It's time to forget about foolish things like National Titles and get back to what the season is all about.
Big $ Battles the Browns Bye Week Blues. So Much to Be Sad About.
I want to care, I really, really do by Big $ follow@northcoastposse
I need to start off by saying that I have spent my entire life supporting each and every Cleveland franchise through thick and thin (and I’m talking “Travis Benjamin’s ankles” thin). As a kid, I was obsessed with the Alex Cole-era Indians. As a grown man, I lived and died with the Joey Graham Cavs. For the life of me though, I am having a near-impossible time finding a reason to care about the Orange-er era Browns. I expect losses and have rid my fantasy team of everything Cleveland (yes, my Browns allegiance has led to some terrible fantasy finishes). Even as my passion fades on the surface, I still know that each Sunday my eyes will be glued to the t.v. (or if in Columbus, my ears to the app). So with that said, I have to drum up some personal investment to keep these 3-hour engagements from being as meaningless as they are disappointing.
So my plan is to exorcise some demons through a rant on who I believe are the “5 J’s” of my Browns frustration, rest during the bye week and come back somewhat refreshed and with a glimmer of interest* in the future of professional football in Cleveland. (*Hope is too lofty a goal.)
With that said, let me embark on what I hope to be a cathartic run down of the 5 J’s. My interest would definitely be fast tracked if any combination of these “J’s” exited the Browns
Johnny: Ok, even I’m sick of how much I dislike this guy. However, any way I slice it, I just don’t like this guy. Off the field, he appears to be an insufferable, spoiled prick who lacks self- awareness. On the field he’s a vertically challenged, riverboat gambler who is not capable of making a read past his 1st option. Teams will be more than happy to give up useless quick slants in man to man, because they know at least once per game Johnny is going to turn the ball over under duress. Once he completes a few, the switch to zone will leave Johnny in the pocket looking like a 2nd grader who lost his parents at Sears. Also, I highly doubt his frail frame will allow him to finish off the end of season run that has his fan base so pumped. The over/under on when a concussion or rib injury sidelines him is two games.
Joe Thomas: I can almost hear the collective gasps as I dare blaspheme in such a manner. I’ve seen the gif’s which highlight his above average pass-blocking skills. When dude is on, he is a technique freak. However, I’ve also witnessed grass stains on his back a whole bunch this year. Joe T. is also a lynch pin of the unit responsible for guiding the Browns run offense. How’s that going? I can’t possibly fathom what value an 8 year OT on the decline adds to a team who is so far away from being competitive. Full disclosure, I’ve been anti–Joe since draft day. It’s my belief that if a team, organization, or company is willing to invest millions of dollars in you, you show up, shake hands, hold up jerseys etc. I thought the fishing excursion was an exercise in smugness. I’m pretty sure Joe could have found time for family trips once his name was on the dotted line.
Jimmy Haslam: I’m no Farmer or Haslam fan, but I find ol’ Jimbo to be the person most responsible for the debacle we are witnessing. It’s he who decided to pair a first time G.M. with a first time coach with the extra bonus being that they had zero rapport. Not only that, these two knuckleheads were surrounded by a bunch of other novices. It shouldn’t take a genius, let alone an owner who spent time with the Steelers organization, to realize this strategy had some serious holes in it. Jimmy is pretty good at being handed valuable things from his daddy and staying rich, not too sure building successful organizations is in his wheelhouse.
Justin Gilbert: Do I really need to elaborate?
Josh Gordon: Ah, the forgotten J. This offense was humming along with a solid hometown boy at the helm, then Cheech came back to town. His talent does not override his distraction. Maybe the Fred Martin Superstore can ink him to a multi-year deal peddling Elantra’s, saving The Browns from being further cursed.
Ok, I feel a bit better. I plan on kicking back and enjoying the bye week as we have OSU/MSU and the Survivor Series (go K.O.) to serve as a distraction to professional football in Cleveland. Plus, Duke Johnson Jr. seems pretty cool.
Can Sparty and the Disrespected Dino Pull Off the Upset? Baver Answers Colin's Questions.
Colin: It's Senior Day at the Shoe. What are the chances Braxton Miller starts this game under center at least for one snap considering all he has meant to this football program?
Baver: It very well may happen, but I think this game is too important. I’m guessing OSU goes with their normal personnel to start the game. But, a tip of the hat to Braxton. He’s one of the best QB’s to ever play here and has handled himself with class.
Colin: That takes us to this week's celebrity question from Big $ of the @NorthCoastPosse: "Why doesn't OSU take a couple of deep shots throwing to Braxton every week? Even just as a threat. Nobody else seems able to get open downfield."
Baver: Against a good defense, I don’t think the OSU coaches have confidence in Braxton (or any other WR) as a deep threat; and I don’t think the coaches have confidence in the ability of the O-line to pass-protect. I think Urban would rather go with the safer stuff; i.e. pound EZE. But it is indeed maddening that the OSU coaches can’t utilize Braxton’s skills effectively.
Colin: Which players that are most likely to play their final home game are you going to miss most next year?
Baver: Joey will be sorely missed; he’s an absolute, unblockable freak. Next, EZE….even with all the great tailbacks that have played here, you can make the argument that EZE tops the list. Almost no chance either Joey or EZE returns in ’16, but they will be making the right move.
Colin: For all that Mark Dantonio has accomplished, he still seems a bit disrespected by the general public. Where do you think he ranks among current top head coaches and is there ever a chance he moves to a true power program like USC or Georgia?
Baver: Dino is as underrated as they come. Off the top of my head, I came up with 7 elite coaches (that have yet to peak, like Bill Snyder): 1) Urbs, 2) Saban, 3) Hairball, 4) Briles, 5) Patterson (TCU), 6) Dino and 7) Dabo. So Cal doesn’t appear to be Dantonio’s kind of place, but you never know; he may be ready for the next challenge. Georgia could be in play as well. But I’m wondering if some past health issues keep Dino from wanting to relocate.
Colin: 13 points seems like too many, are the wise guys worried about Cook's injured shoulder?
Baver: I’m guessing Cook’s shoulder concerns have driven the line up a point or so. But, I think the line was going to be too high regardless. I think Cook will be good-to-go; if he isn’t, that’s a huge boost for Ohio St.
Colin: How do you see this game playing out? What do the Bucks have to do or not do to win this game?
Baver: The Bucks have to keep WR Aaron Burbridge in check; he has the best #’s of any WR in the B1G. I think Burbridge does his damage, even against a talented OSU secondary. Sparty will have little success on the ground. On the other side, the Slobs have to find some way to handle DE Shilique Calhoun & NT Malik McDowell. I think the Buckeye O-line will have trouble doing so, and I see a lower scoring game than Vegas expects. I anticipate MSU’s defense rising up and giving Sparty a chance to pull the upset. Ohio St has gotten away with TO’s in big games in the past, but multiple TO’s Saturday may finally do them in. But, I like the Bucks 24-17.
Colin: Give us an update on your picks and other games and lines you will be keeping an eye on the weekend.
Baver: 19-10-1 against the spread and now 8-2 picking the OSU games ATS. Hope I am wrong, but with Dantonio being so tough on the road, I think you have to take Sparty +13 1/2. I love State Penn catching 3 1/2 at home against Michigan; bad spot for scUM, who isn’t playing well anyway. Finally, I like Purdue getting 23 at Iowa. Purdue has played well against its toughest opponents all year.
Can Dalton and Company Cut the Power on J.J. Watt? Kevin A. Has The Answer.
The Bengals went to 8-0 beating the Browns last week. Is Andy Dalton over his prime time struggles?
Not only do I think Dalton is over it, he's a legitimate MVP candidate to this point. He's won his last two games in prime time, and I expect this week's game will make it three in a row. Next week he gets another at Arizona, but there's no shame in losing to the Cardinals if it goes that way.
The Texans come in with former Browns QB Brian Hoyer, and he's beaten the Bengals before. Does that make you nervous?
Not really. Outside of their star WR DeAndre Hopkins, there isn't much there. They can't run the ball and the OL has been awful. They will probably try to do a lot of screen passes and hope for a big play or two from Hopkins. Losing Arian Foster has really hurt them. Hopkins will make some plays but it won't be enough.
JJ Watt is one of the best players in the league. Will the Bengals be up to the task?
The Bengals effectively took Watt out of the game in last years' win over the Texans, and obviously will try the same approach. The key will be to stay out of 3rd and long, that's where Watts eats. The Texans lead the league in 3rd down defense, so it's important to make gains on the early downs. That being said, it's asking a lot to shut Watt out two times in a row. Quite frankly it may be impossible.
You said two weeks ago that Tyler Eifert was one of the biggest differences in the Bengals this year, and he went off on the Browns. How's he going to do this week?
Eifert leads all NFL TE in touchdowns and he's going to be good every week. If he's not catching the ball he's making key blocks, but he's also one of the best red zone players in the entire league. Get used to it, the kid is great. The mini-Gronk moniker handed to him isn't that far off.
So how does the Texans game play out? What's the prediction this week?
The Bengals should be able to run the ball effectively, and defensively it could be a field day for Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins. These teams on paper simply don't match up, very similarly to the Browns last week. The Bengals move to a franchise record 9-0.
Bengals 31, Texans 17.
Can the Illini Spring the Trap on the Bucks? Baver Answers Colin's Questions
Colin: Illinois has a long history of being a flaming orange pain in the ass and this is the trap game of all trap games. Is there an upset scenario?
Baver: Definitely the biggest trap game of the year. The wind in Memorial Stadium can make life hell on a QB. It’s hard to gauge what you’re going to get from the Illini. They played Iowa, Wisconsin and Nebraska tough, but got rolled by North Carolina and Penn State. Illinois is much tougher at home than they are on the road. I tend to think the Barrett-led Buckeyes get their offense back in gear. If OSU does start slow, Urban may choose to button things up, trusting his defense to get it done. I think we’ll know early in this one whether it will be a blowout or an ugly game where Ohio State simply wants to escape with a win.
Colin: It is assumed that JTB's return will cure all that ails the offense. Is it really that simple or are we expecting too much?
Baver: It’s not that simple, but his return is going to help this offense leaps and bounds. But the Bucks are still hurting (literally) at WR and the O-line is still not performing up to expectations. We’ll obviously learn a lot more about this offense a week from Saturday when Sparty comes to town.
Colin: How does this year's defense compare with the great Buckeye defenses of the past 25 years? Top, bottom or middle of the pack?
Baver: I think it’s definitely in the top tier, but it’s still hard to tell how good they really are with the competition they’ve played so far. 6 of OSU’s first 9 opponents rank outside the top-80 in total offense. Talent wise, I think it’s in the top 3 at a minimum. And Bosa is one of the top 2 or 3 defenders I have seen play here.
Colin: Zeke's Heisman door is opening a little wider each week. Is it his to lose now?
Baver: The oddsmakers still have Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry as the favorites, but it’s tightening up with Zeke continuing to rack up 100+ yds every game. And the Bucks had a tailback win the Heisman in 1955, 1975 and 1995, so Zeke’s gotta keep the 20-year rule alive, right? Of note, teams have stacked the box all year to stop Zeke, yet Bama didn’t sell out at all to stop the run and still held Fournette to 31 yards.
Colin: Speaking of rising stars, Tom Herman is burning bright right now. Forget about open jobs, what are the chances a big school like LSU, Georgia or Texas, decides to make a move and nab him before it's too late?
Baver: I don’t think Miles is going anywhere at LSU but Richt is probably out at year’s end and Charlie Strong is on thin ice. I wasn’t ready to go this far a month ago, but the big time programs are now ready to hire Herman. If Richt is indeed out at year-end, Herman has to be near the top of their candidate list.
Colin: Give us an update on your picks to date and what game and lines will you be watching this weekend?
Baver: I had the #’s wrong last week, but these should be right: 18-8-1 against the spread, including 7-2 ATS on the Ohio State games. I like the Bucks laying the 16 1/2 this week. It’s a trap game but it’s the second lowest Buckeye spread of the year next to Va Tech. I like the Bucks 38-17. I think Minnesota will be out of gas after playing Michigan and Ohio State the last two weeks, so I like Iowa at home laying the 11 1/2 against the Gophers. And I like Stanford -10 at home against Oregon. I usually like the dogs, but I see no underdog that jumps out at me this week.
Bill Simmons and Malcolm Gladwell Talk About Grantland and Roger Goodell's Low IQ.
Grantland was my favorite website and I am mourning its untimely death at the hands of ESPN. Like-minded individuals might find that this episode of the new B.S. Report featuring Malcolm Gladwell is worth your time and attention. - Colin G.