Browns vs. Miami preview...

 After trying their very best to hand another game away, the Browns eked out a win over the Carolina Panthers last week and get ready to head into Miami to take on the still playoff hopeful Dolphins. Miami has been a team with a lot of ups and downs this season going through quarterback changes and a defense that can be stout one week and very porous the next. The Browns need to once again put a lot of the offensive responsibility on the very stout shoulders of one Peyton Hillis. Hillis went buck wild last week with three touchdowns and putting his total rushing TD's at eleven for the season. That puts him in some VERY select company with the Browns. Only Leroy Kelly and the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time - for those who don't know that) Jim Brown. Hillis's response to being told that responded with, "I'm nobody."
 While I appreciate his modesty when compared to those two historic running backs, Peyton Hillis is much more than a nobody for the Browns this season.
Lets see....he has 13 of the teams 21 touchdowns on the year, 905 of 1285 yards rushing, and is the number two receiver for the Browns! Not exactly a nobody! His one Achilles heel this year has been fumbles. He has lost a total of four fumbles out of five total. This can be improved and I am sure it will be. Thankfully, a majority of his fumbles have come in the first half of games and he usually follows them up with a touchdown run on the next possession. That said; opposing defenses are beginning to stack the box against Hillis and it is becoming effective against higher caliber teams slowing down the Browns running game and allowing defenses to force us to rely on our quarterbacks and receivers. This is a glaring sore spot for us as we have no true "go to guy" running routes for us and we are desperately in need of that one true down field threat. Our trio of quarterbacks haven't been the greatest with rookie Colt McCoy being the most reliable after his introduction into the NFL was against top tier defenses such as the Steelers, Patriots, Saints, and Jets. He handles himself very well in those games and unfortunately for us, he joined veterans Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace with his own high ankle sprain. We need Delhomme to avoid the costly interceptions he threw last week keeping the Panthers in the game. Many fans wondered if he was capable of coming back from the horrible year he had last season that led to the Panthers releasing of him. Thus far I would say that we didn't get the results we were hoping for. Wallace was overall not too bad in his time prior to his own ankle sprain but, showed why he is a career backup when it became obvious that he cannot throw the deep ball accurately and can get flustered when he has pressure. He is still a threat with his feet and can make it difficult to defend him when he only has to throw balls less than 20 yards or less. McCoy will hopefully heal quicker than his counterparts and get back on track and continue his development at the helm of our offense...Hillis needs the help.
 Our defense is strange. It seems impenetrable on one drive and the next but, second half adjustments by other teams have shown that we are not quite there yet. We give up too many game breaking plays with poor arm tackling (Santonio Holmes and Maurice Jones-Drew) allowing our opponents to find daylight late in games and ultimately allowing comeback wins. Hopefully Scott Fujita gets back to healthy soon and takes back over as the defensive leader we need on the field. He was more than dangerous prior to his injury and we have struggled without his veteran leadership on the field. Overall I see another close game in Miami that we can win if we can put together 60 full minutes of good football. We are a team that cannot afford to make mistakes since we seem unable to take advantage of other teams mistakes (6 Jaguar turnovers somehow did not translate into a win?). Avoiding the turnovers on offense and not giving up large yardage plays on defense will give us the big "W" we so sorely need right now...24-21 Browns!

Some week 11 Observations...

 Rich Gannon pointed out that 90% of teams that are -3 in the turnover ratio in a game lose. That would make one assume that with the Jaguars on Sunday having a -6 mark in the turnover ratio they got completely trampled right? WRONG!! Somehow the Cleveland Browns were inept enough on offense in the second half that even five consecutive turnovers by the Jags wasn't enough for us to seal a win. That is absurd but, it is what happens to a young growing team. A lot of people were jumping on the playoff bandwagon after our run through New Orleans, New England, and the heart breaker against the New York Jets. Maybe if the were the New Jacksonville Jaguars we would have had a shot...lol! The Jags displayed our lack of options on offense when Peyton Hillis is finally corralled for a second half. He was once again huge for us in the first half but as a receiver rather than as a rusher. And that my friends highlighted our problem....no real deep threat from the wide receiver position or a serious possession receiver available for Colt McCoy to utilize on third and mid-range to third and long. 5 of 6 third down efficiency in the first half turned into a 2 for 10 ratio in the second half. I heard someone say, "But M. Massaqoui has stepped up recently." If stepping up is 107 yards over a three game span then yes there lies the problem. That kind of yardage over a three game span is paltry and we cannot depend upon Hillis to carry the load like he has thus far. Please do not let us destroy this kid before we get some help and allow us to get a solid receiving corps so our growth continues next season for a true playoff push! We have our stud QB, we have our stud RB, we have a solid defensive unit most games (minus a spot or two), and we have a big fat pimple of a receivers unit! I am glad we didn't go after Randy Moss when he was available because we've been there with a diva receiver (Braylon Edwards - Mr. Hopalot) and it didn't work. Start scanning the waiver wires and free agency lists or checking the collegiate ranks now for the stars of our future. One last note...Ben Watson and Evan Moore are no Wizard of Oz's but, they are dependable with their hands and can block so it is really dependant on the Holmgren and Heckart crews to find those WR's that take us over the top as serious AFC North contenders that make opposing teams quiver! Hope they get it right!
 Just to pour salt in our wounds, even through all our offensive let downs, Colt McCoy did drive us down the field quickly with no timeouts to have the drive ended on a heartbreaking play at the Jags three yard line with about 10 seconds or so left. (here's the play that put the nail in our coffin)...




 And here is a series of possessions that set up the need for that last minute drive:

• T.J. Ward interception, Browns start 48 yards away from the end zone. Three and out, punt.
• Joe Haden interception, Browns start 19 yards away from the end zone. Three and out, field goal.
• Chris Cogong fumble, Browns start 57 yards away from the end zone. Three and out, punt.
• T.J. Ward interception, Browns start 35 yards away from the end zone. Three and out, field goal miss.

GREAT BIG FAT OUCH!!!!

Granted, we may not have been able to have clocked the ball if Watson had caught that pass and didn't land in the end zone but, it would have been a lot nicer to see what would have or could have happened with a different result. Enough of the what-if's though. We are a team that plays to win and with a purpose of winning each game. We are not a guaranteed win for ANYone anymore and that's a good thing for us fans. Hopefully we continue to get better and have a say in who makes the playoffs from our division late in the season. It was nice being a spoiler to the Steelers in their fall from grace last year and hopefully we can split the series with them again this season in our season finale. I believe we have the capability to do just that.
GO BROWNS!!!

The almost Mid-Season Reprt Card for the AFC...

 It's just about the official mid season now for the NFL and it's time to give out grades to each team on the progress (or lack thereof ) thus far in the 2010. Let's start with a quick view of the standings to give a better view of where the teams stand so far: PF/PA (Points For/Points Against) TOR (Turnover Ratio). I include the points for and against as well as the turnover ratio because it is my belief that these two stats indicate very well where a teams weaknesses are glaring as far as points go and the turnover ratio is a huge difference maker for many teams. Especially if a team has a knack for creating points off of turnovers. They are momentum swinging, game changing situations that most successful teams have in their favor...it even trumps the points statistics. For example, the San Diego Chargers have high rankings in in points scored plus a higher ranked team defense but, they turn the ball over something terrible and currently have a losing record due to their uncanny ability to cough up the ball. That said, let's get started...

AFC - American Football Conference

East

New England Patriots (A) 6-1-0   .857    PF:205  PA:154   Home:4-0   Away:2-1   TOR: +7
New York Jets (A-)          5-2-0   .714    PF:159  PA:110   Home:3-0   Away:2-2   TOR: +7
Miami Dolphins (B)           4-3-0   .571    PF:133  PA:149   Home:0-3   Away:4-0   TOR: -4
Buffalo Bills (F)                 0-7-0   .000   PF:131   PA:211   Home:0-3   Away:0-4   TOR: -5

North

Baltimore Ravens (B+)    5-2-0   .714   PF:149   PA:129   Home:3-0   Away:2-2   TOR: -2
Pittsburgh Steelers (A-)   5-2-0   .714   PF:147   PA:102   Home:2-1   Away:3-1   TOR: +9
Cleveland Browns (C)    2-5-0   .286   PF:118   PA:142   Home:1-2   Away:1-3   TOR: 0
Cincinnati Bengals (D)    2-5-0   .286   PF:146   PA:163   Home:1-2   Away:1-3   TOR: +4

South

Indianapolis Colts (B+)     5-2-0   .714   PF:193   PA:142   Home:3-0   Away:2-2   TOR: +3
Tennessee Titans (B)        5-3-0   .635   PF:224   PA:150   Home:2-2   Away:3-1   TOR: +6
Houston Texans (C+)       4-3-0   .571   PF:170   PA:197   Home:2-2   Away:2-1   TOR: -3
Jacksonville Jaguars (C)   4-4-0   .500   PF:165   PA:226   Home:2-2   Away:2-2   TOR: -7
West

Kansas City Chiefs (A-)      5-2-0   .714   PF:163   PA:122   Home:4-0   Away:1-2   TOR: +5
Oakland Raiders (B-)         4-4-0   .500   PF:212   PA:168   Home:3-1   Away:1-3   TOR: +2
San Diego Chargers (C-)    3-5-0   .375   PF:210   PA:174   Home:3-1   Away:0-4   TOR:-8
Denver Broncos (D)           2-6-0   .250   PF:154   PA:223   Home 1-3   Away:1-3   TOR:-4

 Okay, here's my breakdown and reasoning for the AFC grades. The Patriots were supposed to struggle when they traded perennial deep threat Randy Moss and simply re-signed Deion Branch and made all the experts look silly. Is Tom Brady that good? Is Bill Belichek that smart? Is the system that well designed? I believe it is a little of all the above. The Patriots look ready to make another serious playoff run for one last shot at being the team of the decade.
 Behind all the bluster of head coach Rex Ryan, the Jets are proving to be a team that is difficult to beat and while I wish they hadn't caved in to Revis, he is a difference maker when he is on the field. Between Revis and Cromartie, the Jets have the best duo of cornerbacks in the NFL. That said, they also have a very stingy defense against the run (88.7 yds per game) that allows them to come up with a variety of blitz packages. If Mark Sanchez can continue to manage games for the regular season they will have a good run to the playoffs. But, Sanchez has got to develop the ability to take over a game and make it his (ex: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees...) if they want to complete the playoffs with a Super Bowl victory.
 The Miami Dolphins are unbeatable...away from their home field. Undefeated on the road and winless at home is strange for any team. If they hope to make a playoff run they have got to start winning at home and continue to win on the road. They are in a tough division to hope for a wildcard slot with the Patriots and Jets there. It can be done but, they need a lot of help from other teams to get them there. So far they are under .500 in the division and in the AFC conference. That has to change before the playoffs are a reality.
 The Buffalo Bills....they stink! There is not a lot of good to say when a team is losing every game so far and they also play in a very good division. The playoffs aren't mentioned when the Bills are in the conversation (unless they are playing a division team). Hopefully they can draft and deal well enough to be competitive. Until then, the Bills can hope to be a heart breaker team towards the end of the season and pull off an upset over a team trying to get in to the post season. Good luck.
 It seems the Baltimore Ravens have once again found a way to play just enough offense to score SOME points and allow their defense to win games for them. That formula has worked for them in the past but, I don't believe that Ray Lewis has got enough in the tank to make it to the promised land one more time. I say the defense either tires out, or they have an unfortunate injury to a primary playmaker on the defensive unit. I don't hope for injuries to any athlete but, when they are on the field as much as the Ravens are, injuries are unavoidable. Particularly on a defense that has players who go all out like the Ravens do. If they find a way to put together a better offense for the second half of the season, they could very well get in the playoffs with a wildcard spot and create headaches for any opponent.
 The Steelers. Yes I am a Browns fan but, reality is this...Pittsburgh scares teams every week. They came away from Ben's suspension 3-1 and have looked even better since his return. The recent loss of defensive end Aaron Smith is bigger than most fans are aware because he is one of those players that is always there each and every play redirecting running backs to pursuing linebackers, disrupting quarterbacks rhythm, or making big plays by himself. He hasn't really gotten the press attention and he has never seemed to mind. His teammates know what a difference maker he is and will have to hope his replacement is half as good. Even with him out, the Steelers are a very good ball club and if they continue to benefit from game deciding calls Miami game) along with their natural winning ways, they will be in the AFC championship game at the very minimum.
 The Cleveland Browns. They have had our attention up until the 4th quarter a lot this year only to find a way to give their opponents the game back. Until they decide to stop the mind numbing, self-inflicted mistakes, they will continue to break fans hearts. They brought in Jake Delhomme to give the QB position some veteran leadership and he got hurt. Does a high sprain really take this long to heal? Then Seneca Wallace came in in his career role as backup QB and has performed admirably but, he has also shown why he is a career backup with his inability to throw the deep ball accurately to open receiver down the sideline. His balls all seem to drift away out of bounds followed by a sudden silence from the fans wondering where that ball was intended. Colt McCoy got his shot starting against the top rated Pittsburgh defense. While the Browns didn't in, many felt he played well and never seemed lost or out of sorts. Not bad for any rookie QB when they face a defense like that. Cleveland's recent win over defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans has once again given fans hope they can make a decent season yet. Reality is once again we are not a playoff team and with Wallace moving back to the starting spot, we'll have to wait and see if McCoy's winning attitude bleeds off on his teammates.
 The Bengals. WTF!?!? is the current feeling of most Bengal fans. They are loaded with talent and yet, seem unable to find the winning formula they had just last year when they swept the AFC North. No small feat when you play the Steelers and Ravens defenses twice. Carson Palmer is getting his yardage (kinda) and with the duo of Chad Johnson (i still won't call him ochocinco...just stupid) and Terrell Owens has not turned into a 30 point team as those two would have led you to believe. The Bengal defense is porous and gives up way too many big plays and if not the big play, long sustained drives that seems to take the life out of the Bengals. They need cure what ails them quickly or I see a complete re-building in Cincinnati's near future.
 Peyton Manning is still the QB in Indianapolis and therefore, the Colts will once again win their division and if they grab home field advantage, they could wind up in the Super Bowl this year. That said, they have issues on defense. Fast? Absolutely! That does not always work though and they have got to find a way to get Peyton to slow down his drives and give them some rest. Even a 90 yard drive takes less time for the Colts than most teams take for a 40 yard scoring drive. If Manning ever gets seriously hurt, the Colts will immediately begin planning for the next season and make sure he has every medical technology available to ensure he is healed completely. If the Steelers or Patriots get home field against the Colts it's asta la vista baby for them.
 The Houston Texans surprised the Colts in week one with Arian Foster running roughshod all over Texas. That didn't happen in in the next meeting and the Texans look like a team on the verge. On the verge of being figured out for the second half of the season and back to the drawing board. Andre Johnson is a beast but, until they find a solid week in and week out quarterback to compliment him (and a steady tight end), they just don't have it...yet. Matt Schaub is not the answer in my opinion. He is a good quarterback yes (if you are on the final roster after spring training. you must have SOME talent), he is not THE quarterback they need. Their defense is getting better each year and they are trying to find the right mixture at the QB position. When they do, it may finally be time for a new division champion in the AFC South.
 Jacksonville is currently a quiet .500 and they have the ability to finish above that but, I don't think they will. David Garrard has been to inconsistent this season and their defense is closer to Dr. Jekkyl and Mr. Hyde. They can be stout or leak like a colander. No one can plan on the playoffs with that happening. Jack Del Rio is just about out of time in Jacksonville and he needs a strong playoff showing in order to retain his position as head coach for the Jaguars. That just isn't going to happen and He'll be coaching further up the coast with someone like the Carolina Panthers next year. No, I don't think Bill Cowher will be their coach.
 The best surprise team so far this season is the Kansas City Chiefs. With Romeo Crennel on defense and CharlieWeiss calling the offense, this team is realizing its collective potential. They have a trio of running backs (Jamaal Charles, Tevarus Johnson, and Thomas Jones) who all have a different style of running that keeps defenses on their heels and a QB (Matt Cassel) who appears to have found his stride this season. Head coach Todd Haley is the lesser known name in Kansas City with his two former head coach assistants (Crennel and Weiss) but, had been making solid decisions and like to take the fourth down chances when others will just take the field goal points. It's that aggressiveness that has pushed the Chiefs to the top of their division but, they are a year or two away from a deep playoff run.
 Oaklands Raiders are another pleasant surprise at .500 so far this year and with their 59-14 drubbing of the Denver Broncos may have made a statement of, "DO NOT overlook us!". Yes the Broncos have played poorly but, no one else put up that much offense against them. Tom Cable's reluctance to utilize Darren McFadden had seemingly McFaded as he is starting to light up opposing defenses. This has been a team much like the Browns who have the history but nothing much to cheer for lately. That may be changing. I'm not completely on board yet but, their 33-3 win over Seattle after the Bronco thrashing has certainly put one foot on the ship. Keep an eye on them for the second half.
 The San Diego Chargers released Ladainian Tomlison hoping Darren Sproles would fill his shoes. Sproles hasn't and LT is having a year to remember in New York so far. Shawne Merriman hasn't been there and Vincent Jackson's holdout has thrown the best option for Philip Rivers for a loop. Take away the large number of turnover for this team and they are in the postseason mix. However, you can't take away their giveaways and they are not, yet. This team has come back from the brink too many times to count them out.  Their 210 points is third in the AFC and with Jackson's imminent return, they will score more. I just don't know if they can score enough.
 Finally, the Dnever Boncos. Josh McDaniels has got to be looking in the mirror and wondering of his complete mishandling of Jay Cutler two years ago was his biggest early mistake. When they took a risk and drafted Tim Tebow from the Florida Gators it sent the message to Kyle Orton to take the reins of the offense and get them rolling. Orton hasn't gotten the message and Tebow will probably get his first career NFL start real soon. Another team on the verge of big change in the very near future and it will probably begin with a change at the head coach slot first. A new coach will probably see what Urban Myers golden boy has to offer. There was a lot of grumbling about his draft position then it started to filter down when word got out that he was extremely coachable and quickening his release and improving his footwork. He has that winners personality and we'll have to wait and see if that translates into a new look Broncos in the years to come.

There! That's MY summary of the AFC for the first half of the season and if you disagree, go ahead and give me your thoughts in the comment section. Remember, it's a blog for fun so, don't get all high and mighty, just give me feedback with a decent reasoning for your thoughts. I would love to hear what you think of my grades so far and where you would change them and why. I hope to have an NFC summary before the games this weekend so, keep an eye out and enjoy the second half of the NFL season!

Helmet to Helmet hits--My final word (maybe!)

Okay, the NFL has issued a video to better explain the standards of hitting and whats legal versus whats illegal. I've watched it and believe it to be fairly simple to understand. Others will say it still leaves grey areas and those are the people unhappy their particular favorite team had a player fined recently. The fines were proper and not excessive in my humble opinion. The chances of seeing big hits is NOT reduced as this rule has been in place for some time..just not properly enforced. I was unhappy to hear that officials who miss these plays and do not flag them will also be held liable in some fashion. The main offender that has raised the most issue with this new style of imposing of fines, suspensions, etc has been James Harrison. Of course he has issue with it, he has a lot to lose and says so himself with his "I play to hurt." comment. Sorry, but I see no distinction between hurt someone and injure someone. If you really want to be a competitor, you attempt to beat an opposing team that has ALL their players available as well as your own team having theirs. NOT a team a player or two down because you tried to hurt them so they would be out of the game! Winning in this style isn't winning, it is foul! I know a lot of Steeler fans and yes, I am a Browns fan but, I also believed that TJ Wards fine was proper and necessary to make him understand that he cannot attack an opposing player with his head, period! Ward is an up and coming rookie who is defining his own career early as an intimidating force from the safety position much in the style of Troy Polamalu. I apologize if I spelled that wrong again (just doesn't seem to have any suggestions in spell check!). I have always admired Troy's style of balls to the wall defense. I was worried however, early on in his career when he led with his head so much that he may end his career or life with some of his hits. He did remove himself from many games due to that style and one can only hope a talent such as his has been able to adjust and continue with his electrifying game. Harrison can still be a beast without 'hurting' anyone intentionally. I have even heard people say it was payback for Terry Bradshaw being dumped on his head to many (30 or so) years ago. That was stupidity on the Browns player then and it was stupidity on Harrison's part as well today. He has the physical ability to adjust and be able to lower the boom with his shoulders because he is that good. If he says he can't and must therefore quit (as he threatened to do) then I say "SEE YA!" I don't believe we will see much different play this weekend, just less concussions with a lot of big hits still available. As a side note on player safety, SHAME ON THE NFL for using licensing and contracts with big name companies as an excuse that shuts the door on smaller companies that have much more superior (and safer) equipment available that could reduce many serious injuries; and in particular concussions if they would simply tell the big boys, "We accept your products until a safer piece of equipment is now available, therefore forcing us to go with those newer products." The big companies could then simply buy out the smaller ones new safe equipment allowing the new product to be mass produced and putting a lot of $ in the small companies coffers freeing them up to continue development of even safer equipments! I learned this on ESPN today when former player Marcellus Wiley stated that he had seen better equipment displayed but disallowed when he was a player rep during his time in the NFL. It was a VERY enlightening discussion!

Heads held high in Warrior loss....

The finish was one week early for the Lower Grey Warriors in their loss to the Lower Red Falcons but, their heads were (and should be) held high with pride for an excellent season. Parents, coaches, players, and fans gave a rousing applause to the young Warriors as they left the field with red eyes upset the season had ended. It was the furthest a team from the BCMFL had made it so far in the leagues short history and the kids should be proud of that accomplishment. The support they received was very encouraging as players and coaches from other BCMFL teams arrived to cheer on the Lower Grey team as well. Aaron Pocatko, and Dylan Fitchet looked ready top have another big game offensively but, unfortunately, Fitchet left the game early with an apparent stomach virus, as did Kurt Warren who has been a big part of the Warrior defense all season. The timing looked to be off for the Warriors after the loss of these two starters. Zach Winchell then had to leave the game further changing the momentum and allowing the Falcons to focus all their defensive efforts solely on Pocatko bringing backside blitzes on every other play. The Warriros were up to the challenge as even with three minutes remaining and Jefferson having possession, the defense were able to force yet another fumble giving the Warriors one last gasp of hope. Sadly for the kids, they just couldn't get back the timing on offense they needed to make a last minute drive. They finish with a record of 7-2 and as any good sport should do, they wish the young Falcons good luck in the final game next week. Their tears will dry and their emotions will come back in control in due time. It is heart warming to see the kids care so much about the sport and about each other...the hardest lesson to learn in any sport is how to accept a loss and they will, making them better sportsman, and people and that's what all of us parents really want our kids to be.

Defense seals "W" for Lower Grey in playoff opener....

 In a game where the Lower Grey Warriors met a team that could match them for their offensive speed against the visiting Lower White Eagles, the Warriors defense proved to be the difference with a late fourth quarter turnover on a fumble recovery by Antonio Delion sealing the 12-6 victory. Not that the galloping grey ghosts couldn't run, they just couldn't break off the big runs they've become accustomed to week in and week out. Dylan Fitchet led the charge this week accumulating 116 yards of rushing offense with Aaron Pocatko right on his heels with 104 yards of his won. Jesse Garcia and Miguel Delion each chipped in 14 and 9 yards respectively. Pocatko also completed two passes for 25 yards with Fitchet and Jacob Zappitelli each catching one toss each. Once again it was the offensive line that worked as a fine tuned machine giving the running room for the four headed rushing attack of the Warriors. Geneva did not just roll over however, cutting down the outside speed just before they could break loose on many runs. The outside and linebacker speed of the Eagles was impressive as they used very good angles and a well thought out defensive scheme to keep the Lower Grey running attack somewhat in check.
 It became necessary for the Warriors to depend upon the defense to hold off another second rally attempt as the Eagles scored their first TD late in the third quarter cutting the lead to the ultimate final score of 12-6. Late in the fourth quarter, the Lower White defense put together a 'three and out' giving them a last chance possession. With Jacob Tackett, Pocatko, and Dale Sheldon leading the way on defense, they hit the Eagle running back as a unit jarring the ball loose allowing Antonio Delion to scramble for the loose ball and hold on in the scrum pile sealing the win and allowing the Warriors (7-1) to now prepare for a second round playoff appearance against the winner of the Lower Jefferson Red Falcons and the Madison Cowboys.
 The defense was led by Pocatko, Fitchet, and Alex Dufala with four tackles each. Zappitelli had three, and Jesse Garcia, Miguel Delion,  Sheldon, and William Walker had two tackles apiece. Kurt Warren and Zach Griffith each had one defensive stop.

Earlier season photo of the Lower Grey defense in action. (#21-Dylan Fitchet, #11 Kurt Warren)

 The Falcons are the only team to put a blemish on the Warriors in the season opener winning by two points, and the Warriors needed a second half comeback to defeat the Cowboy team. Either team will make for an interesting playoff matchup for the Warriors and should be exciting to watch for any fan of the youngest and purest form of football! Congrats to all the youngsters for putting together a very enjoyable season thus far and they should all be proud of their teams performances!

Comeback win for Lower Grey proves huge....

 On what could only be described as "Football Weather" , the Lower Grey Warriors needed a 2nd half comeback to clinch home field advantage in the first week of playoffs as they defeated the Madison Cowboys 13-12.
 Lighting a fire under the Warriors wasn't really a possibility in the wind, rain, and mud but, that's what seemed to happen after the Cowboys took a 12-0 lead in the first half and seemed to be controlling the game. The second half was a role reversal that saw the Warriors take control back on the offensive and defensive lines allowing Aaron Pocatko, Dylan Fitchet, and Miguel Delion to get their wheels churning and start to move the ball on the ground after the first half passing attack proved futile in the conditions. The defense apparently overcame their fear of giants as Madisons star running back (name unknown) had been having his way in the first half. To be polite, he was HUGE compared to the average 7,8, and 9 year old. As they say though, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." and fall he did accumulating only four total offensive yards in the entire second half. Led by Jacob Zappitelli on defense, the undersized Warriors utilized team tackling in bringing down the big guy and getting the ball back in the hands of the offense allowing Dale Sheldon, Alex Dufala, Antonio Delion, Jacob Tackett, and Dominic Ciesicki to use brute force on the line and giving room to run for Pocatko, Fitchet, and M. Delion for a team total of 168 yards of rushing offense. Madisons inability to convert after their first half touchdowns proved vital for the Warriors when Fitchet converted after Pocatkos first TD. Pocatko scrambled in from 25 yards out for his second TD with just over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the defense was called upon once again to put on the clamps. They did just that pushing the Cowboys backwards for negative seven yards on four rushing attempts effectively sealing the win. With our usual dfensive stars getting their tackles, William Walker and Kurt Warren stepped up their games as well giving the additional defensive help the Warriors needed and allowing them to host their playoff opener next week (opponent unknown as of yet) at Warrior Stadium. The Lower Grey team hopes to get a chance to avenge their only loss against the Lower Jefferson team from the season opener and it appears that just may happen as the young Falcons have also clinched a home field advantage as well. The possible re-match would prove to be a grudge match made in our local midget football heaven and we hope to see a large contingent of fans at all our remaining playoff games to support our little Warriors!

Lower Grey win on 9-25-10

The Lower Grey Buckeyes team continued their winning ways with a convincing 28-6 victory over host Madison Eagles this afternoon. Aaron Pocatko once again led the way with 109 yards rushing (2 for TDs)and 38 yards passing. He also intercepted two passes on defense and returned both for touchdowns including an incredible tight-rope walking 102 yard return that sealed the win for the Buckeyes.The Buckeye defense was also outstanding in shutting down the Eagles with a total of five turnovers. Pocakto recovered a fumble along with Jacob Tackett and Brian Bisbey both recovering fumbles as well. Jacob Zappitelli and Dylan Fitchet both hauled in the two passes that Pocatko attempted with an 8 yarder going to Fitchet and a 30 yarder going to Zappitelli. Fitchet also added 23 yards rushing, and Miguel Delion chipped in an additional 28 yards rushing of his own. The Buckeye defense was also responsible for a total of ten tackles happening behind the line of scrimmage and only allowing 4 first downs for the entire game. It was a total team effort as five separate players accounted for the tackles for loss;  Pocatko, Zappitelli, Delion, Fitchet, and Dale Sheldon. The offensive line got a lot of credit for opening lanes for all the rushers of the Buckeye team, it was anchored by Sheldon at center, Alex Dufala and Antonio Delion at guards, and Tackett and Dominic Ciesicki at tackle.

BCMFL - Lower Grey win on 9-18-10

The lower grey Warriors "pitched" their first shutout of the season in a 14-0 victory over the visiting Madison Browns on Saturday the 18th running their record to 4-1 now making it 4 in a row after our opening game loss. Once again, it was a lot of offense in the first quarter centered around Aaron Pocatko and Dylan Fitchet as the two combined for uncountable yards rushing and passing (need stats Steve! lol) culminating in a early first quarter lead that stayed that way as both teams clamped down on defense the remainder of the game. It should be noted that our second team offense is steadily improving and will begin adding to the offensive touchdowns very soon! Our defense was absolutely Ohio State Buckeye-like showing speed, and finesse (two HUGE interceptions) holding the Browns to a limited number of total yards. I believe they were held to under 100 yards of total offense for the game. Not that the Madison team was a pushover, they certainly showed flashes of offense but, after any positive play, they followed it with being shut down immediately. The Warriors defense looked even better as numerous players made solo tackles, tackles for a loss, and ultimately they had large numbers of players pursuing the ball on both sides of the field and the middle of our defense was impregnable. The kids were obviously very excited as they had achieved what their defensive coach had been asking them to strive for...a zero on the board at the end! We will attempt to keep the winning streak alive next week as we visit Madison to take on the Eagles. Good luck to all our kids and keep up the hard work, it is certainly paying off!

NFL Opener...Saints/Vikings

Who dat team can't beat dem Saints? Who dat? Okay, it wasn't as dramatic as the NFC game from last season by a long shot. It was however an entertaining game for an opener and showed us that the Saints are kind of ready to make a run at defending their title. The opening drive gave me the feeling that we were in for an offensive onslaught due to the ease that Drew Brees breezed the Saints to a quick seven points. (Yes, that was a TERRIBLE play on words but, I digress) Five plays in two minutes did say that the Saints had an opening drive plan that was outstanding period! Brees was on target long, short and in the middle. Jared Allen looked like just another defensive end and the Vikings defense looked like a team that didn't belong on the field. Then, it all changed as the Vikings worked, and I mean worked, their way back into the game with a more recognizable defense and an offense that could move the ball but, couldn't close the deal with any touchdowns in the first half until 45 seconds remained when Brett Farve connected with Visanthe Shiancoe for a 20 yard TD pass. Minnesota was able to muster a total of 168 yards of offense in the first half and that was after a measly 25 yards in the first quarter. On the flip side, New Orleans had a total of 154 yards offensively in the first half but, only managed a paltry 6 yards in the second quarter. (This was definitely a 'Tale of Two Quarters' and again I digress). It was just barely exciting enough to keep me tuned in for the second half. With the Vikings leading at the half 9-7, one thought that maybe this was now going to open up into a shootout type game since Drew and Brett were comfortably warmed up. The Vikings certainly made sure I was wrong with a tremendous 4 play drive followed by a punt. The Saints did come out on their opening drive much like the first half with an 11 play drive culminating in Pierre Thomas bulling his way in the end zone from one yard out to put the Saints back on top 14-9. The remainder of the game was about as exciting as a chess match with six punts between the two teams and one lonely missed field goal by the Saints hero from last year, Garrett Hartley. With 55 total second half yards by the mighty Vikings, one has to wonder what happened to them? Is the loss of Simeon Rice that crushing to their offense? Others will ask if Farve's ankle is really ready for a full game of course and we all know that his personality will not allow him to admit to Brad Childress that he is hurting and should sit. We'll see how Minnesota recovers next week. In the meantime, the Saints weren't exactly lighting it up in the second half either. Yes, they had the opening drive of 74 yards but, they then followed that with drives of four yards and one yard. They were a little more respectable in the final two drives of the fourth quarter gaining 46 and 39 yards respectively. Still, that was a far cry from the team that has been averaging almost 30 points a game for the last couple of seasons. No one was planning on a twelve punt game and less that 350 yards of offense from BOTH teams tonight. (253 from the Vikes and 308 from the Saints but who's counting?) Hey, it happens to the best of teams sometimes and the bottom line is, ugly or not, a win is a win. The Saints began their title defense on the positive note with a win however, they have a lot of film to review over the next nine days to right what was wrong and having watched them the past couple years, they most likely will. The Vikings get tagged with the loss and also have some work to do. They can allow that they adjusted to the Saints vaunted attack well and held them when it counted, the offense just didn't do them any favors. I really don't think this was close to how well these two teams are going to play for the remainder of the season and I'm pretty sure those that have half a clue about football believe that too. I'll be back Saturday night with the results of our BCMFL kids and here's to hoping they fare as well as they have the last couple weeks!

College football opening weekend...

Quite a bit of games to give opinions on and yes, I have opinions! The Florida Gators may have some things to worry about if they can't get their QB/Center connection working correctly. No way will they run the table with 13 mishandled snaps in a game against their division rivals! Alabama says they are not defending a national title but pursuing one this year...I like that approach. They looked like they should as a number 1 ranked team against a lesser division opponent. North Carolina deserves some kudos for making LSU sweat at the end after all the suspensions they were handed just before their opening game. They also deserve a kick in the ass for getting those suspensions just before their opening game. LSU should be VERY worried with the way their offense sputtered against 2nd and 3rd stringers from UNC. Ole Miss lost to Jacksonville State. EWWWW! Stink game of the week goes to Ole Miss for their lack of performance. Oregon lit up the score board to the tune of 59-0 AT HALF TIME! They preserved the shutout and got a lot of playtime for non-starters. UConn blew their chance to put Rich Rodriguez right on the hot seat with a late fumble ending any momentum to make a run at Michigan. The Wolverines QB looked very comfortable in his role in their wide open offense and other Big 10 teams have got to take notice. Their will be defenses set up to shut him down and it will be up to Michigan to see if they have a plan B or if this was all they had to go with...we'll see. I'm betting this is all they have though. Notre Dame looked like the Notre Dame of old for a little while under Brian Kelly debut as their head coach. Purdue is no slouch and the Fighting Irish may have something to say about the BCS at the end of the season finally! Not the prettiest but, the end result is what the Irish faithful wanted to see. A game I forgot from Thursday...Pittsburgh is going down on the rankings from 15 to around 24 or 25 I'm betting after being upset by Utah. Georgia, Iowa, and Penn State rolled in their openers as expected.The remaining ranked teams pretty much did what is also expected as far as the competition they played and will retain their rankings or move up one slot after Pitt's drop. Big game of the week next week has got to be the Ohio State/Miami game as a lot of people want to see how the Buckeyes look against a ranked opponent. I don't see an upset from the 'Canes but, OSU isn't going to just roll right over them either. Pryor could make an early statement towards his pursuit of the Heisman as long as the line performs their jobs...should be a fun game to watch! That's all for my College wrap-up! See ya on the flip side! Oh, and of course congrats to my sons team on their 28-7 victory over visiting Conneaut Steelers.

Buckeye opener/Final Browns preseason

 So the Buckeyes were definitely clicking on offense and that was a big check on the things to do list for them. They have had some early season issues lately so it was nice to see Terrelle Pryor making better decisions. I would like to see him get rid of the ball just a hair quicker because he is not going to get that kind of time against a major college team. Miami is fats on defense much like the Buckeyes are and we'll see that difference early next week as they will try to get pressure on Pryor early and often. The Hurricanes are getting better each season the last few years and have some lofty goals of their own for this season.  I expect a much closer game next week but, after realizing that bringing that much pressure to Pryor and finding out he can run like a cheetah, the Buckeyes will have the separation in score they need to get the 'W'. Score prediction: Buckeyes 34 Hurricanes 24. Pryor will have about 90 yards rushing and just over 200 passing. I see Saine hitting the century mark again with around 115 and Boom Herron getting another 75. We have too much firepower on offense for Miami to stop everything. Our defense will be tested but, will adjust in the second half and keep the ball in the offenses hands. The Browns Colt McCoy was wondering if his preseason could get any worse and after the very first snap he found out....YES! However, after the fumbles snap he settled into a decent flow and moved the ball down field allowing Montario Hardesty to display what could be for us at running back. That is before he once again went down with a knee injury. He walked off on his own power but, one has to wonder if he may become a player who has all the talent in the world but cannot avoid the injury bug. One would hope not but, this is Cleveland after all and whatever bad that can happen, does! We'll see what the report is on him with a couple extra recovery days does and go from there. As has been said before, I hope the Browns defense has some other plan for getting pressure on our opponents quarterbacks once the regular season begins or we could see our team getting torched a lot and we do not yet have the explosive type of offense to try and play score for score with anyone yet. One never knows what will happen until the season gets rolling and that it does next week against Tampa Bay so for my first prediction, I'm going with my heart and not my head and saying the Browns shock in the opener and take a surprise win on the road to open the season with a 20-17 win thanks once again to Phil Dawson and his automatic leg when the game is on the line...GO BROWNS!

Buckeye Community Midget Football League - BCMFL

Since I like to talk about sports, how about a little mention to the little guys of the gridiron? The recent weekend of games for the BCMFL saw our upper division team of Upper Grey shut-out the team of Jefferson Red 20-0. Our lower division team of Lower Red also blanked their opponent of Jefferson Black with a 24-0 win. The final game of the league's teams was the Lower Grey who won a thriller in overtime 24-18 over the Geneva White! I can only give some stats from the Lower Grey team since I was at that game (Of course I was, my son plays for them!). We started right out of the gate with Aaron Pocatko rumbling for a 65 yard touchdown only to have it called back due to a block in the back halfway down field. All was forgiven as the offense then resorted to running the ball straight up the middle on three consecutive gains of eight yards or more. The offensive line was superb in getting off the ball and opening up running lanes for our backs. By halftime the score was now 12-6 with the Grey leading. The second half saw a turnaround as the Geneva team gave up trying to run in the middle against our stout little defensive line and found that if they could break on the corner, their running back could rip off yards in big chunks. He led the Geneva team to take the lead 18-12 until the fourth quarter when our Grey team made a discovery of their own...they could pass the ball and do it effectively! The score was tied 18 all when with time running down, the Grey began a drive at our own 17 yard line and through some serious moxie had driven all the way to the Geneva 20 yard line before a bad snap got away from our QB and was recovered by Geneva. Overtime was now on. We have a one possession each set-up from the 10 yard line...four plays to make it happen and happen it did for the Grey when on fourth and 14 (we lost yards on consecutive run attempts) we connected for a lead taking touchdown. All that was left was for our defense to stop the Geneva sweep play that was working so effectively. We shut down the attempted sweeps on three straight plays and forced them to try a pass play of their own on fourth and 8. They pass was completed but, the receiver was immediately swamped by our defensive end who had intelligently spread out wide to maintain the edge and help on pass coverage! With pressure coming from up the middle the Geneva quarterback threw a desperation pass to his receiver and that was all she wrote as our end took him down with no gain on the play...the celebration was on! Quite the exciting game for the young guys and we had to give credit to Geneva for hanging in there when down early and not giving up after our overtime touchdown. Well played guys and the Lower Grey now has an even 1-1 record. Aaron Pocatko was the offensive star with almost a hundred yards rushing and over a hundred yards passing connecting on 9 of 11 attempts! Way to go Aaron! I wouldn't be a Dad if I didn't give my son Dale Sheldon and the rest of the line some credit for both giving the quarterback time to pass and opening the running lanes on offense (Dale is our center) and being stout in the middle on defensive side as well (Dale also plays the nose guard position). The whole team played very well and they deserved the win for their effort! We can't wait to host our first game next week as we begin a three game home stand at Corlew Stadium. As a side note, our local High School (Edgewood) has invited all the players and cheerleaders from the BCMFL to the Friday night game and will be introduced to the fans in pregame activities! Thank you to Edgewood for giving them some public notice! Good luck to all our teams this weekend!

Pre-Season game three review...

 Jake Delhomme looked pretty darn good and that's good for us. A veteran quarterback may be what this team has needed with a solid line. The left side of the line isn't going to allow a lot of hurries or sacks from what I've been able to see. The right side is better but, after the last couple seasons, better is all they could do so we'll see. Our recievers still look young and at times a bit confused. I believe Jake will help with that department. The backfield isn't going to scare defenses but, they will have to be aware of them as Jerome Harrison proved at the end of the year last season. Ignore them and you may pay in a very big way. Lawrence Vickers has got to be one of the most punishing blockers in the NFL! You have to believe that Rob Ryan is keeping his blitz packages close to the vest and doesn't want any offenses to see what he may or may not do in a regular season game (I hope!). BTW moment of the week for me-I bet my wife ten years ago we would see Bernie Kosar in some type of coaching position with the Browns by this season. She won and now I get to give her a movie, and dinner of her location choices. Not a bad bet on my part. We tend to like the same movie types and food for that matter as well, so not a boo-hoo moment for me. Does anyone think that Big Ben's suspension without any type of conviction legally will open the eyes of many players as to how they will behave publicly in the future or, have the players already gone over the edge with their collective ego's and it's going to unfortunately take a much more serious downfall to wake them up? I love watching these atheletes do things I could NEVER dream of and the entertainment value has been steadily climbing each season with their continued improving abilities. However, the number of law clashes, press clashes, and outright stupid behavior seems to be on a meteoric rise and I am afraid of how far they may go thinking they are entitled because they are who they are. The generation of "Don't you know who I am? I'm fill in the blank! So you give me what I want now or go #*$ yourself!" sadly seems to be getting larger. Their boorish behavior is a serious black eye to the sport and one can only hope that commish Goodell contiues with his holding players responsible for their disrespectful behaviors and also continues to drop the hammer on those that deserve it! End of this daily or weekly or whatever blog! Have a great thing that you do!

2010 Season inching closer

 The Browns have completed two pre-season contyests and the results are mixed. Looked fairly decent in game 1 and looked fairly troublesome in game 2. I have no visions of granduer as far as our season record goes but, I would like to see us compete at a higher level than seasons past and be a team that others can no longer afford to look past. I like the veteran QB pickups and the LB additions. The draft was favorable for building a defense that can intimidate and as always we have a Special Teams corp that really is special. Don't believe the preseason power rankings as I believe after the top five, most writers are just filling in the blanks randomly. I've seen us ranked as low as 30th and as high as 24th so, that's about what we deserve based on previous performance. Questions leading into game 3 of the pre-season...Is Colt McCoy really on the bubble when it comes to a roster spot? Will we see a little more of a blitzing packages to pressure ANY quarterback or are we waiting for the actual real games? Will the Browns dump Mangini if we hit the skids right away or will he finish the season? Is Montario Hardesty a true future NFL running back? <--(we need to see him to judge don't we?) Anyhow, 5pm tonight we'll get a look at which team shows up...effective ball movement team or drop the ball at every opposing contact team. Much more to come all!