PRESEASON GAMES WITH BERNIE HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF SOME OF MY SEASONS

I created this blog after the first preseason game last season.  This is the first content I have ever posted here.  And ironically enough it may be the last...

Oh no I'm not stopping now, but I am considering changing to a more ambiguous Cleveland Sports Memes site very soon.  But that is not why I am posting this today.

Yesterday I received news that Bernie Kosar had been relieved of his duties as color commentator for Browns preseason broadcasts.  Bernie had become a staple of the preseason.  To be honest who better to be there for fans when hope is still high, than the last QB to have any real success in Cleveland?

The thing about Bernie that made him unique was his tremendous insight into the game.  Nearly every play, Bernie would give his reads on the defenses that were shown.  It was nice to see the game through the eyes of someone who knew what the players should be looking for.  And when it was done, as a fan you felt like you had a better understanding of the strategies being employed by both sides.

Bernie also had a knack for letting you know his exact feelings on a particular player.  His main focus was ususally on QBs and WRs.  Good ones would earn Bernie's praise, but if you weren't so good Bernie usually had a few zingers for you.  And Bernie hadn't had much reason to be very complimentary of the Browns for his career as broadcaster.  But that is what made Bernie great, his honesty.

He also added a fair share of humor to his calls as well. One of his best gags was countering his harsh criticism by being over complimentary to any Miami Hurricanes that would be in the game, which was always funny.  It didn't matter where Ken Dorsey threw a ball, he WAS the future.

Overall, he usually made a meaningless game quite fun.  And looking back on some of our bleaker seasons, Bernie in the preseason was really the highlight of the whole year.  With Bernie there you learned and you laughed.  What more could you ask for?

Then came the 2013 preseason opener vs. the St.Louis Rams.  This was a bizarre game because the Browns came out hot, and looked like a well oiled unit versus the Rams that game.  And the Rams countered with some particularly embarrassing Wide Receiver play.  Bernie recognized the struggles and gave the unit a fairly good tongue lashing throughout the game.  Then at the end of the game when the Rams put QB Kellen Clemens into the game, Bernie saved his biggest zingers yet.  Bernie had remembered Clemens from his time as a Jets backup and wasn't impressed.  Even quipping after a Jim Donovan story that Clemens had met the pope saying, "Bless me father for I have sinned, I have to watch him the whole 4th quarter."

While Bernie was in rare form that game, most fans saw it as a successful opener.  While under most circumstances this would have been another forgettable preseason game, this one created some buzz.  The NFL Network will replay all preseason games over the following week.  They generally use the home team's local broadcast, which in this case was the WKYC broadcast with Jim and Bernie.  The game caught the attention of national sports writer Peter King.

Peter King didn't stop with Bernie bashing last year, he was a leading figure in the "Trade Josh Gordon to New England for a 4th round pick", that went on before the trade deadline

Peter King then brought the attention to his friend Jeff Fischer, who coached the Rams.  Fischer was not happy with what Bernie had said about his team.  King fueled the fire, by quoting Kosar's commentary on his twitter page, using his voice to get the ear of the Browns front office.  Bernie was quickly reprimanded and was asked to apologize.

Bernie commented on the incident repeatedly over the other three games.  He stayed away from his usual harsh analysis, and finished out the preseason giving his usual good insights without incident.

Then came the news that Bernie was fired form his position.  Many people began blasting Bernie's personal life as a reason for the reason for his termination.  I refuse to comment on Bernie's personal life because I don't know Bernie personally, and have no idea.  But I do know that regardless of the reason for the termination, it all began with Peter King's comments.

And while I will agree Bernie isn't exactly a "professional quality" broadcaster, he was unique and original.  However in the end, the Peter King clones of the media demand cookie cutter, positive reporting. Hell even ESPN has Jon Gruden loving EVERYBODY right now.  And in the end those people won, and it is ridiculous and sad.

So sadly the Browns have given in and hired former Cincinnatti Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers DB, Solomon Wilcots.  I don't recall Solomon being a huge friend of the Dawg Pound in his broadcast career as well.  And that just sucks.  

So Jimmy bad move, why don't you put Solomon in the box with Jim Donovan , and let Bernie read defenses.  I hope that maybe as the season draws closer we can start a #FreeBernie movement.  I really hope that the right people complain and maybe we can get Bernie back on the air.

    

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DEAR PROSPECT, DID YOUR COLLEGE GET YOU READY FOR THE PROS?

I always thought that in general, college was the stepping stone to prepare you for your professional life.  But something has happened to the game of football.  Over the past decade, the game of college football has evolved a great deal.  Gone are the safe, conservative traditional offenses of years past.  Present day college football features offenses so far removed from what they can expect in the professional ranks it begs the question... Is the current scouting system in place for college talent an outdated one?

I've already written about the top QBs coming out in the draft.  I gave unfavorable grades to nearly all of them.  But you will notice if you look at the article, never once do I knock one of these young men's ability to throw the ball.  My concerns go deeper than just physical ability.  The best QBs in history weren't just great throwers, they were great decision makers, leaders, etc.

My concerns aren't even so much with the player, but how the player knows the game.  The average NFL coach's attitude about teaching fundamentals to a young player coming into the league isn't where it should be.  With all the evolution in the college game happening at a rapid rate, the evolution of the NFL mindset has proved to be slow.  With the hiring of Kyle Shanahan, and the free agent signing of FB Chris Pressley, it has become more obvious the Browns are looking to run a traditional west coast offense in 2014.

So what is it about these college offenses that scare me?  Nothing, they work... in college.  A well executed "gimmick" college offense can be devastating to an opposing defense.  But they don't prepare guys for the next level properly.  Instead they seduce scouts with inflated statistics and exciting highlights.

Lets take a look at the elements of a good "gimmick" college offense and relate them to a pro style offense:

No Huddle: The biggest difference between playing offense and defense is that offense is about executing a strategy, white defense is about reading and reacting to that strategy.  Up tempo offenses in college are demoralizing for defenses.  Giving less time for defenses to get set, creates confusion for QBs to exploit.  Playcalling in this format is vastly different than what almost all professional teams run.  Most QBs can call quick audibles in these offenses and have full control of what is going on.  Traditional NFL offenses rely on vastly different language and take the control out of a QBs hands.  Further more, up tempo offenses also have less time between throws, allowing many QB's to get into a nice rhythm.  Many good college QB's careers have come to a screeching halt in the huddle..

Shotgun / Spread: Many of the modern college offenses have transitioned to an offense that no longer requires a QB to take snaps from under center.  Being in shotgun in every single play with 3,4 or even 5 WRs becomes a matchup nightmare for defenses.  Having up 5 or 6 defensive backs on the field at all times is a great way to create matchup nightmares.  This isn't only an advantage for QBs exploiting matchups, but also RB's who can exploit 5 and 6 man defensive fronts.  Seeing Brandon Weeden was an eye opening experience, as he failed repeatedly to recognize simple linebacker zone coverages.  Moving to a standard pro offense forces a player to completely relearn defensive strategies.

While on it's own learning defensive strategies is a lot lets not forget something else.  The shotgun offensive system doesn't provide an opportunity to learn simple fundamentals to pro quarterbacking.  Learning the footwork for a 3,5 or 7 step drop back will need to be learned.  Learning how to execute play action and rollout plays tend to be problematic for QBs not used to running them.  Even simple things like taking direct snaps can be tough when they have to be learned at the pro level.

Read Option / Misdirection:  If these gimmicks aren't enough for coaches many of these offenses also feature an option element.  Outside of Chip Kelly's Philadelphia offense nobody in the NFL will cater to this element of a college system.  The read option game is becoming a highly successful strategy in the college ranks.  But the issue is that an option offense creates holes in coverages that QBs and RBs alike can exploit.  Coming into the pros the game changes entirely.  All of the "invisible blockers" that an option offense creates are gone.  And if Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel fail this year, I think more people might start realizing this fact.

As much as I am bashing these types of offense for creating professional quality QBs and RBs I do have another take on the matter.  I believe that these types of offenses have done one positive thing for the NFL.  I think that they have created dynamic offensive linemen, and some beastly defensive players.  The reason is that in these offensive system many quick hitters and screens are prevalent.  Many linemen find that moving to a pro offense is a simple transition, because more was asked of them in college.

The same can be said about the defenders who are tasked on defending these offenses week to week.  Option offenses create defenders who must be disciplined in their assignments.  Once they are introduced into the NFL, they don't have to worry about as much on the field.  Pro coaches are treated to a rookie who comes in with good habits and likely embracing the prospect of not worrying so much about misdirection and options.

So here is the question for the Browns: If we aren't going to tailor an offense around the guy we pick, are we going to pick a guy tailored to our offense?  I'm sorry but if you covet a guy at the top of this draft you might want to consider an overhaul of your offensive strategy or it might be Weeden v2.0.

Let me know what you think on Twitter @BrownsMemes

WEEK IN REVIEW: LETS GO TO THE MOVIES, WRESTLEMANIA, AND MORE BASEBALL

Yes Browns fans, they finally made a movie about the team.  And as expected, most of Cleveland is jacked up about it.

One observation that I made on the move was that Denis Leary plays the coach of the Browns.  Honestly I most remember Leary for this...

But that got me thinking of another Browns coach...

Then we had to deal with the drama of the Alex Mack transition tag drama.  A quick trip to Google left me confused...

But if the Mack drama did anything good, through Twitter Browns fans struck up a nice new rivalry with the fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars...

The Indians had a rough week.  And Justin Masterson made me look like an asshole too...

But the emergence of David Murphy is encouraging.  He's such a Good Guy! #GoodGuyMurphy

And more "shocking" revelations in the incredibly long trek to this year's draft...

But a week ago was the WWE's premiere show, Wrestlemania.  I hadn't watched a WWE event in years, but the return of the Ultimate Warrior sparked my interest.  While Warrior was awesome to see, the big shock of the event was the fact that Brock Lesnar was the wrestler to end the Undertaker's Wrestlemania winning streak.  Any one who watched it take place shared this guy's reaction...

But sadly, just two days later the Ultimate Warrior provided the biggest shock of all...

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THE OFFSEASON: MY WEEK IN REVIEW - TRIBE OPENING DAY!!!

Well I am enjoying my offseason the only logical way.  Enjoying my second favorite sport, baseball.  The home opener yet again became a disaster, at least for a while.  Big rains delayed the game, and then it got bleak for a moment, until the Tribe poured it on late in the game and took the win.

 
It was good to see Al Pawlowski on getting me ready for the game.  #NoPantski

This season's Indians don't seem to care to score early in games, or have solid starting Pitching.  This has led to many games being nervous affairs. #NewKardiacKids

But I haven't forgotten about the Browns...

I have heard rumors of people believing that Derek Carr being the Browns choice for their #4 pick:

Yes sir, the king of the spread out, bubble screens and quick hitters is thought to be our guy by a chosen few.  And with Weeden now whining that nobody here was mentoring him and teaching him fundamentals, he forgets this is the professional level where most coaches don't believe that they should have to teach fundamentals.  I fear Carr is just a disaster waiting to happen, a Weeden v2.0.  So I don't think he's the guy, so if his name does get called...

But in the meantime we still have plenty of Tribe baseball to watch.

HEY WHY DON'T WE CHANGE ALL OF THE RULES?

The annual Owner's Meeting has been going on, and of course it is that time where we feel the need to discuss all of the rules.  In honor of the event I will give some ideas for my own rule changes.

• Kick extra points from midfield - This was the kicker position will not become devalued as people fear. In fact it may become more valuable than ever.  If you can even attempt to blast a 68 field goal you will be the new hot commodity in the NFL.  We might even draw some big name Premiere League Player to the NFL, and Europe will go nuts.
• Ban the forward pass - This will solve two hot button issues in the NFL.  First the RB position will finally have value again.  Secondly it will be a foolproof way to protect QBs once and for all.
• Create a penalty box for "Intent to Injure" infractions - How about we just make a team play shorthanded for a 5 minute major if a player lunges at someone's head, does some shitty dive at some guy's knee and things like that.  I bet the N'Damukong Suh's of the world would think twice after facing his teammates who just played with 10 guys on the field because he was in the "Sin Bin"
• Let the players dance in the endzone - However if you choose to dance you will be judged by a panel of professional dancers.   The panel may award an extra point to your TD if they are impressed with your dance, but if they aren't impressed they will take away a point.  And leave the desired option open that is don't dance at all and just take the six points.  I imagine very few guys will pick to dance anymore.  And I imagine some coach will bring in a choreographer.  Win-Win

So there you go Roger Goodell.  I just solved all of your problems.
Do you have any new rules you would like me to vote on? Send them to @BrownsMemes on Twitter 

HERE IS WHAT SOME LEGENDARY MEMES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE BROWNS

JERRY JONES IS A FOOTBALL GENIUS

Brandon Weeden has signed a two year deal with the Dallas Cowboys.  I think there is more than meets the eye on that move.

JIMMY HASLAM ISN'T THE NFL BAD BOY ANYMORE

Colts owner Jim Irsay was arrested for DUI and drug possession.  The Trent Richardson trade is making a lot more sense now, because I thought they had to be high to make that deal.

WELCOME TO CLEVELAND!

I'm not sure I've ever seen a free agent press conference where the coach and the GM both look like they could kick all of the player's asses.  In any case welcome to Cleveland Karlos Dansby, Isaiah Trufant, and Donte Whitner.

IT'S ALWAYS FUN IN CLEVELAND AROUND FREE AGENCY TIME

I've been surprised this offseason.  I think that the Chud firing, the goofy coaching search, and the firing of Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi, and for some the prospect of Johnny Manziel playing quarterback for the Browns has distracted the fans.  Usually this time of year is reserved for the pipe dreams that instead of sitting on our hands the Browns will bring in some top notch free agent that might actually contribute.  But that really hasn't been the case.  And if the fans aren't clamoring for it, I doubt the Browns will feel too much pressure to be much of a player in this year's free agent frenzy.

CAN HE PLAY FOOTBALL? WHO CARES IF HE CAN JUMP HIGH AND RUN FAST!

After another college football season we already have a good idea on who the top prospects for this season's NFL Draft.  Then comes the Scouting Combine to go and screw that all up.  Just wait, some first round prospects will drop into the abyss of the later rounds, and unheralded prospects will suddenly find themselves coveted by numerous teams.

And this is because of the combine.  A wonderous place where 2 tenths of a second can either make or cost these young athletes millions of dollars.  It's a stupid practice that way too much stock is put into.  So best of luck to the actual good players, because you can screw up an entire college career with one bad day here.

WHEN I THOUGHT I COULD BE DONE FOR A WHILE

It turns our that Jimmy Haslam went to the Super Bowl and he came back with the knowledge that his front office was goofy and disfunctional.  While one trip to this website would have let him know that months ago, of course good old Jimmy has probably never clicked my way.  Oh well at least someone finally talked some sense into the guy.

WOW WHAT A CRAPPY SUPER BOWL

After a crappy kick return, the Broncos offensive line was ready to go a little bit quicker than Peyton Manning was.  And the Super Bowl only got worse from there for the Broncos.  There is no other way to put it, that game really sucked.  Seattle took a lead 12 seconds into the game, and they never looked back winning in a landslide 43-8.

The game was so bad that the Purell company tweeted:

They have since apologized to Browns fans for not mentioning the Redskins, Vikings, Raiders and Jaguars in the tweet.

Also our friend Desmond Bryant was not pleased with his seats for the big game:

  

CLEVELAND BROWNS MEMES 2013 AWARDS - PLAYER OF THE YEAR

And finally the last Cleveland Browns Memes award for the year goes to the Player of the Year:

Has there ever been more of a no brainer in all of the world.  It really is a shame that the Browns wasted the best year by one of their receivers ever.  But Gordon was about the only thing worth watching from week to week.  While the team lost around him, he was awesome.

87 Catches, 1646 Yards, 9 Touchdowns in only 14 games.  Not bad for a guy on a team that hasn't had a receiver that could be called anything more than average since 1999.

Anyways thank you to everyone who visited the site this Season.  I have a Super Bowl to go watch soon and then the offseason begins.  But don't worry there is a lot of things to cover this offseason so check back and look for updates whenever big Browns news breaks.  I'm sure to make fun of it.

Until then enjoy the Super Bowl and thank goodness this season can finally get put into the books.

CLEVELAND BROWNS MEMES 2013 AWARDS - HIT OF THE YEAR

Next comes the award for the Hit of the Year:

If you have seen the Pro Bowl the last couple years you will know that it had become some bizarre slow motion version of football that was not very fun to watch.  So this year the format was completely changed.  Strangely enough switching the format to something that allows actual teammates to play on opposite teams made for a harder hitting game.  The best hit of the game was likely T.J. Ward's blast on Josh Gordon, which sent Gordon flipping upside down.

Yep... only in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND BROWNS MEMES 2013 AWARDS - RUN OF THE YEAR

For the next Cleveland Browns Memes Award we are awarding the Run of the Year.

The running game was dismal this year.  In hindsight, I think that the team dropped the ball by not considering the guy who dropped his drawers at First Energy Stadium in the preseason versus the Lions.  To be fair he did take a couple hits along the way. But he may not have went down if his underwear wasn't still around his knees.  Here is the footage from YouTube of his personal coaching staff psyching him up for the run.

But c'mon this was the Preseason where the young man probably should have been signed and given a uniform, instead he was arrested and received a lifetime ban from the stadium.  

SOMEONE WANTED THE JOB!!!

After a agonizing couple weeks of the annual Jimmy Haslam coaching carousel search, we finally have a winner.  The Cleveland Browns coach for at least one year will be former Bills and Jets defensive coordinator, Mike Pettine.  While not everyone in Browns town is thrilled with the final selection, this website will be throwing coach Pettine its support.  

He has a very good track record of leading strong defenses.  While the jury is out on what he will become as a head coach, I don't feel that the stooges hired the worst guy they interviewed.  Pettine will also save us from what promised to be a huge debacle with a hiring of Josh McDaniels.  Best of luck Mike Pettine, hopefully you won't win any coach of the year awards from this website, and actually win some football games.

RICHARD SHERMAN IS MORE INTERESTING THAN THE BROWNS

I'm sorry, in about 15 seconds of airtime Richard Sherman put something more interesting on TV than the Cleveland Browns have in 15 years.  Based on his post game interview with Erin Andrews last Sunday, it would appear that Michael Crabtree didn't get a Christmas card from Richard Sherman last month.  On the other hand the interview was so intense that it put every professional wrestler since the Ultimate Warrior to shame.  

Over the next few weeks I will be unvailing the 2013 Cleveland Browns Postseason Awards.  These honors will be given out, culminating with the esteemed "Cleveland Browns Memes 2013 Player of the Year," which will be given to the Browns player who best represented the team's esteemed football culture in the past season.  

HOW IS THAT COACHING SEARCH GOING?

I hate to be cynical but do the Browns really think that they are going to get Adam Gase to run this team and be able to duplicate the Peyton Manning offense?  Why don't they have the offensive coordinator of the 2nd most potent offense in the NFL.  Oh wait his name is Pat Shurmur and he obviously didn't take his strict "West Coast" philosophy to the Philadelphia Eagles.

SORRY JIMMY, I THINK THE STOOGES NICKNAME MAY STICK

Jimmy Haslam didn't take very kindly to the Browns front office being called "The Three Stooges" in yesterday's press conference.  Perhaps he finally realized that the honeymoon is over in Cleveland for him.