5, 2003 when the Browns won 33-13 at Pittsburgh when William Green rushed for 115 yards—also on prime time.
“I know it’s a rivalry, but it’s the next game that we have to play,” Romeo Crennel said. “They are a very good football team. That’s the thing that we have to understand. We’re playing a very good football team in their place. If we don’t play our best game, it’ll be tough.”
With the advent of free agency and the turnover of players, especially with 28 players who weren’t here last year, some wonder if the players know about the rivalry.
“There are some new faces but probably not everyone understands the rivalry,” Crennel said. “But, they know it’s a big game. If they don’t, they will understand it by the end of the week.
“It’s Pittsburgh and Cleveland,” Crennel said. “Other than the fact it is a big rivalry, I don’t think any team can underestimate the other guy in a rivalry situation.”
For the players who’ve been here, they said it won’t take long for the new players to understand the intensity of the game.
“I think everyone knows the Browns/Steelers rivalry,” Alvin McKinley said.
“You don’t have to be around here too long to figure it out.”
Ryan Tucker is in his fourth season with the Browns.
“I’m from Cleveland, now,” Tucker said. “I know how important this game is for the fans, as well as for the team.”
Ben Taylor, who hails from southeastern Ohio in Steelers’ country, knows how important this game is for the fans of the Cleveland. “There are a lot of Steeler fans from back where I grew up,” Taylor said. “They always say they’re rooting for me, but still want the Steelers to win.”
Orpheus Roye played for the Steelers his first four seasons and still gets up to play the Steelers.
“I always look forward to playing Pittsburgh,” Roye said. “There’s a little extra energy and adrenaline flowing. I want to have a good game and play well.”
The Steelers know the sense of history, as well, starting with coach Bill Cowher, who started his playing career and coaching career in Cleveland.
“The history is tied together with the proximity of the two cities and the history of the teams over the years,” Cowher said.
This week’s starting quarterback for the Steelers, Charlie Batch grew up in the Pittsburgh area.
“I think the guys have a sense of (the rivalry),” Batch said. “For me, growing up in Pittsburgh, this is nothing new to me because it’s city to city. It’s a rivalry game for the fans in both cities.”
Quick Hits
Richardson Player of Week: What a difference a week makes as P Kyle Richardson went from as close to the NFL unemployment line as a player could get to being named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
“The player of the week is by performance and he went out and performed,” Crennel said. “Particularly, with the wind conditions, he did a great job.”
After shanking three punts in the previous two weeks, Richardson was able to pin the Titans inside the 20-yard line three times despite the unpleasant kicking conditions. He had five punts for 203 yards (40.6 avg.), including a long punt of 54 yards. He also made a key tackle in the second quarter on Titans’ PR Lamont Thompson to end a 31-yard return.
“It’s quite an honor,” Richardson said. “It’s the first time I’ve received the award. I’m very happy for it.”
Richardson is the second Browns player to be honored this year with the other being QB Trent Dilfer, who was AFC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 21.
Both players have had their rough spots this season.
“The Player of the Week goes to a player who performs,” Crennel said. “Both of those guys have been around long enough to know how to work out of some problems.
“Hopefully, they can be Players of the Week the next week and continue to show more consistency.”
Injury Update: OL Cosey Coleman is doubtful with a sprained knee, as is RB William Green (ankle).
“We’ll take a look at (Coleman) later in the week,” Crennel said. “It will come down to a game time decision unless they tell me otherwise. Green is making improvement, but is doubtful, right now.”
Crennel also said CB Daylon McCutcheon (ankle) will not practice today, but anticipates he’ll play.
Crennel said Mike Pucillo will start if Coleman can’t go.
“Pucillo did a decent job stepping in last week,” he said. “He played his butt off.”
Crennel said RB Lee Suggs will practice this week.
“Lee will try to practice this week and we’ll see if he can hang onto the ball with his thumb.”
Browns Host HS Coaches: The Browns invited the four coaches of the participants of this Saturday’s Division I Regional Semifinals that will be held at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
“It’s a big weekend for high school football and we’re glad to be a part of it,” Crennel said as he introduced the coaches.
St. Edward will play Brush at 1 p.m. and followed by a 5 p.m. kickoff with Glenville taking on Solon.
“It’s going to be exciting to play in the playoffs,” Brush coach Jason Hall said.
It’s the first time in school history that Brush has made it to the playoffs.
St. Edwards coach John Gibbons has been on the field before, albeit the old stadium.
“I had a chance to play in the old stadium,” Gibbons said. “I was a season ticket holder and remember running around on the field when the Browns beat the Colts, 27-0 in 1964.”
Glenville is one of the top teams, not only in Ohio, but in the nation.
“For the kids, I think it will be huge,” Ted Ginn, Sr. said. “We’re thankful the city and the community is behind our kids.”
“We have a ton of Browns fans in our locker room,” Solon coach Jim McQuaide said. “To have a chance to play a nationally ranked team like Glenville on their field, will really be fun.”
Tickets are available at each school until Friday for $10 (adults) and $6 (students). On game day, tickets will be $12 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
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And what about the Browns fans that feel the need to comment on everything that is posted about the Bengals? It's like the pot calling the kettle black. Get over it it's a message board and people can comment about what ever they want.
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
I can see this thread is about to go down hill.......lets get back to Sunday's game....
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JXC
17-4 since 2001
If you don't want to hear about the Bengals every time the Browns are mentioned, move out of Ohio. Bengals fans couldn't mention anything about their team without hearing about the Browns for years. I mean...it could be worse...I could be a Steelers fan!!!
I understand how much the Browns hate the Steelers. Like I said...i'll root for the Browns. But...the Bengals couldn't even hang with the Steelers...I think the Steelers have Super Bowl potential this year unfortunately. The key for the Browns will be to protect the ball, while creating some turnovers. If they can get a +2 on the turnover...then I think they can pull it off.
I understand how much the Browns hate the Steelers. Like I said...i'll root for the Browns. But...the Bengals couldn't even hang with the Steelers...I think the Steelers have Super Bowl potential this year unfortunately. The key for the Browns will be to protect the ball, while creating some turnovers. If they can get a +2 on the turnover...then I think they can pull it off.
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i think this game will be closer since Charlie is the QB for pittsburgh, but i think since its a night game at hienz that pittsburgh will end up rolling, b/c clevelands offence sucks ass and pittsburgh's d will eat them up
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
scout.com
11/13/05
11/13/05
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width="98%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=3>Browns-Steelers: Game Preview
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Steelers RB Duce Staley
</TD><TD noWrap width=3></TD><TD vAlign=top>By Greg Hensley
Date: Nov 12, 2005
If you enjoy the detailed and to-the-point analyses of fan commentators Joe Brownlee and Swerb, you'll also enjoy the writing of new Bernie's Insiders contributer Greg Hensley. Greg was recruited by popular demand from an NFL draft site, where his cogent analysis of the Browns drew the appreciation of Browns fans on our forums. Greg helps us re-start our game previews with this look at Sunday night's battle in Pittsburgh.
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Preview
The Steelers are on a current three game win streak and boast a 6-2 record overall. They are the bully on the block as they play a very physical style of football both offensively and defensively. As with any bully, you never want to get fancy but instead simply walk up and hit them as hard as you can directly in the mouth. (This is to be taken figuratively)
The Browns need to come out and make the statement that this game is going to be a war. The Browns simply cannot afford to sit back and allow the Steelers to impose their will.
Steelers Offense
By far, the Steelers greatest strength is their offensive line. No matter who leaves, they always seem to have someone ready to take over. The Steelers lose two starters in tackle Oliver Ross, guard Keydrick Vincent, and never skip a beat. In fact, this year's offensive line is actually showing signs of being better than last years line at the same point in the season. There is no secret to the Steelers running game, they invest wisely in the offensive line and develop those investments. You never see the major overhaul with this unit. When they lose players to free agency or injury, they promote from within and keep the core together.
The right side of this line has been physically dominating all year. The emergence of the second-year monster (6'-8", 340lb) Right Tackle Max Starks has been a major surprise. His pass protection is steadily improving but combined with Right Guard Kendall Simmons, they are moving people off the line with ease and they are option number 1 in that running attack. 10-year veteran, Jeff Hartings, anchors the Steelers in the middle. Hartings is not as quick as he once was but he is still capable of getting out into the second level and he is the glue that holds this group together. Ten years of experience at the center position is invaluable. Jeff has lined up with guard Alan Faneca and tackle Marvel Smith for 5 years running and it is just amazing to have that kind of stability from right guard to left tackle in the modern NFL, as this is also Simmons' 4th year as a Steeler as well.
Pittsburgh has a three-headed monster at the running back position with Willie Parker, Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis. Both Willie and Jerome are questionable but both are likely to see action. Fast Willie loves to get outside the tackles and use his speed to take it the distance. He is not afraid to run inside and this makes him an even more dangerous back. Duce and Jerome are straight ahead runners that look to run over people. They wear you down both physically and mentally. Look for the Steelers to use all three backs in this game.
At quarterback, it appears as if Charlie Batch will make his second consecutive start. Batch brings a bit of mobility and an effective short passing game to the table but (let's be honest) he is not a starting caliber NFL quarterback. Pittsburgh will look to take the ball completely out of his hands and for good reason. In the games in which Ben Roethlisberger did not start, the Steelers have failed to covert on third downs 19 of 20 attempts. With Batch starting again this week, look for the Steelers to become even more one-dimensional.
The Steelers have receiving threats in rookie TE Heath Miller, and also in receivers Antwaan Randle-EL and Hines Ward but with Batch at quarterback they won't get a great deal of respect as targets for this game. With that said, what the group does do very well is block. They like to get out and into the face of the linebackers, which makes the running backs even more dangerous. If they take the linebacker out of the play, opponents find it's tough bringing down these running backs on a consistent basis with defensive backs.
Steelers Defense
Defensively for the Steelers, it all starts with the defensive line. Similar to the offensive line, this group has been together for five years. Defensive ends Aaron Smith and Kimo von Oelhoffen along with nose tackle Casey Hampton understand how to play the 3-4 scheme as well as anyone does in football. They aren't the most physically gifted group but you just cannot underestimate how incredibly valuable their experience is. They do their job and that is to eat up blockers, free up the linebackers and make plays when the opportunity is there. They are not stars, but they are the lifeblood of this defense and they are the reason Pittsburgh has 23 sacks on the year.
The linebackers are somewhat banged up at the moment but this is an excellent unit. James Farrior (listed as doubtful) and Larry Foote are monster run stuffers as both have mastered the art of shedding blocks and shooting the gaps. If Farrior does not play it could get interesting with the inside run. When you look to the outside linebackers, once again you find a good group. James Harrison, Clark Haggans and Joey Porter are not stars but all know how to blitz and play the run. However, they are vulnerable when asked to drop back into coverage.
Troy Polamalu is arguably one of the leagues best safeties and to be honest Chris Hope is right up there as well. Both are playmakers with that ball hawking ability and they do not hesitate to come up in run support. I do question their ability to cover the speedy slot receiver, as both are a bit stiff in the hips when it comes to coverage.
Corners may be the weakest unit on this team in my opinion. Ike Taylor is a big corner that is very physical and he likes jamming and controlling the receiver early in the play. He really has benefited from a very good pass rush, as he can be beat deep if the quarterback has time. Deshea Townsend is a wily vet corner that knows how to play the position and while he may not be as fast as he once was, he can still turn it on and cover his man with experience.
Browns Battle Plan
Defensively
The Browns' front three will not be able to penetrate the Steelers offensive line but what they can do is simply hold their ground. If they can do this, two things get accomplished. First off, it will allow the linebackers freedom to slide to the play and keep the running backs in front of them. The backers must slide and collapse once the Steelers commit to that particular run. By the defensive front holding their ground, the gaps become more defined and the options for the running backs become very limited. Secondly, it will prevent the defense from wearing down. It doesn't take as much effort and physical exertion to simply dig in and hold your ground as opposed to being aggressive and wearing yourself out against their more physical offensive line.
It is simple enough for the linebackers. Hit hard and play with discipline. Avoid being moved out of your gap assignments and do not be fooled with the play action pass. The Steelers are likely to challenge Ben Taylor and Chaun Thompson. This could lead to more playing time for Orlando Ruff this week.
The safeties must be ready to not only cover Heath Miller on those short dumps but they must also be willing to take on Staley and the Bus. You cannot have any shoestring tackle attempts in this game and expect to win. This may be the ideal game to get Pool and Jones more playing time. With Chris Crocker having a banged up shoulder, you do not want him taking on the big backs especially considering he does not square up on tackles but sticks that arm and shoulder in there to make the play which has resulted in injuries.
The Browns are likely to tighten up their umbrella defense and leave the corners Leigh Bodden and Daylon McCutcheon somewhat exposed on the outside. It is a bit of a risk but with Batch at quarterback, it is a risk worth taking. The real match up here will be Leigh Bodden covering Hines Ward.
The Bottom lines is stopping the run and turn this into a game of field position. Now if you can get the early lead 90% of the battle is over as you force the Steelers to do something that they simply do not like doing and that is throwing the ball.
Offensively
The Browns must challenge the banged up linebackers and draw in the safety support. Whether Farrior plays or not this is the area to test and while the Steelers are one of the best run defenses in the league, running hard at them between the tackles will take its toll. Allow the right side of the offensive line the opportunity to take over this game. Terrell Smith and Corey McIntyre have to be on head hunting missions every play. No one likes having the fullback in his lap play after play and all it takes is a second of hesitation to turn a 2-yard gain into a 20-yard gain. If the running game is not working, do not give up on it but use it to set up the play action pass and the screen.
The run and screen will also set up the deep play behind the safeties, as the safeties will creep closer to the line. Last week the Packers (who do not have the weapons at receiver that the Browns possess) were getting open behind the safeties. If you can get Edwards or Bryant one on one downfield, allow them the opportunity to make the big play. Sometimes you just have to put it up and say go get it. It is time to find out if we have average at best receivers or true playmakers.
Overall, this is a very winnable game against our #1 rival. This banged-up Steelers team is extremely vulnerable. As long as we avoid making the big mistake, we have a very good shot of getting our first divisional win. It will all come down to execution and discipline.
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Nothing new for brown's fans but a concise article non the less.
Turnpike Rivalry: Browns still searching for the 'on ramp'
Sunday, November 13, 2005
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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</TD><TD>Tom Puskar, Associated Press
You wonder what would have been had Kelly Holcomb and the Browns not squandered that 17-point lead to the Steelers in the 2002 AFC wild-card game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won, 36-33, and the Browns have gone 12-28 since.
Click photo for larger image.
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More Coverage:</CENTER>
Bouchette's NFL Notebook: Dolphins bring back offensive set with 2 running backs
Steelers Game Day Information: 11/13/05
<CENTER>TODAY</CENTER>
Game: Steelers (6-2) vs. Cleveland Browns (3-5).
When: 8:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN, WTAE. <HR>
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</TABLE><!--END PHOTO-->Fans in Pittsburgh joined those from Cleveland 10 years ago in a sympathetic fraternity to "Save Our Browns." Steelers fans won't clasp hands with them today, but Browns fans continue their mission long after their football team returned.
Despite the emotional efforts in 1995 to save the franchise, the Browns left Cleveland for Baltimore after that season. The NFL reissued the Cleveland Browns as an expansion team in 1999, but fans there are still waiting for pro football to return.
The Browns arrive for a game at 8:30 tonight at Heinz Field against the Steelers, under their third reconstruction in seven seasons. Their record is 33-71 since their return. They're on their third coach and their second administration and, at least this time, they seem to have gotten it right.
Still, the Browns are 3-5 and, for another season, they will follow the path of the old Browns and not reach the Super Bowl. But under first-year coach Romeo Crennel they at least tapped into some of the genius that drove the New England Patriots to win three of the past four Super Bowls.
"With Romeo up there in his first year," Steelers coach Bill Cowher said, "you can see this football team has a lot of different elements to the team we played last year in their whole approach to the game."
Cowher's praise of Crennel doubled as a slap at former coach Butch Davis, whom he disliked on many levels. In that way, Cowher is no different than a lot of former Browns players, who were not even allowed out of their hotels on the road. Steelers receiver Quincy Morgan, a former Brown, derisively called Davis "a college coach" and said the players finally got sick of him.
The new Browns may have muffed their early drafts and stumbled out of the gate as a new franchise, but after climbing back and making the playoffs one year, it was Davis who tore them back down. He was their second coach, after a 5-27 record for two seasons under Chris Palmer. They stole Davis from the Miami Hurricanes hours after he pledged to his college players that he wasn't going anywhere.
That public relations snafu in 2001 eased as Davis' first club went 7-9 and his second 9-7 and made the playoffs as a wild-card team. Fate would bring the Browns to Heinz Field for their first postseason game since the Steelers eliminated them after the 1994 season. The Browns collapsed, blowing a 17-point lead in the final 19 minutes to lose to the Steelers, 36-33.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=143 align=left border=0>
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<TD width=133><CENTER><TABLE style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=133 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 117px; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext" vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#ff7e28 height=25>No happy returns
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 117px; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top height=25>Numbers of note since the Browns returned to the NFL in 1999:
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</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 117px; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top height=25>Coaches
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</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 117px; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top height=25>No. 1 draft picks no longer with the team, including two No. 1 overall selections.
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 117px; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#ff7e28 height=25>33-71
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</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 117px; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#ff7e28 height=25>3-10
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 117px; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top height=25>Record vs. Steelers, including playoffs
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</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 117px; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top height=25>Average game score vs. Steelers
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext; PADDING-RIGHT: 5.4pt; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 5.4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 117px; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#ff7e28 height=25>1
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</TABLE>Davis then fired his scapegoat, defensive coordinator Foge Fazio and two other coaches and started dismantling his team.
"For someone who preached continuity as hard as he did, [he fired] three coaches after the playoffs and three more the next year," said Steelers receivers coach Bruce Arians, who was fired as Cleveland's offensive coordinator after the '03 season.
Davis followed by engineering a quarterback controversy between the new franchise's first draft pick, Tim Couch, and journeyman Kelly Holcomb. Davis finally was forced out two years later as the Browns won just nine games combined and the franchise realized it had no direction on the field.
"A very specific set of choices were made following the Pittsburgh playoff game," Browns owner Randy Lerner said recently. "I'd say they didn't pan out."
Said Morgan, "We had a great team, and coach Davis totally dismantled that team. That's the truth. Anybody will tell you that. From there on, it all fell apart with the quarterback controversy thing. But the team we had in 2002, if we would have kept that team and came back in '03, we had a chance to do something."
The new Browns haven't done much. Many blame the NFL for awarding the franchise to the late Al Lerner only 12 months before they would kick off in their first regular season. Carolina and Jacksonville, for example, received franchises in the fall of 1993 and did not start play until 1995.
Those two previous expansion franchises also spoiled it for any that would follow because each reached its conference's championship game in its second season of play. But Jacksonville and Carolina also seemed to have better plans, especially in the draft. The Browns can explain their poor start on their late start as a franchise, but that does not account for all their terrible drafts.
"Look at their drafts, they've been awful," said one NFL personnel man who was involved in a previous expansion team. "I don't know if they have core players. Then you have a change in coach, and he runs off players the other guy had. And they still don't have a quarterback. I don't know if they have a left tackle, either. Who's their defensive end? Who are these guys? You can get rid of them, but you better have somebody who can play coming in behind them."
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<TD>Peter Diana, Post-Gazette
Ben Roethlisberger puts his stamps on the rivalry in 2004 -- his first time through what used to be a bitter rivalry.
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</TABLE><!--END PHOTO-->The Browns' first draft picks in each of their first three years are no longer with them -- Couch, Courtney Brown and Gerard Warren. Their fourth, William Green, is a backup halfback and special-teams player. Their top pick in 2004, Kellen Winslow, is out for his second consecutive season, this time because of his infamous motorcycle accident. Even this year's first pick, Braylon Edwards, No. 3 overall, is not a starter and only has 15 receptions.
They've done a terrible job of drafting since their return, even though they received two picks in each round but the first in 1999 and 2000 as an expansion team.
"I think the biggest problems were the original drafts," Arians said. "When we got there, there were like six of 24 guys from that double draft that weren't on the roster. The draft choices for the foundation never made it." The Steelers have won nine of their past 10 against the Browns, but Pittsburgh fans don't have much sympathy anymore. Losing their franchise was one thing; losing to the Steelers quite another.
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SanAntonioBuck
RIP Our Friend and Hero
The Browns are taking it on the chin to the tune of 24-7 3rd quarter.
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
scout.com
11/14/05
11/14/05
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</TD><TD noWrap width=3></TD><TD vAlign=top>By Fred Greetham
Date: Nov 14, 2005
The Browns started off strong, but the Steelers shook over the quick start and rolled over Cleveland's rebuilding squad. Fred Greetham recaps the good, the bad, and the ugly of Sunday night's 34-21 loss to Pittsburgh.
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The Browns had a good first quarter.
Unfortunately, they play four.
After a good start by the Browns and a quick 7-0 lead, the Steelers overpowered the Browns with two long-in-the-tooth quarterbacks, scoring 27 unanswered points and went on to a 34-21 win.
Here’s a breakdown of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
The Good
Good Start: The Browns took the opening drive right down the field for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead. Reuben Droughns carried the Steelers’ Chris hope for seven yards for a touchdown. The Browns converted their first two third downs on the drive, including a deep pass to Antonio Bryant for 41 yards. The Browns went 66 yards on 10 plays in 5:07. Trent Dilfer was 3-of-5 for 51 yards on the first drive.
Orpheus’ Block: Orpheus Roye blocked Jeff Reed’s field goal attempt with 4:23 to play and Leigh Bodden returned it for a touchdown to make it 27-14.
Reuben: Reuben Droughns was a bright spot for the Browns as he ran hard and dragged several Steelers from the one to the 10-yard line to get the Browns out of the shadow of their goal post. Droughns caught a short pass on third-and-14 and ran over several defenders for a first down. Droughns took a Steeler for a ride on his touchdown run. Droughns finished with 56 yards rushing and 68 receiving.
Good challenge: Romeo Crennel won his first challenged when the officials ruled on the field that Hines Ward scored a touchdown. The play was over ruled and the Browns took over on downs.
Good Stop: The Steelers tried to hurry up and catch the Browns off guard on fourth-and-one near the Browns 10, but Jason Fisk and Andra Davis stopped Batch short of the first down to give the Browns the ball back.
Back-to-Back Plays: Two young players made big defensive plays. Chaun Thompson chased down Randle El for a loss on a reverse and Ethan Kelley stopped Bettis for a 5-yard loss.
Final Play: Even though the game was over, the Browns didn’t give up and Dilfer hit Bryant for a touchdown to make the final 34-21.
The Bad
Can’t Stop the Run: With Charlie Batch and then Tommy Maddox at quarterback, the Browns still had trouble stopping the Steelers from running the ball. With Willie Parker injured, Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis are pretty much north-south runners and the Steelers continued to run the ball at will. Even in the final moments, the Steelers continued to get first downs with backup Verron Haynes. The Steelers rushed for 160 yards.
Bad Second: After a good first quarter, the Browns were totally outplayed in the second quarter and after starting ahead 7-0, the Steelers scored 17 straight points for a 17 point lead at the half.
Bad Batch: The Browns made QB Charlie Batch look like Terry Bradshaw in the first half. He was 13-of-19 for 150 yards. He ran the ball three times for 16 yards, including a touchdown. However, he broke his hand on the last drive and was replaced for the second half by Tommy Maddox.
Bad Miss: On third down on the Browns’ second series, Dilfer missed Braylon Edwards on a quick slant similar to the 80-yard touchdown he scored against the Packers. Edwards was wide open and ahead of his man, but the ball sailed ahead of him.
Cutch Out: CB Daylon McCutcheon was injured when Hines Ward’s knee appeared to hit McCutcheon in the abdominal area. He was carted off and did not return. Ray Mickens replaced him. If McCutcheon is out for any extended time, the Browns are without the two corners who were the starters in McCutcheon and Gary Baxter.
Bad Challenge: After winning a challenge early, Crennel challenged a play that Bryant fumbled and lost. It was clear that Bryant fumbled the ball.
Shelton Smoked: Joey Porter went right by L.J. Shelton and sacked Dilfer on the first offensive play of the second half.
Old Friends: Chris Gardocki reminded Browns fans of one of Butch Davis’ biggest mistakes in letting Gardocki go in free agency to the Steelers as he placed his first punt on the Browns’ one. His second punt was downed also inside the 10. Quincy Morgan returned kicks for the Steelers.
Burn City: The Steelers sucked the Browns in with a reverse to Antwaan Randle El, who threw the bomb to Hines Ward, who was behind Ray Mickens to give the Steelers a 24-7 lead on the second play of the third quarter.
Flag Play: The Browns gave the Steelers great field position on their first possession as the defense committed two penalties on the first play. Leigh Bodden drew a flag for illegal contact and Ben Taylor received a 15-yard personal foul for grabbing a face mask to put the Steelers at the 42.
Bad Field Position: In the first half, the Browns started at their own one and 10. They started at the 10 after the kickoff return team was flagged once again for an illegal block on the return.
Self Destructing: In their two-minute offense, Dilfer was hit by Troy Polamalu and Joey Porter intercepted the ball and returned it to the Browns 40. The Steelers showed the Browns how to run the two-minute drill as they went right down the field for a one-yard touchdown by Batch. Instead of possibly tying the game, they ended up being down, 17-7.
Where’s Braylon?: For the second week in a row, the Browns had a tough time getting Braylon Edwards involved. He had one catch for two yards last week and had no catches through three quarters against the Steelers. His first catch came with 14 minutes to play as he went up for a ball and made a nice catch downfield. He caught a deflected pass for a long gain in the final minute.
Bad Move: McCutcheon’s replacement Michael Lehan was beat by Cedric Wilson for a long pass play that set up the Steelers’ first score to tie the game at 7-7.
The Ugly
Bad Drop: On a third-and-14 in the first half, Dennis Northcutt dropped a pass right to him that would’ve been a first down. The momentum seemed to really shift from that point on. Northcutt dropped another would-be first down on the Browns’ first series on the second half.
Shoot Your Foot: Talk about shooting yourself in the foot, the Browns were walking around with a loaded shotgun aiming right at their foot. When Brian Russell intercepted a pass and gave the Browns a hope of coming back, DL Alvin McKinley was flagged for a personal foul, negating the turnover. McKinley jumped off sides later in the game to negate a defensive stop.
Reload: After getting the ball back, Antonio Bryant fumbled after catching a pass and the Steelers had the ball again in Browns territory at the 18.
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