Hue, Sasha and Paul Buy a Moneyball Ticket. Big $ and the NCP Weigh In.....

CG- The Browns actually got the coach they wanted and Hue Jackson seems thrilled with the job. Am I dreaming? Did Hue suffer a concussion during the Bengals v Steelers game? How excited should Browns fans be with the hire?

BIG $: I think Browns fans should be incredibly excited for two reasons: I believe this shows that Haslam had a strategy in mind and he executed it. Any way you slice it, Hue had to be considered the prize of the available coaching pool. Considering that everyone up to Sam Rutigliano turned us down before Pettine was pulled off the trash heap, this was a breath of fresh air. Obviously the much maligned Sashi/Depodesta pairing was acceptable to a guy with Hue's NFL experience. To me, this gives credence to the Moneyball II, NFL boogaloo experiment. If its good enough for Hue, its good enough for me.

CG- What are your thoughts on snatching moneyball master Paul DePodesta away from the Mets? Is it worth taking a look at Jacob deGrom at QB?

1st, I'd take Snydergaard. 2nd, all analytics really is, is examining factual evidence and using said evidence to exploit market inefficiencies. Depodesta obviously has a knack for crunching statistics and molding the results into successful staffing strategies. I believe someone with talent in that arena could translate into any industry, let alone another sport. I'm excited to watch it play out.

CG- Speaking of QB, can we get anything for Johnny football in a trade? And if not, what then?

As a surprise to no one that has ever read the NCP, I believe the removal of Johnny Football will be addition by subtraction. Would a 6th rounder in return be nice? sure, but the quicker JFF is shipped out of the 216, the better


CG-  Here is a question that we will hear 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times before the NFL draft in June. Do the Browns take a QB at #2? If yes, who? If no, who plays QB next year?

Hue's strength is quarterback whispering, so I believe it would be a waste to not use a #2 pick on a guy for him to mold. Wentz (North Dakota State) piqued my interest during the FCS championship, but is too big of a risk at 2 and wont be around come the 30's.Therefore, I feel Goff and his big frame and arm fit right into Hue's wheel house. McCown and Jackson will make for excellent tutors for the youngster upon his arrival in C town. 

I'm still not sure what this strange sensation is I'm feeling. I've been told by my friends who root for other teams, that its called hope. Sure beats the hollow disgust that has been lingering since about 2005.

Kevin A. has the questions for the Bengals playoff game, with a shocking prediction!

 

 

The Bengals are on to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season, but they have not won a playoff game since 1990.  It's against the hated Steelers in prime time, giving the Bengals a trifecta of demons to overcome.   On to the questions......

 

Historically, where does this rank among all time Bengals games?

 

You would think it ranks behind their two Super Bowl appearances, but it's been so long since they have won a playoff game I would say it ranks up there as the biggest game in team history.  Nobody even remembers those two games against the 49ers (unless you are old like us), but everyone remembers Marvin Lewis is 0-6 in the playoffs.  They need to win this game.  

 

 

The last time these two teams met, Bengals starting QB Andy Dalton left the game early with a broken thumb. The good news is that back up AJ McCarron got some quality reps against a Steeler defense that has been prone to some lapses. Should this a plus and what does AJ need to do to win this game?

 

It's definitely not a plus.  While Dalton is 0-4 in the post season, he is miles ahead of McCarron with his line reads.  In a playoff game that could end up being vital, especially against a blitzing team like Pittsburgh.    That being said, AJM (how I will refer to McCarron) is a smart player, and everyone in Cincinnati to a man says he has the "it" factor.  Adam Jones says he can tell a winner when he sees one, and he says AJM is one.   To win this game he must stay away from the turnovers, and in his three starts he has only committed one so far (late in the game at Denver).   He has played well, and if he can continue to to be error-free or close to it, the Bengals have a real chance.  

 

Bad blood spilled onto the field in the last matchup, as you feared it may.  Is it going to happen again?

 

I'd like to sit here and say the Bengals will keep their cool, but I don't know that is possible.  The hope is they don't do anything to draw 15-yard penalties, but I think that's going to be in store for both teams.   I would imagine the NFL has already spoken to both Mike Tomlin and Lewis, so we'll see what happens.   They put this game in prime time for a reason.

 

What is the most important area of this game the Bengals need to control in order to advance to the next round?

 

I wish there was just one, but really it's three.  Run the football effectively, don't finish on the negative side of the turnover battle, and keep AJM clean.  As of now there is a strong chance this game could be impacted by heavy rain, and that should favor the Bengals if DeAngelo Williams misses the game (and it looks like he might).    It's very important to take some pressure of AJM and keep him upright.  The Bengals are one play away from Keith Wenning playing QB, and you would have to google him to even know who he is.  That's not good.  

 

Heath Miller has torched the Bengals.  What can they do to slow him down?

 

The Bengals will try to put safety Shawn Williams on Miller, but even though Miller has 20 receptions in two games versus CIN, I think he's the least of their worries.   Pittsburgh will get their yards, but as long as the Bengals can limit the big plays to Brown and Bryant, they will be okay with the Miller receptions.   

 

So here it is.  The 3rd meeting, a playoff game, and in prime time.  How does this one play out?

 

On paper, this game looks in the Steelers favor, but in reality it isn't.   Fact of the matter is, Ben R. has not played all that great in two games against Cincinnati, and AJM now has three starts under his belt with two pretty good running backs behind him.   He also gets Tyler Eifert, who the Steelers knocked out early in the last match.  The Steelers struggle against the TE position, and A.J. Green has had a field day with that secondary.   Call me crazy, but I think the Bengals end the drought.  They run the ball well enough and AJM makes some big plays.  

 Bengals win 24-23 and cover the spread (+3)   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Browns Again Explode Like the Death Star - by The North Coast Posse

Once again, the Cleveland Browns organization has exploded like the Death Star leaving dazed Browns  backers wondering what will happen next. The North Coast Posse called an emergency meeting at Patrick J's on High Street determined to get to the bottom of this no matter how many hours or beers it took.....

 

1) First things first: Where the hell was Manziel last weekend? Can you give us the latest info (or at least your best guess) to what happened and what it means?

Well, this story has taken some serious turns since Billy Football sent out the "Aw Shucks" selfie with his pug. What I believe is happening, is a guy with serious authority and self- awareness issues is pushing the envelope just as far as he can. Browns fans were so quick to dismiss the 4 loko video, without considering he was posturing in front of the camera rapping to the same song that's in the snippet that got his starter status revoked. It's no surprise that it was leaked as, JFF was just throwing another middle finger to the Browns organization and its fans. What's sad is that a large percentage of fans ignored the middle finger and sprinted to his defense. The kid truly believes he makes his own rules, and with an endless supply of enablers at his ready, there is no reason for him to think he doesn't. He is caustic and needs to be removed from this team as soon as possible. 

 

2) If I recall, last season Johnny threw a rager the NIGHT BEFORE the last game of the season and missed the game. Doesn't he understand that if he just waits 24 hours and just shows up for his job that pays him millions, he can spend the next 5 months partying in Vegas and nobody would get pissed at him? 

Like I said, Johnny believes he makes his own rules (on and off the field). There is no reason for him to adhere to team policy as no one has ever held him accountable in his entire spoiled existence.

 

3) Ok- make the case that Petitine and Farmer deserved to be fired

Nothing more needs to be said other than 3 wins in 21 games. On top of that, the fact that they remained at odds and could not work together to ensure professional harmony is an indictment of both of them.

 

4) Is there a reason one or both should have been retained?

If Johnny was forced upon either one of them, I think a case could be made. That guy is a disaster and a catalyst for the current S-show (version 2015).

 

5) So it seems the Browns are again hell-bent on hiring a coach before a GM and meanwhile, Haslam's attorney friend has been promoted to some mysterious new football related position. Should we be concerned?

Surprisingly, I'm optimistic about the new direction. A concrete plan is better than the circus of 2013. Corporate restructuring is the new buzz word in the business world, so what Haslam is doing is actually following a trend rather than taking some sort of renegade stance. I'm excited to watch it play out.

 

6) Best case for new coach and direction?

I have zero interest in the yearly Gruden/Cowher hoopla. Nor would I like to see Urban head up 71. The Browns need to find a coach who embraces the cerebral approach and will work in tandem with the infrastructure starting day 1. Personally, I'd like Matt Patricia (D.C. for the Patriots). He has an engineering background along with a PHD in systems from the University of Bill B. I know the last Patriots D. C. didnt fair to well, but I think we'd all consider 10-6 to be a dream at this point

 

7) Believable case for new coach and direction.

I believe Patricia is an actual legit option, but I also know he is a hot commodity and we're a 4 at best (maybe a 5.5 if last call was just made.) If he goes elsewhere, I think Marrone (O.C. from Jax, former Bills head coach) is an option as the Jaguars have also been taking an analytical approach over the last few years.

 

8. The Browns will draft ___________ at #2

Jared Goff, QB Cal

Do Buckeye Fans and/or Players Even Care About this Game? Baver Answers Colin's Questions

Colin: It is my sense that most Buckeye fans are viewing this game as a glorified scrimmage. Sure, a win over Notre Dame would be nice, but considering nothing is really at stake, it's basically just a fun game to watch on New Year's Day. I suspect the Domer fan base views it differently. What are your thoughts on the overall vibe of this match up?

Baver: Most Buckeye fans I talk to think the Bucks roll in this one, but I’m not seeing it. It’s definitely a bigger game for Notre Dame than Ohio State….and I think this game is VERY big for the Irish.

Colin: Basically the same question, but focusing on the players. Many of these Buckeyes are turning pro and already have a National Championship under their belt. Should they really care if they win the Fiesta Bowl or is it just an excuse to party in the desert sunshine?

Baver: Not getting maximum output out of the OSU guys is a major concern. The following underclassmen are playing (or likely playing) their last games as Buckeyes: Zeke, Bosa, Cardale, M Thomas, J Marshall, D Lee, V Bell, and Apple….with Tyvis also considering the jump. Will some of these guys want to protect their NFL stock and scale it back a notch? It wouldn’t shock me.

Colin: Can the Buckeyes win this game even if they aren't as fired up as they were for the Michigan game?

Baver: Yes. They won’t be as fired up as they were for Michigan, but they will still field considerably more talent Friday than Notre Dame will….and that isn’t taking anything away from the Irish. I think the bettors expect Notre Dame to be up for this game more than Ohio State, yet Vegas still has OSU as a 6½ pt. favorite.

Colin: Can the Buckeye O carry the momentum from that destruction of the Maize & Blue a month ago?

Baver: They may need to get more done through the air. Michigan’s defense folded late in the year and I expect the Irish defense to challenge the Ohio State offense a bit more. But if JTB and the Buckeye passing game have made strides in December practices, Notre Dame could be in trouble.

Colin: Will depth on the D Line be a problem for the Buckeyes?

Baver: This is another huge concern for Ohio State. There is a monumental downgrade from Aldolphus Washington to the #2 DT….and that #2 DT Tommy Schutt is also out. They’ll play Bosa inside a lot, but the loss of Washington is a big one.

Colin: Give us an update on your picks to date and what other Bowl games will you be keeping an eye on?

Baver: 22-13-1 against the spread, including 10-2 ATS picking the OSU games, which includes 7 correct OSU picks in a row.  I think the ND game could go either way. The “situational” angle screams: Notre Dame…to cover at a minimum. I will take the Bucks to win the game and call it 31-30 OSU. I think Clemson is being disrespected a bit and see them beating Oklahoma. And I hope I am wrong with this one, but I think Alabama takes care of Sparty by 2 TD’s-plus…despite Dino’s record as a dog. Unlike the Bama-OSU matchup last year, this is a talent mismatch, and Bama now has a big chip on their shoulder.