No Logo Needed

Adverse times call for a different approach

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

I was at my real job Wednesday morning when I decided to take a break and check out ESPN.com.

The first headline, "With six games left, the Indians dismiss Wedge."

The second headline, "Mangini picks Anderson to start vs. Bengals."

At least the national media is paying attention to Cleveland.

The truth is, as much as I want to laugh it off, I can't help but be angry about the state of Cleveland sports. Most notably the Browns. My Browns. The team I've following since I was a kid. And for what? What have they given back to me other than misery and heartache?

Some people can shrug it off. I'm not built that way. Everyone has some thing in their life they love. Painting, gardening, playing music, going to plays, shopping — these are all wonderful things to love in life, but they aren't for me. Don't get me wrong, family and friends are at the top of my list, but close behind is my love for the Browns.

Look at all those things I mentioned above. The big difference is they are all activities that involve one's self. What do you do when a painting you worked for months doesn't turn out the way you hoped? What do you do if the vegetables you planted died? Do you quit those hobbies that you enjoy and look forward to doing? No, you learn how to do it better and try again. With the Browns I don't have the opportunity to fix it myself. I have to rely on the organization to fix it for me. In other words, I gotta have faith (cue: George Michael).

Browns Banter podcast

Yeah, this is the fourth week NoLogoNeeded.com has presented its podcast, Browns Banter. Still, technical difficulties are abundant. If you can get past the first 30 seconds of a choppy voice over the Sanford and Son theme song it'll be worth it.

NoLogoNeeded.com staff writers Don Delco and Aaron Ziraks take 15 minutes to discuss what is going on with the Cleveland Browns.

The good news: The Browns' 2009 season has only 13 games remaining. The bad news: After the Browns remained without a victory following their third consecutive lackluster performance, the national media has anointed the franchise and its head coach, Eric Mangini, the worst in the NFL.

That being said, enjoy the fourth edition of Browns Banter. As always, feel free to e-mail us at NoLogoNeeded@gmail.com for questions or comments.

Mangini: Derek Anderson to start

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

By now you've heard Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini decided give the starting quarterback nod to Derek Anderson for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

In three games, the Browns haven't sniffed a touchdown. OK, they've been close, but they settled for Josh Cribbs' draw plays and field goals. In three starts, Brady Quinn is 45-for-74 passing for 400 yards one touchdown and three interceptions. His yards gained per pass completion is 8.9 yards.

Regardless of the numbers, the Browns offense has been inept.

Meanwhile, Anderson threw three interceptions in the second half of last weeks' 34-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He finished 11-for-19 for 92 yards.

So why make the switch to Anderson? He showed he is more willing to take shots downfield. Of course, most of the time those shots end up in the hands of the defender, but it is better than dinks and dunks. This offense needs to be shook up, this offense needs to show some spark and for all intents and purposes Anderson can provide that.

Long term? Who knows. Add it to the list of problems the Browns need to deal with in the near future.

For now, all fans want to see is the Browns come out on Sunday with some fight and score an offensive touchdown or two when the game still means something. Although a win is way too much to ask, how about a close game?

Voice of Reason: Browns fans time to showcase the franchise for potential sellers

Editor's Note: Each Wednesday during the regular season, NoLogoNeeded.com asks the “Voice of Reason” to weigh in on all issues Browns related. The Voice of Reason is not a pen name of one of the three staff writers. No, he is a Browns fan that takes an off-beat view once a week. Some can even argue it is more of a level-headed view.

By The Voice of Reason
NoLogoNeeded.com contributing writer

And the schneid continues.  This week it was the old Browns beating the new Browns, which is ironic, because the Ravens demonstrated how the old Browns used to play and the Browns played like, well, the new Browns.  The only thing that could have made things worse would have been seeing the Ravens in Browns throwback uniforms much like the Tennessee Titans wearing Houston Oilers garb.

At 0-3, The Voice of Reason says it’s looking more and more hopeless on the shores of Lake Erie without the dimmest of lights on the horizon.  Paul Blart is tanking in the locker room and sidelines much like he did in the box office.  The quarterback controversy that wasn’t supposed to happen remained not happening for two and a half games.  Defenders can’t tackle.  Players don’t seem to care.  As fans we’re the big losers and it sucks.

The good people of Cleveland pour their hard-earned money into supporting a team that doesn’t support them back.  And for what?  So Randy Lerner can offer a larger transfer fee to the next guy on his Aston Villa wish list?

Consulting the Eric Mangini Decoder Ring

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

On Monday, I was anxious to hear what Browns coach Eric Mangini had to say about the debacle that is the 2009 season. Luckily, he is required to have a press conference every Monday.

Thanks to Barry McBride at the Orange and Brown Report, he provided the transcript for us all to *gulp* enjoy.

Mangini was his cryptic self. Waiting For Next Year was able to translate some of Mangini's comments. To help NoLogoNeeded.com understand what Magnini says in his pressers, I was able to recently purchase the Eric Mangini Decoder Ring (EMDR) on the black market. Please don’t ask what I had to do to get it. I’d rather suppress that memory. In the end, it was worth it. The ring helped guide me through and analyze his comments and non-answers.

Reaching rock bottom (again)

Editor's note: This column was featured on the Browns roundup for the Sept. 29 Cleveland.com's Sports Blog Network.

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com editor/staff writer

Have the Cleveland Browns finally arrived at rock bottom?
 
Wait, it has been 10 seasons since the Browns returned to the National Football League and this rock bottom has been reached before, no?

Consider the times it felt the Browns have reached their lowlight.

In a semi-chronological order:

The Browns 43-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 12, 1999. A game that marked their return to the NFL after a three-year hiatus.
 
The cavalcade of first-round busts selected in the draft.
 
The cavalcade of Pro Bowlers the Browns passed on in the draft.
 
The Baltimore Ravens winning Super Bowl XXXV.
 
Spergon Wynn starting at quarterback.
 
The bottle-throwing incident.
 
Tim Couch crying.
 
The UFO defense.
 
Dwayne Rudd’s helmet toss.
 
Maurice Carthon as the offensive coordinator.
 
Former Browns coach Bill Belichick winning three Super Bowls in New England and now considered among the all-time coaching greats like Lombardi, Shula, Noll and Walsh.
 
The Browns 41-0 loss to the Steelers on Dec. 24, 2005. Merry Christmas everybody!
 
The Browns cut their opening day starter in 2007 a day after the first game. Not coincidentally, it was a loss to the Steelers.
 
The inability to score a touchdown in the final six games of 2008.
 
The Steelers winning two of the last four Super Bowls.
 
And now, just added to the list…last Sunday’s 34-3 loss in which Browns quarterback Brady Quinn ran a quarterback sneak on first and 10 from the Ravens’ 48-yard line.

 
Hoping to climb out of rock bottom toward respectability, the Browns have drafted, signed and released players, hired and fired coaches and overturned front office personnel.
 
The constant? The Lerner family. Randy Lerner was handed the reigns when his father, Al, passed away in October 2002.
 
A day after the Browns’ third lackluster performance this season, fans directed anger at players and coaches, but an increasing amount was directed at Mr. Lerner.
 
The answers Eric Mangini gave to what has happened did not satisfy the masses. Same for the players. Now sure would be a good time for Mr. Lerner to make a statement or answer a phone call from Tony Grossi. Hey, if you’d like Mr. Lerner, feel free to e-mail me at NoLogoNeeded@gmail.com.
 
When was the last time you watched an NFL game that included the Falcons, Patriots, Eagles, Cowboys, Broncos, Bills or Jets that didn’t have at least one shot of the owner sitting in his luxury box? Why? These owners are the face of the franchise for better (Ralph Wilson) or worse (Jerry Jones).
 
A big reason Eric Mangini was hired so quickly was Mr. Lerner wanted to turn the Browns over to someone who would become the head of the organization. Mr. Lerner has been neither seen nor heard. Fine. But when things get bad — numerous news outlets have established it’s reached rock-bottom bad — it is time for the guy who signs the checks to stand up, step up and speak up.
 
Show the fans and current and future players that you care that the Cleveland Browns are 54-109 since 1999. You care that the Cleveland Browns have had one playoff appearance and no AFC North titles in 10 years. You care that the Cleveland Browns’ Pro Bowl players can be counted on two hands. You care that the Cleveland Browns have lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 11 consecutive times.
 
The franchise has arrived (again) at rock bottom. National media outlets on Monday were discussing if the Browns were the worse team in the NFL. It is time to show someone — anyone — you care about the Cleveland Browns, Mr. Lerner. Each lopsided loss coupled with the longer you stay silent, the fewer fans you’ll have that care.

Random Thoughts: Week Three

By Brandon Rastok
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

This week we watched the Baltimore Ravens absolutely man handle Our Lady of the Elms the Cleveland Browns.  Three games into the season and the Browns have yet to realize the season has started.  At least that is the way it appears.  The team is still employing a quaterback rotation.  On defense, players are trying to avoid contact as to stay fresh for the start of the season.

This week was embarrassing and flat-out unwatchable.  At no time during the game could I find something positive for the Browns.  It was simply a one-sided affair.  The Browns got used and abused in all three phases of the game.  NBC's "Football Night in America" said it best with their one-liner jab during the games' low-lights. 

"The Browns decided that tackling was optional."

What We Watched: Week 3

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

I really don't even know where to start.  This team has so many problems there is no quick fix. I refuse to believe Eric Mangini & Co. waltzed into Cleveland and made this team worse. But that is how it looks.

The Browns have no legitimate threats on offense and were not even in the neighborhood of scoring a touchdown Sunday. The way it looks at this point, the one glaring hole is at quarterback. At this point it isn't even a controversy. Neither one is capable of moving the ball.

Let's take a look at What We Watched.

Initial Reaction: Ravens 34, Browns 3

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

I'm guessing the following will be a reoccurring question after every Browns game in 2009:

"So, have the Browns now finally hit rock bottom?"

Onto our initial reaction.

•Star: Ravens second-year quarterback from Delaware was 25-for-35 for 342 yards and a touchdown.

•Key plays: On Baltimore's three rushing touchdowns, two by Willis McGahee and one by Ray Rice, they were not touched by a single defender.

•Key stat: The Ravens scored 21 points off four Browns' turnovers.

We'll have more coverage of this "game" later this week.

Game Preview Week 3: Browns at Ravens

	Baltimore Ravens 2•0		Cleveland Browns 0•2
	17th		25th
	1st		31st
	28th		7th
	3rd		32nd
	4th		27th
	13th		28th

•Time: 1 p.m.

•Date: Sunday, Sept. 27

•Place: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md.

•Last meeting: 2008, Ravens 28-10 and 37-27

•TV: CBS and DirecTV 704

Taking In Some Z's: Week 3

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

The Cleveland Browns have the 32nd-ranked defense after two football games. They have not scored a legitimate touchdown since Nov. 17, 2008. The glory-boy quarterback is looking more and like bust with every snap he takes. As for head coach Eric Mangini, his sideline demeanor — standing with a constipated look and chewing gum — is similar to former coach Romeo Crennel.

So, what else is there to say about this team?

So where do the Browns go from here?

After a second week of disappointment, NoLogoNeeded.com staff writers Don Delco, Aaron Ziraks and Brandon Rastok use this week's episode of Browns Banter to vent.

Where do the Browns go from here and what can you expect Sunday against the Ravens? Have a listen to Browns Banter and let us know your thoughts. As always, please e-mail us at nologoneeded@gmail.com for suggestions on how to improve the podcast.

It Could Be Worse

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

NoLogoNeeded.com's weekly post highlighting the teams that seem to be struggling more than the Browns needed some serious thought this week.

Keeping in mind there is no better way to put your team's prospects in a positive light than to enjoy the misfortunes of others, after losing to the Kyle Orton-led Denver Broncos, who is doing worse than the Cleveland Browns?

Let's see what we can come up with.

Mid-Week Bite-Sized Brownie Bits

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

It was a stat that was repeated on television sets, at tailgate parties and inside stadiums throughout the NFL last Sunday.

“Since 1990 when the NFL went to a 12-team playoff format, only 22 percent of the teams that start 0-2 have qualified for the playoffs.”

As Sunday came to an end, the Cleveland Browns were one of eight teams with that dubious 0-2 record.

Today’s media is full of predictions. Heck, ESPN has forsaken analysis and instead trot out former player after former player and they spew premature predictions based on, well, nothing.

Here is my stab: The Cleveland Browns will not make the playoffs in 2009.

I’ll allow that to sink in for a moment. Shocked, I know.

Onto some Browns news.

Voice of Reason: Solution to Browns' right tackle problem to aid economy, charities

Editor's Note: Each Wednesday during the regular season, NoLogoNeeded.com asks the “Voice of Reason” to weigh in on all issues Browns related. The Voice of Reason is not a pen name of one of the three staff writers. No, he is a Browns fan that takes an off-beat view once a week. Some can even argue it is more of a level-headed view.

By The Voice of Reason
NoLogoNeeded.com contributing writer

The Browns have done your old pal, The Voice of Reason, a huge favor and wrote this column for me.  (Complete with jokes!) Watching them play is like watching the movie “Aristocrats,” same joke told over and over again only executed differently and the punch line is always the same (Browns lose!). Afterward, you feel really dirty. The only real difference is Bob Saget doesn’t look like a guy who would throw a 3-yard out on third down when he needs seven yards for a first down.

In a defining microcosm of things to come, one of our hometown heroes graced the cover of Sports Illustrated this week. D’Qwell Jackson was the man receiving the “honors” as he lay on the turf in a prone position as intended cover boy Adrian Peterson zoomed on down the field. After two games into the season I can’t think of a better visual summation of how things are going. On second thought, I can.

What We Watched: Week 2

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

When I sat down at 4:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon, I was at ease. I saw the Browns play a phenomenal defensive first half against the Vikings a week earlier. I had hope. I had hope the new coaching regime would make some adjustments. I had hope the Browns would play a full four quarters of tough attacking defense (see: New York Jets vs. New England Patriots).

Even if the Browns weren't completely on their game, I had hope they would be able to handle the sputtering Broncos offense. Quarterback Kyle Orton is awful. At running back, Correll Buckhalter is a career back up and rookie Knowson Moreno is injury-prone. Heck, their best offensive player, Brandon Marshall, doesn't even know the plays.

Needless to say, half way through the third quarter I was at rock bottom. My prediction of a 34-10 Browns route seemed ridiculous. It seems I have grossly under estimated how bad of a football team resides in Cleveland, Ohio

Onto what we watched. *gulp*

Random Thoughts: Week Two

By Brandon Rastok
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Was this only week two? It felt like I have been watching the same thing for years.  Was there even an offseason to get better?  It seems it doesn't matter who the coach is or who is on the field, the results are the same:

This team can't stop the run.

This team allows big plays.

This team can't score touchdowns.

Basically, the team just isn't very good. 

Apparently Peter King was right.  When is any of this going to change?

Initial Reaction: Broncos 27, Browns 6

(Photo by the Associated Press)

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

So, there are 14 more of these games this season, huh? *loud exhale*

Before we get to our initial reaction, we will have plenty more on this as the week continues. Why? I guess that's why it's called an addiction.

•Star: Broncos outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil. Cool name, better results. See below why he had the game of his life.

•Key plays: Trailing by seven points and with three minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Browns began to move the ball and reached the Broncos' 44-yard line. Three consecutive incomplete passes by Quinn and all three were deflected by a Broncos defender. The Browns punted and Denver scored a touchdown on the ensuing possession to take a two-score lead.

•Key stat: Dumervil had four sacks as he had an easy time getting around Browns turnstile right tackle John St. Clair.

Game Preview Week 2: Browns at Broncos

	Denver Broncos 1•0		Cleveland Browns 0•1
	17th		22nd
	23rd		14th
	15th		23rd
	17th		18th
	15th		32nd
	17th		3rd

•Time: 4:15 p.m.

•Date: Sunday, Sept. 20

•Place: Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver, Colo.

•Last meeting: 2008, Broncos 34-30

•TV: CBS and DirecTV 716

It Could Be Worse

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer
 
The first week of the NFL season has done wonders for our weekly "It Could Be Worse" post.
 
With 16 games played it was clear as to the teams that performed worse in their opener than the Browns.
 
Remember, It Could Be Worse takes a look the teams that seem to be struggling more than the Browns. No matter what you encounter in your life, from your career to your favorite sports teams, there will be others who are doing better than you and there will be others doing worse than you.

 
What better way to put your team's prospects in a positive light than to enjoy the misfortunes of others?

Episode One: Moving past the Vikings loss onto a winnable game No. 2

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Join us for the first episode of Browns Banter, NoLogoNeeded.com's weekly podcast. It's 30 minutes and features a few technical difficulties. Please bear with us as we figure out the whole playing music in the intro and outros.

Anyway, join me and fellow staff writer Aaron Ziraks as we discuss the Browns opening week performance and the upcoming game against Denver at 4:15 p.m. Sunday.

Since we're rookies at this podcasting thing, please give us some feedback either in the comments section below or via e-mail at nologoneeded@gmail.com

Click HERE for NoLogoNeeded.com's home page on Blog Talk Radio.

Click here for NoLogoNeeded.com's preview of Week Two vs. the Denver Broncos.

Taking in Some Z's: Week 2

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

The Browns started off the season like they have 10 times in the last 11 years — 0-1. I can't say that I am surprised. The Vikings are a favorite in the NFC and for good reason. They have a punishing running attack and a stout defense. I can rehash all the numerous negative things and terrible feelings we had on Sunday. In reality, this wasn't a game anyone had the Browns winning. There are a couple of things I want to touch on before I move on to the Broncos game.

Voice of Reason: FOX fails to provide viewers objective journalism

(Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Editor's Note: Each Wednesday during the regular season, NoLogoNeeded.com asks the “Voice of Reason” to weigh in on all issues Browns related. The Voice of Reason is not a pen name of one of the three staff writers. No, he is a Browns fan that takes an off-beat view once a week. Some can even argue it is more of a level-headed view.

By The Voice of Reason
NoLogoNeeded.com contributing writer

So for the 10th time in the last 11 seasons our Cleveland Browns failed to win, at home, in their season opener.  This really can’t be considered shocking anymore, can it?  Much like the other season openers (the Helmet Toss game, various 9-6 field goal kicking contests) the game started out well for the Browns, but, in the end, the execution just wasn’t there – much like one of the Voice’s columns.  But hey, we each get 15 more tries to get things right, so let’s get on with the show.

Mid-Week Bite-Sized Brownie Bits

(Photo by the Associated Press)

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Three days removed from the horrendous second half against the Minnesota Vikings, the Browns begin preparations for the Denver Broncos. As the team looks forward, plenty are looking back.

Remember halftime last Sunday? Smiles everyone! Some (foolishly) had a passing thought that the Browns might win the game. Defensively, the team was playing well. Very well. If they could only get the offense going...

Well, the offense never got going. The Browns defense began to wear down thanks to Adrian Peterson's punishing runs. The result: A Browns' three-point lead turned out to be a 14-point loss.

Just another sensational Sunday on the banks of Lake Erie.

It figures, look to the Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto to put it perfectly. Around here, the man crush on Rey Maualuga was only temporary, TP's had our hearts for years. Paragraphs like this are reasons why:

"It's only one game, and it's a loss to a team expected to be a Super Bowl contender by a Browns team that has been 4-12 in three of the last five years. But it just seemed that the Browns could have come up with something better than this, especially in the second half when they are at home with the crowd behind them."

So, the defense cost us the game? Or was it the lack of offense? Regardless, Brady Quinn faced his fair share of analysis after his opening week performance.

Random Thoughts: Week One

Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

By Brandon Rastok
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

Another home opener and another disappointing loss.  Here are my random thoughts after the Browns got run over by the Minnesota Vikings.

• The No. 1 key to beating the Vikings was to stop Adrian Peterson.  In the first half, the Browns managed to do so and held a slight lead.  In the second half though, the wheels came off.  Peterson ran wild picking up 137 yards while ending up with 180 yards and three touchdowns.  As Peterson stepped up his play, the Browns lost control of the game.

• The defense played well in the first half.  They seemed motivated to stop Peterson and were energized by the return of Shaun Rogers.  Eric Barton made several big plays in stopping the run.  This should give a glimpse of the defense's potential.  However, in the second half it looked liked the same old passive 2008 Browns defense.  On Peterson's third touchdown run, it seemed like the defense had already packed it in and were just going through the motions.  So much for following Mangini's motto and finishing.

• Until the Browns learn to capitalize on opponent's mistakes, they will not be a good team.  The Browns started the game by recovering an onside kick.  They had the ball on their own 49-yard line.  This should have been an easy drive to go up 7-0.  Instead, like they always do, settled for a field goal.

• One pleasant surprise was how well Joe Thomas handled Jared Allen.  Yes, Thomas was called for one stupid false start penalty.  However, Allen can wreak havoc on opposing offenses.  Allen's stat line for Sunday: 0 sacks, 0 QB hits, 1 tackle, 0 solo tackles.  Consequently, Joe Thomas can be credited with a job well done.

• The offense was able to run the ball surprisingly well.  Jamal Lewis ran hard and finished with 57 yards and a 5.2 yard average.  James Davis, however, did not fair so well.  He finished with 5 yards on four carries, 4 yards on three receptions, and left the game early with an injury.  Again, please don't be too quick to cast aside a veteran power runner to put all your hopes on a sixth-round draft pick because he made a couple of big plays in the preseason.

• The other concern with the running game was that you could count on one hand (possibly one finger) the number of times the Browns ran to the right.  Defenses will jump all over this and shift or stack their defense to keep the Browns from running to the left.  Yesterday, the entire stadium knew that if the Browns were running, it was going to the left.

• Even though his final numbers looked adequate (21 of 35 for 205 yards, 1 TD, and 1 Int), Brady Quinn played terrible.  He seemed to have lost his poise and his calm, cool, collected persona.  He refused to look downfield missing several open receivers.  He needs to develop some sort of a rhythm with any receiver (and I mean receiver, not Robert Royal).  He and Edwards were not on the same page as exemplified by the miscue on the interception.  His accuracy was somewhat off.  His fumble was just an example of him trying to do too much.  With that being said, he was under quite a bit of pressure and Minnesota has a top defense.  The Browns need to give Quinn some time to develop and gain some experience.  They can't afford to go into next season not knowing if they have a quarterback or not.  I hope they do have one, but I expect I will start practicing typing Colt McCoy fairly soon.

• One of the biggest disappointments of the game Sunday was the right side of the offensive line.  This was supposed to be an upgrade over Kevin Shaffer, but actually it was more of the same.  The Vikings' fourth best defensive lineman consistently found his way into the backfield and put pressure on Quinn.  Add in several nonsense penalties and the right side of the line had a rough outing.

• I liked that the Browns spread the ball around on offense.  The thing I didn't like was that the top two receivers combined for 3 receptions for 22 yards.  Meanwhile, the top two tight ends combined for 6 receptions for 64 yards.  If the Browns were going to make a tight end the number one receiving option, why did they get rid of Kellen Winslow or at least replace him with a receiving threat?

• Again, Shaun Rogers is a man playing among a group of boys.  He is just simply a massive beast.  My favorite play may have been when he lined up at linebacker to get a running start at the center.

• I am not sure how he does it, but seeing Josh Cribbs return kicks really is something special.  His 67-yard touchdown on a punt return was just the latest example.  He is doing everything he can to get the Browns to break their policy and renegotiate his contract that has four years remaining.  I give him credit for doing it the right way.  He is keeping his mouth shut and performing on the field instead of holding out or pulling a Brandon Marshall/T.O. routine.  For that he should be commended.

• It was nice to see the defense get some pressure on the quarterback.  Abram Elam had a decent game and recorded a sack.  Brodney Pool got in on another. Rogers recorded a sack while being held.  Kamerion Wimbley recorded another sack and kept some heat on Brett Favre.  I can't remember the last time the Browns recorded four sacks in one game.

• I started to think that Bruce Arians was back at offensive coordinator when the Browns ran the same play out of the wildcat formation back-to-back inside the 5-yard line.  Can they try it in the middle of the field?  Maybe.  At the goalline?  No!  Any offense should be able to pick up two yards on any given play.  This is the goal line.  Line up and play football.  Don't get caught up in being too cute or out thinking yourself.  They mush have forgot the starting 235-pound running back was averaging five yards a carry. 

. IN OTHER NOLOGONEEDED.COM ARTICLES

•Aaron Ziraks reacts to What We Watched.