The Blue Jackets Are Out-CBJ'ing Themselves While Fans Look On In Shock - by Greg May

Wow. We're not even two weeks into the season and things are already looking bleak over on Nationwide Boulevard. The Blue Jackets, a team that knows a thing or ten about slow starts to the season, has managed to start the 2015-16 campaign in especially bad fashion. After losing in Chicago on Saturday night, the CBJ are now 0-6-0, the worst start in the team's history. I'm as surprised as anyone at that. My first thought was that there had to be a worse start to a CBJ season than this, but then I realized that's impossible, at least over the first 6 games.

On a positive note, the CBJ have one of the more passionate and loyal fan bases in all of sports. Immediately after the loss on Saturday night, diehard fans were doing their best to rally the troops with the hashtag #CBJNoMatterWhat.  

Blue Jacket fans have shown a lot of class as they wait for something to cheer about. So far the conversation about how and why the team has stumbled out of the gate has been civil and vitriol-free. For now, most fans appear to be trying to laugh it off.  A perfect example of that showed up Monday morning in the form of a parody song called Wake Me Up When This Season Ends. It was posted by a "fan super-group" going by the name Donald, Dale, Boomer and Ward. Listening to it isn't going to change the fact that the Blue Jackets now have only a 9% chance of making the playoffs (and there are still 76 games to be played!), but it might make the tears in your beer taste a little less bitter.

Is Urban Crazy or Crazy Like a Fox? Baver Answers Colin's Questions

Colin: It appears Urban it close to settling on a full-blown, completely unconventional QB platoon system. Is Urban crazy or crazy like a fox?

Baver: I think Urban has been a little stubborn with his “Cardale is my guy until he gets beaten out” philosophy, but JTB replacing Cardale in the red zone certainly looks like a step in the right direction. And I think Urban is opening the door for JTB to take the full reins if Cardale falters.

Colin: Obviously at some point all winning streaks must end. I'll assume we agree Michigan would be the worst team to break it. In my opinion Penn State would be the 2nd worst team. Their program is mediocre but their meathead fans have this idea they are still elite. Who would you hate to see break the OSU streak?

Baver: Michigan and a 1,000 foot drop off after that. Twenty years later, the ’95 and ’96 losses by undefeated Ohio State teams to Michigan still hurt. I guess I don’t have a 2nd most hated team, but losing to the SEC is hard to swallow, knowing how much you are going to hear about it nationally.

Colin: If the game were today, how would you feel about a rematch with Alabama?

Baver: Not good. Bama would have added motivation after last year’s game and they are a better team than Ohio State, at least at this point. The Bucks need to prove they can get last year’s hunger back.

Colin: What's up with these running QB's slicing up the defense?

Baver: Another frustrating situation where the Buckeye opponent throws a monkey wrench at them, and the Bucks respond poorly. The monkey wrench this time was surprise starter Perry Hills at QB for Maryland. It was Hills’ improvised runs that did the most damage. The Buckeye LB’s simply didn’t react well on most of his runs. Urban also talked about some of these problems being caused by the OSU DT getting out of alignment.

Colin: Raekwon McMillen is starting to get mentioned as joining the elite crowd as one of the Buckeye's best linebackers. He has the stats to back it up, but I never seem to notice him dominating a game the way Hawk, Shazier or even Darren Lee does. Is he an elite linebacker?

Baver: I think Raekwon is on the verge of being elite. Playing MLB on this team vs. playing on the outside like the other 3 LB’s you mentioned probably doesn’t allow for as many big plays. But I do remember watching a YouTube video of the 2014 OSU defensive highlights, and was surprised at how many times Raekwon showed up in the video, despite being a part-timer. So maybe he is making “quiet” big plays.  : )

Colin: What are your thoughts on UM v MSU and A&M v BAMA and what other games/lines will you be keeping an eye on?

Baver: I think Sparty keeps the game close and finally covers a spread; 7 1/2 pts is a bit high. But I think Michigan probably wins the game; they are definitely for real, but I see a tight, rivalry game here. I think A&M is legit, but Bama is still the best in the SEC. The play here is probably Bama giving the 4 1/2. I see Ohio State waking up now with a marquee matchup at night in the ‘Shoe. I think Braxton shows up big and the Bucks win 38-17, covering for the first time since the opener. The spread is fairly sharp, but I think OSU laying the 18.5 is the play here. No other lines really jump out at me this week. 

Colin: Is Tom Herman the next coach of Southern California? (or is it Chip Kelly?)

Baver: I think Chip Kelly and Kevin Sumlin might be near the top of USC’s list, although if Tom Herman goes 12-0 at Houston, he may get calls from big boys like So Cal. Herman is definitely a rising star and that Houston team was supposed to be rebuilding this year. Someone forgot to tell Herman that.

Baver Talks OSU vs. Maryland & Dead Schembechlers Announce New Single: "Harbuagh to Hell"

Before diving into this week's Baver Bag, we just received a press release from the Dead Schembechlers announcing a new single - "Harbaugh to Hell" - to be available Halloween on I-Tunes. Click here for details.

Colin: Cardale taking that long coverage sack right before the half was again shades of Kent Graham. He is obviously talented, but how to do you feel he is progressing as a QB and a team leader?

Baver: I like Cardale, and as long as he is under center, I am pulling for him. But he’s not progressing well, and leadership probably isn’t his strongest trait. That said, you can’t dump all of OSU’s offensive woes on him. The game-day coaching isn’t doing Cardale any favors and the wrong routes that the WR’s continue to run have made Cardale look worse. The coaches shrunk the playbook for Cardale during last year’s so-called trilogy, and the results were, of course, better than fine. The opponents weren’t prepared for Cardale nine months ago, but they are now, while the playbook remains scaled back. The limited playbook is designed to protect Cardale and to reduce mistakes. If OSU minimizes mistakes, there is no one on the schedule that can beat them until late November. Unfortunately though, the Buckeye offense is still making mistakes at an alarming rate (117th in the nation out of 127 teams in turnovers committed), with 13 TO’s in 5 games.

Colin: With the loss of Corey Smith, the WR receiving core takes another hit. Overall, what grade would you give the WR's, and are they the weakest position group on the team?

Baver: Grading by Ohio State’s standards, I’d probably say a “D.” I mentioned the wrong routes above; it’s frustrating beyond belief, with Curtis Samuel being the biggest offender. I guess what saves them from an “F” is the mounting injuries, as you mentioned. Smith and Noah Brown are gone for the year, and injuries seem to have derailed the careers of James Clark and Johnny Dixon. Weakest position group? I think the WR group is neck and neck with (can’t believe I am saying this) the QB position right now.

Colin: Who exactly is calling the plays at this point?

Baver: It’s my understanding that co-OC Tim Beck took over the primary play-calling duties from Ed Warriner after the Northern Illinois game. Warriner is on the sidelines during games, while Beck is calling the plays from upstairs.

Colin: If the playoff were today and you could choose the four teams, who do you think are the best four right now regardless of current ranking?

Baver: Alabama, Baylor, TCU and I really don’t know. I had Ole Miss in there a week ago, and was surprised Florida ransacked them last Saturday. I think Alabama is clearly the best team in the country right now, despite having a loss, and after that Baylor and TCU are neck and neck. After those three, there are probably 8 or so teams bunched up, with Ohio State being one of those teams.

Colin: Give us an update on your picks to date and games and lines you will be watching this week.

Baver: 9-5-1 against the spread on the year, a good start. As bad as Maryland is, I think you take the 33 pts against the Bucks. I see a 42-13 type of score. I’ll say take the Illini catching 11 at Iowa. Iowa is definitely an improved team and may win the B10 West, but I see a letdown after their big win in Madison. Tempted to say take Sparty with their spread down to 14 right now at Rutgers, but with Michigan State having Michigan on deck, I’d say stay away from that game. Instead, take Georgia in a bounce-back game, giving 3 at Tennessee. Must win game for Georgia and they are better than they played against Bama.

THE NCP TACKLES COLIN’S BROWNS QUESTIONS FOR WEEK FOUR

Following last week's debacle against the Oakland Raiders, many questions about the 2015 Browns remain unanswered.  This week, Colin and the NCP try to unravel the mystery.

Colin:  While plenty of fans are itching to see Johnny Football get behind center, have you noticed not a single teammate has stepped up to endorse him as the starter?  Sounds like the locker room agrees with the coaches on this one.  Thoughts?

Big$: When I need to know David Arquette’s thoughts on Taylor Swift’s dating life, I go to TMZ. As it relates to the NFL, they aren’t a go-to for pertinent locker room info.  I assume they cornered Johnny and Travis Benjamin, offered them swag, massaged their egos, and bam!  Lame quotes appeared.  Johnny has yet to prove he can operate an NFL offense without relying on improvisation.  If a player disagrees with the coaches on who starts, they need to spend more time in the film room.

Colin:  It appears the almost as dysfunctional Raiders are starting to pull away from the Browns. Seems they have figured out that throwing the football is how you win in today’s NFL. Finding a QB is hard, playmaking receivers are everywhere, except in Cleveland. How is this possible? Who have we missed on?

Big$: Ray Farmer relies on “the Seahawks don’t have superstar receivers!” excuse. Well if Ray was truly seeking to follow the Seattle blueprint, Justin “the-anti-Richard-Sherman” Gilbert would have been buried on his draft board. The Browns have adopted the hilarious “play like a Brown” motto and it has led to ignoring the need for playmakers. There is not one player on the Browns roster that requires the special attention of a defense, and I think both Pettine and Ray are to blame.

Colin:  Who does LeBron start for this week?

Big$:  I’m over the Johnny- mania.  I’m starting The King at Q.B. If any self-respecting Clevelander can support Johnny over LBJ in anything other than a skins game, that’s their own issue.

Colin:  Any chance the North Coast sneaks a win on the West Coast?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  There is always a chance, my friend, but it's going to take vastly improved efforts on both sides of the ball.  The biggest challenge is going to be on the defensive side.  San Diego has one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Phillip Rivers, and he is clicking with a corps of receivers that is as strong as any in the league from top to bottom.  The Charger offense is averaging nearly 300 yards per game through the air and rank fourth in the league in total offense, at 402 yards per game.  Cornerbacks Joe Haden and Tremon Williams really need to step their game up this week for the Browns to have any shot of slowing down the Chargers, especially with safety Tashaun Gipson questionable for today’s game with a groin injury and nickelback K’Waun Williams out with a concussion.  San Diego also has a threat on the ground with rookie running back, and former Wisconsin standout, Melvin Gordon.  The Browns have already made running backs Chris Ivory and Dexter McCluster look like Walter Payton this season and rank dead last in the league in rushing defense.  To have any shot at winning today, the Browns have to do a better job of controlling the line of scrimmage and get pressure on Rivers up the middle. 

The good news is that the Chargers defense is not that great either.  They are nearly as bad at stopping the run, giving up 135.7 yards per game.  It is time for the Browns’ high-priced offensive line to earn those paychecks and open up lanes for Isaiah Crowell.  The Chargers have not had much success pressuring the quarterback this year either and rank last in the league with just one sack.  If McCown has time to execute the Browns’ quick-strike passing game, the offense can put some points on the board.  Sure, the Raiders may end up being a halfway decent team this year, but losing to them at home has to leave a terrible taste in Cleveland’s mouth.  I foresee some redemption blowing in on the oceanfront.  Browns win 23-20.

Does Cardale Remind You of Kent Graham? Baver Answers Colin's Questions

Colin: I'm no football expert but sometimes Cardale reminds me of, gulp, Kent Graham. He has the huge arm but it tends to look a lot like backyard football out there. 1) After 3 games, do you get the sense he really knows what is going on? and 2) Does it even matter?

Brent: Compared to former OSU starting QBs, no; Cardale doesn’t seem to get it. And as of right now, no; it doesn’t matter. He’s been solid against the Bucks’ formidable opponents because the coaches have had a definite game plan in those games. But when the Bucks have faced Bliss College and the like, they have experimented more; Cardale seemed lost in those games. I am happy though with the baby steps taken against WMU.

Colin: Could Washington push Bosa to be a higher pick in the NFL draft? How many guys from this defense do you see playing on Sunday?

Brent: Adolphus is probably not a top 20 pick, but could be a 1st rounder. Bosa should be a top 5 overall pick if he keeps his nose clean. Bosa, Adolphus, Lee, and Bell definitely play on Sundays. Perry, Raekwon, and Apple should stick on NFL rosters, with Raekwon and Apple possibly going 1st round. Jury is still out on Lewis and Conley, with each having only a few starts to date. I think maybe 50/50 on Powell making an NFL roster. Schutt doesn’t have a future in the NFL.

Colin: Indiana gave us some trouble last year before Jalin Marshall almost single handily won the game for the Bucks. What do you expect this weekend in Bloomington?

Brent: They’ve given OSU trouble several times in recent years. Seems the Bucks always overlook them, but with things not going quite as planned the last 3 weeks, I think Ohio St will pick up the pace this week. I don’t think the Hoosiers keep Ohio State under 40 pts, as IU doesn’t play D and the Bucks will take another step forward on offense. I do expect Indiana to score a few pts; they have some players on O. I like the Bucks laying 21; Bucks win 41-17.

Colin: #2 ranked MSU doesn't look very scary. Unranked Michigan suddenly looks terrifying. Those who forget history are bound to repeat it. Are you getting nervous about Harbaugh and company with that sweet spot right after OSU v MSU?

Brent: Honestly? Yeah. I figured Harbaugh would field a solid team by year’s end, but didn’t see them playing this well, this early. Ohio State has not won by more than 11 points in Ann Arbor since before both of us were born… you have to go back to 1961. Sparty doesn’t look good right now, but I expect Dantonio and his boys to eventually get it going. As soft as OSU’s overall schedule is, finishing with Sparty and Michigan back to back is tough sledding.

Colin: What other teams around the country are impressing you?

Brent: I watched most of that Bama-Ole Miss game, and although Bama should have won the game, that’s a good Ole Miss team. Their WRs are so hard to match up with. If Bama gets by Georgia this Saturday, I could see Bama or Ole Miss in the playoff. If I'm Ohio State, those are probably the two teams I would least want to face down the road. Had Notre Dame not lost 6 starters to injuries, I think they were on their way to running the table in the regular season.

Colin: Give us an update on your picks so far and what games and lines will you be watching this week?

Brent: 2-0-1 against the spread last week, 8-3-1 ATS on the year. Took the Bucks giving 3 TDs against Indiana, as mentioned above. Other than Ohio State, I’ll go the underdog route, as the dogs have been good to me. I loved Iowa getting 8 at Wisky, but that line has dropped to 6.5. I will still take the Hawkeyes, as Ferentz seems to have awoken with his job possibly being on the line. And this is not a great Badger team. I’ll go against Northw’n again, taking Minnesota getting 4 in Evanston. Like the Wis-Iowa game, this looked like a better play before the spread dropped; but NW’s offense is very bad and of course faces a tough Gopher D.

Best footage of Kent Graham we could find is below. Remember that 1991 Team?

Going for Two with The North Coast Posse…. Browns v Raiders

This week Big $ of the N.C.P. goes for two by serving up two nuggets of Faygo-soaked hot air relating to your frustrating yet addictive Cleveland Browns. follow @northcoastposse

1) It's no secret that I firmly believe the following :

- Johnny Manziel is a joke.

- Jimmy Haslam spent his years with Pittsburgh cooking up rebate scams (and delightful pizza recipes, love myself a pilot j supreme) rather than learning the secrets of building a championship franchise.

- Ray Farmer is a joke

So when you add up those tidbits, it's pretty clear that I find the current state of the Browns regrettable at best. With that said, even if Johnny started all 16 games with a run-down D. Bowe as his primary target, I never, ever would of predicted a 0 win season. The NFL is constructed to ensure that even the blindest of squirrels find 3-4 nuts per year.

So our visually impaired furry friends unearthed a nut against a fully discombobulated Titans team last week. Is it better than a loss? Sure. Did the Browns do everything in their power to try and throw the game away in the second half? You bet. However, the Titans' will to lose was just too strong on that day. I don't think the playground football scheme of having Benjamin run to the Buick Regal and look up is going to work moving forward. I still think a 4-5 win game season is on the horizon.

2.) For most Browns fans, the team (and I use that term loosely) is a slight distraction to the b.s. involved with everyday life. To Mike Pettine, it's his livelihood. It has been easy to question several situations and/or decisions made by this coaching regime, however I am certain that when it comes to breaking down film, Pett is 100 times more adept than any of us armchair q.b.'s. That win by Johnny was low-hanging fruit for his adoring masses, but the tape doesn't lie. I have a hard time believing that any man that has worked his way to a professional head coaching spot could grade Johnny positively on his weekend flag football warrior-esque performance last Sunday. He doesn't protect the ball, and is useless in the pocket. Keep in mind, Titans coordinator, grumpy old man Lebeau, made a cult hero out of NFL castoff Tim Tebow as well (in the playoffs no less). Mike Pettine is not going to attach his professional future to Johnny as long as there is a serviceable alternative, and if you blame him for that you're in need of therapy.

So sit back and enjoy week 3 everybody (unless you're in Central Ohio, where the Bungles game has taken network t.v. precedence).