Browns Preview 12/22/17: Cleveland Browns @ Chicago Bears

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The 0-14 Cleveland Browns travel to Chicago to take on the 4-10 Bears on Christmas Eve. This game is likely the Browns final opportunity to pull out a win for the 2017 season. Luck for them Hue Jackson is 2-0 on Christmas Eve and the Bears are 0-7 when they are the favorite.


Browns Offense vs Bears Defense

The key for the Browns this week is for DeShone Kizer to take care of the ball...it really is that simple. Kizer needs to step up and play a turnover free game. The Browns are going to move on from Kizer in the off-season. Unfortunately he hasn't progressed this season but Sunday is another game for him to prove he can at the very least be a backup quarterback.

The Browns running game needs to keep them in the game. Since Kizer is unreliable, Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson need to have 125 yards on the ground between them. They also need to be factors in the passing game. But it's also on Kizer and Hue Jackson to get them in space and put the offense in the best position to win.

The passing game is obviously on the shoulders of Kizer. Hue Jackson could have a short leash with Kizer and bring in Kevin Hogan at any moment during the game. That being said who ever is under center Josh Gordon is going to be the number one target. He's done well in three weeks considering who's throwing him the ball. If Gordon can have a game with over 100 yards and a touchdown or two the Browns can without a doubt win this game.


Browns Defense vs Bears Offense

The pride of Mentor, Ohio is under center for the Bears, Mitch Trubisky. The key for the Bears offensively is to run the ball and protect Trubisky. If the Bears can get Jordan Howard going this week against the Browns run defense, which is one of the better run defenses in the league, they will blow out the Browns. Howard is one of the top young running backs in the game and the Bears run him into the ground. He has 267 total carries and over 1100 total yards of offense.

The passing game for the Bears is lead by Kendall Wright and running back Tarik Cohen, who is basically like Duke Johnson out of the backfield. The passing game for the Bears shouldn't be that huge of a factor, unless the Browns get a lead and end up forcing the Bears into passing situations.



Five Guys to Watch

1. Hue Jackson: It's going to be really hard for Jimmy Haslam to bring back Hue for 2018 if he ends up going 0-16. This game is honestly the last realistic game the Browns could win and because of that Jackson could be coaching for his job. Now, whether or not his heart is in it or in Cincinnati is a whole other question.

2. DeShone Kizer: Kizer needs to take care of the football. A Browns win is completely up to him, even if that means he gets benched for Hogan.

3. Josh Gordon: He's the number one weapon of offense for the Browns and the only elite player the Bears should gameplan for. He's exciting to watch and honestly at this point one of the only bright spots of the team.

4. Carl Nassib: Nassib has played the majority of the first team snaps with Ogbah being out. He also plays on the strong side of the run game. Nassib needs to improve a bit in order to keep the Bears running game in check.

5. Jabrill Peppers: Peppers could be playing near the line of scrimmage more with Derrick Kindred being out the last two games. It could be interesting to see Peppers near the more, at a more natural position for him.


Injury Report

Weather Report


Betting Line: (As of 12/22/17) Bears -6.5


Prediction:
Bears 17 Browns 10

The Browns lose a close one and are one step closer to 0-16. It's hard to believe the Browns would go winless in 2017 but unfortunately it is becoming a reality. This game could also be the nail in the coffin for Hue Jackson...1-30 in two season and potentially 1-31...It's all bad bros, it's all bad.

NFL Draft Winners, Losers And Feel Good Stories

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The 2017 NFL Draft has come and gone. In a draft where we seen the most trades in draft history, a first round that basically set everyone's mock draft on fire, and the drafting of players that you can't help but root for. So I'm just going to keep it simple...Who are the winners and losers after the three day period we call the NFL draft.


Winners: (In no particular order)


1. San Francisco 49ers:

The 49ers traded down one spot with the Chicago Bears. They ended up getting Solomon Thomas from Stanford and two 3rd round picks and a fourth round pick. The crazy part is the 49ers were going to draft Thomas anyways, but the Bears wanted to ensure they could get their guy and traded up the one spot. The 49ers weren't done in the first round trading back up to 31st to take Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster. Foster was expected to go in the top 10-15 but a diluted drug sample and apparent red-flag on his shoulder during the combine dropped his stock. The 49ers also filled needs on the defensive back field taking Ahkello Witherspoon, a 6'3 cornerback out of Colorado in the second round.


2. Arizona Cardinals:

The Cardinals spent their first two picks in the draft on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Haason Reddick, out of Temple, was taken 13th overall and then Arizona decided to trade up in the second round and take Safety Budda Baker out of Washington. Reddick is a great story. The guy began his college career as a walk-on at Temple and ends up being the first linebacker taken in the draft. Baker is projected to come in start at safety after Tony Jefferson signed with the Ravens in the off-season. The Cardinals also spent two picks on their offensive line. Guard Dorin Johnson from Pittsburgh and Tackle Will Holden from Vanderbilt. Its unlikely both will make impacts in their rookie years but if one of them can come in a help protect 38 year old quarterback Carson Palmer the Cardinals could definitely be back in the playoff picture.


3. Indianapolis Colts:

If you told me safety Malik Hooker would fall to 15th overall, I would have thought you were crazy...but that's exactly what happened. Hooker to the Colts makes a ton of sense. The Colts defense has been one of, if not the main reason they've had struggles the past few seasons. With their second and third round picks the Colts went defense. Taking Quincy Wilson, a corner out of Florida and Defensive end/Outside linebacker Tarell Basham out of Ohio. And its not like the Colts didn't address the offensive side of the ball. They filled needs taking a offensive lineman Zach Banner out of USC and running back Marlon Mack out of South Florida.


4. Cleveland Browns:

My Cleveland Browns explanation will be its own article on Monday morning.


Losers


1. Cincinnati Bengals:

I just don't understand what they were thinking. They took John Ross receiver out of Washington, who broke the NFL combine record for fastest 40' time, 9th overall. Does it fit a need? Sure the Bengals lacked another playmaker next to AJ Green but they pasted on Haason Reddick, Johnathan Allen, and all of the top offensive linemen. After loosing their starting Left Tackle and Right Tackle in free agency. The Bengals took running back Joe Mixon from Oklahoma in the second round. Value wise it was a good pick, but it does seem like a questionable pick especially when the team has multiple players that have "character issues".


2. Chicago Bears:

The Bears started their draft trading up one pick and taking Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky out of North Carolina. Trubisky may turn out to be nice quarterback but...when you trade up for a quarterback and apparently not tell the Head Coach for your football team, it might not turn out to be good. The Bears took local product Adam Shaheen a tight end from Ashland University in the second round. Again its not like Trubisky is a bad quarterback prospect but it is confusing when you sign a quarterback for a lot of money in the off-season and then draft one with the top pick.











3. Tennessee Titans:

Personally I thought the pick for Corey Davis was a reach with Marshon Lattimore on the board. And then the Titans took Adoree' Jackson at 18th overall which was another potential reach. They did end up taking another receiver and a tight end in the third round which will definitely help out Mariota. But reaching in the first round is the only reason I have them in the losing section and even that's debatable I guess.





Feel Good Stories

There are two prospects I really want to mention because of their backstories:

First, Atlanta Falcons first round pick Takkarist McKinley a defensive out of UCLA. The guy achieved his dream and fulfilled a promise he made to his grandmother while on her death bed. He transferred to UCLA after one season at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, California. While going up on stage to accept his new jersey and to shake hands with Roger Goodell he carried with him a picture of his grandmother.

Last but certainly not least, the Pittsburgh Steelers third round pick James Conner, a running back out of Pittsburgh. Conner unfortunately tore his MCL at the beginning of the 2015 season. While rehabbing his knee injury, Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He ended up beating cancer and recovering from the MCL injury to play in the 2016 season including the first game of the season where he scored the game winning touchdown.

TV Tonight 10.31

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

NFL
Vikings @ Bears (ESPN, 8:15pm)

NBA
Nuggets @ Raptors (NBA TV, 7:30pm)

======

Supergirl (The CW, 8pm)
WWE Raw (USA, 8pm)
The Voice (NBC, 8pm)
Dancing With The Stars (ABC, 8pm)
Gotham (FOX, 8pm)
Kevin Can Wait (CBS, 8pm)
Man With A Plan (CBS, 8:30pm)

Lucifer (FOX, 9pm)
2 Broke Girls (CBS, 9pm)
Jane The Virgin (The CW, 9pm)
The Odd Couple (CBS, 9:30pm)

Timeless (NBC, 10pm)
All Access Nashville: Celebrating the CMA Awards (ABC, 10pm)
Scorpion (CBS, 10pm)
Mary and Jane (MTV, 10pm)
Loosely, Exactly Nicole (MTV, 10:30pm)

TV Tonight 10.20

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

NFL
NFL Thursday Night Kickoff (CBS/NFL Network, 8pm)
Bears @ Packers (CBS/NFL Network, 8:25pm)

MLB PLAYOFFS
NLCS: Cubs @ Dodgers, Game 5 (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Miami @ Virginia Tech (ESPN, 7pm)
BYU @ Boise State (ESPN, 10:15pm)

NHL PRESEASON
Knicks @ Nets (NBA TV, 7:30pm)

=====

DC's Legends Of Tomorrow (The CW, 8pm)
Superstore (NBC, 8pm)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC, 8pm)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do The Time Warp Again (FOX, 8pm)
IMPACT Wrestling (POP, 8pm)
The Good Place (NBC, 8:30pm)

Chicago Med (NBC, 9pm)
Notorious (ABC, 9pm)
Supernatural (The CW, 9pm)

The Blacklist (NBC, 10pm)
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC, 10pm)
Better Things (FX, 10pm)
Falling Water (USA, 10pm)
The Almost Impossible Game Show (MTV, 10pm)
Acting Out (MTV, 10:30pm)
MTV Wonderland (MTV, 11pm)

TV Tonight 9.25

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

NFL
49ers @ Seahawks (FOX, 4pm)
Steelers @ Eagles (CBS, 4:25pm)
Bears @ Cowboys (NBC, 8:25pm)

MLB
Cardinals @ Cubs (ESPN, 8pm)

SOCCER
MLS: Seattle Sounders FC @ Los Angeles Galaxy (ESPN, 4pm)
MLS: New England Revolution @ Columbus Crew SC (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
NWSL: Houston Dash vs. Seattle Reign FC (FOX Sports 1, 9:30pm)

====

Bob's Burgers, PREMIERE (FOX, 7:30pm)

Once Upon A Time, PREMIERE (ABC, 8pm)
The Simpsons, PREMIERE (FOX, 8pm)
Son of Zorn (FOX, 8:30pm)
NCIS: Los Angeles, PREMIERE (CBS, 8:30pm)

Secrets and Lies, PREMIERE (ABC, 9pm)
Family Guy, PREMIERE (FOX, 9pm)
Fear The Walking Dead (AMC, 9pm)
Power, SEASON FINALE (STARZ, 9pm)
The Last Man On Earth, PREMIERE (FOX, 9:30pm)

Quantico, PREMIERE (ABC, 10pm)
Ballers, SEASON FINALE (HBO, 10pm)
Masters of Sex (Showtime, 10pm)
Survivor's Remorse, SEASON FINALE (STARZ, 10pm)
Talking Dead (AMC, 10pm)
The Strain (FX, 10pm)
High Maintenance (HBO, 10:40pm)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO, 11:15pm)

TV Tonight 9.19

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

NFL
Eagles @ Bears (ESPN, 8:15pm)

MLB
Diamondbacks @ Padres (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)

HOCKEY
2016 World Cup of Hockey: Team North America vs. Team Russia (ESPN 2, 8pm)

======

WWE Raw (USA, 8pm)
The Voice (NBC, 8pm)
Dancing With The Stars (ABC, 8pm)
Gotham, PREMIERE (FOX, 8pm)
The Big Bang Theory, PREMIERE (CBS, 8pm)
Kevin Can Wait, PREMIERE (CBS, 8:30pm)

Lucifer, PREMIERE (FOX, 9pm)
The Case of: JonBenet Ramsey (CBS, 9pm)

The Good Place, PREMIERE (NBC, 10pm)
Match Game, SEASON FINALE (ABC, 10pm)
Major Crimes (TNT, 10pm)
Mary and Jane (MTV, 10pm)
Loosely, Exactly Nicole (MTV, 10:30pm)

TV Tonight 11.26

By @nevaRWilliams

NFL
Bears @ Packers (NBC, 8:30pm)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Texas Tech @ Texas (FOX Sports 1, 7:30pm)
South Florida @ Central Florida (ESPN, 7:30pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Notre Dame vs. Monmouth (ESPNU, 6:30pm)
Boston College vs. Michigan State (ESPN 2, 6:30pm)
Iowa vs. Dayton (ESPN 2, 9pm)

=====

The All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration (FOX, 8pm)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8pm)
WWE SmackDown (SyFy, 8pm)
Life In Pieces (CBS, 8:30pm)

Mom (CBS, 9pm)
2 Broke Girls (CBS, 9:30pm)

Elementary (CBS, 10pm)
Haven (SyFy, 10pm)

TV Tonight 11.9

By @nevaRWilliams

NFL
Monday Night Countdown (ESPN, 6pm)
Bears @ Chargers (ESPN, 8:15pm)

NBA
Bulls @ 76ers (NBA TV, 7pm)

NHL
2015 Hockey Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony (NHL Network, 8pm)
Coyotes @ Ducks (NHL Network, 11:30pm)

======

WWE Raw (USA, 8pm)
The Voice (NBC, 8pm)
Dancing With The Stars (ABC, 8pm)
Gotham (FOX, 8pm)
Supergirl (CBS, 8pm)
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW, 8pm)

Bones (FOX, 9pm)
Scorpion (CBS, 9pm)
Jane The Virgin (The CW, 9pm)
Major Crimes (TNT, 9pm)
Awkward (MTV, 9pm)

Fargo (FX, 10pm)
Blindspot (NBC, 10pm)
Castle (ABC, 10pm)
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS, 10pm)
Legends (TNT, 10pm)
Follow The Rules; Ja Rule (MTV, 10pm)
Girl Code Live (MTV, 10:30pm)

TV Tonight 9.3

By @nevaRWilliams

NFL
Preseason: Browns @ Bears (WEWS Cleveland, 8pm)
Preseason: Buccaneers @ Dolphins (NFL Network, 7pm)
Preseason: Chargers @ 49ers (NFL Network, 10pm)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
FIU @ Central Florida (CBS SportsNet, 6pm)
Oklahoma State @ Central Michigan (ESPNU, 7pm)
Alcon State @ Georgia Tech (STO, 7:30pm)
Western Kentucky @ Vanderbilt (SEC, 8pm)
Michigan @ Utah (FOX Sports 1, 8:30pm)
TCU @ Minnesota (ESPN, 9pm)

TENNIS
2015 US Open Tennis, Second Round (ESPN 2, 7pm)

=====

Food Fighters (NBC, 8pm)
BOOM! (FOX, 8pm)
Beauty And The Beast (The CW, 8pm)
WWE SmackDown (SyFy, 8pm)

Big Brother (CBS, 9pm)
Party Down South (CMT, 9pm)

Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll (FX, 10pm)
Review (Comedy Central, 10pm)
Dominion (SyFy, 10pm)
Under The Dome (CBS, 10pm)
Graceland (USA, 10pm)
Gainesville (CMT, 10pm)
Married (FX, 10:30pm)

One Bad Choice (MTV, 11:30pm)

Leadoff with Lee 3.8.15 #NFLFreeAgency #Kentucky #Boeheim #Browns

By @cleeverizon

- The Green Bay Packers and WR Randall Cobb agreed to a 4 year, $40 million contract. While he was offered more from other teams, like the Raiders, Cobb decided to stay in Green Bay and catch passes from the MVP, Aaron Rodgers.

- Cornerback Kareem Jackson and the Houston Texans agreed to a 4 year, $34 million deal, that includes $20 million in guaranteed money. The soon to be 27 year old Jackson has 10 interceptions and 50 passes defensed in his career with the Texans. If Kareem Jackson can pull in this type of contract, what will be offered to Browns (or former Browns) cornerback Buster Skrine?

- Mary Kay Cabot of Northeast Ohio Media Group reported 8 teams have expressed interest in Browns cornerback Buster Skrine in the first 3 hours of the negotiating window on Saturday. With so many teams involved, I don't see the Browns getting into a bidding war to re-sign Skrine. Ray Farmer has said multiple times he wants to build a team through the draft. It seems as if Farmer has his eyes set on another slot/nickel corner in the draft. And with the emergence of K'Wuan Williams and the depth of Pierre Desir, Skrine becomes expendable.
- According to a league source 4 teams have showed interest in quarterback Brian Hoyer, including the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills.

- The Browns announce they resigned punter Spencer Lanning and running back Shawn Draughns. Recently released former Eagles defensive end, Trent Cole, is scheduled to meet without the Browns on Sunday. Cole has played defensive end in the 4-3 and outside linebacker in the 3-4 schemes.

- The Chicago Bears trade the often troubled wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets for a 5th round draft pick. In 13 games last season with the Bears, Marshall had 61 receptions for 721 yards, scoring 8 touchdowns.Prior to the 2014 season Marshall had 7 consecutive seasons with 1,000 plus yards receiving. The Jets are expected to cut ties with wide receiver Percy Harvin, who is rumored to sign with the New England Patriots.

- Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch agrees to a 3 year, $31 million dollar contract extension. Lynch will receive $12 million this year, in the form $7.5 million signing bonus and a $4.5 million fully-guaranteed base salary. In 2016, Lynch  will receive a base salary of $9 million dollars, and  In 2017 a base salary of $7 million in addition to a $3 million roster bonus due on the fifth day of the 2017 league year.

- Former Colts safety LaRon Landry suspended 10 games for violation of the Performance Enhancing Drug policy. In the 2014 season, Landry was suspended 4 games for the same violation. Indianapolis released the veteran in February.

- Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski has signed his franchise tag tender worth $4.59M for the 2015 season.

- The New Orleans Saints and wide receiver Marques Colston have agreed to restructure his contract and will remain with the team next season. The Saints were debating releasing the teams all-time leading receiver if the two side couldn't come to terms. Colston was set to make $9.7 million next season and it would have went against the Saints low salary cap. Details on his restructured contract are expected to be made public as early as Monday.

- The Saints also agreed to a new 4-year, $16 million deal with running back Mark Ingram.

- The Colts have announced they won’t re-sign wide receiver Reggie Wayne. The 14-year veteran of the team had 64 receptions for 779 yards in 15 games and scoring only 2 touchdowns last season. Wayne ranks 7th in all-time NFL receptions and 8th in all-time receiving yards.

- The NCAA suspended Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim for nine ACC games, took away 12 scholarships, and ordered that 108 wins be vacated as a result of a multiyear investigation into the university's athletic programs. The following article by Emily Jones from NCAA.org details the infractions and penalties for the university. Click here to read that

- The University of Kentucky men's basketball team and number one team in the country finishes the regular season 31-0. Kentucky is the first team from a major power conference to complete the regular season unbeaten since Indiana did it in 1976. This is the Wildcats first unbeaten regular season since 1954. The Wildcats wore t-shirts after the game that read "31-0 Not Done". With nine more wins Kentucky will finish 40-0 and be crowned "National Champions" (Alcorn State was also undefeated in the 1976 season but didn't make it to the national tournament. The field at the time was only 32).

- Cavaliers forward LeBron James tied Mark Price for the Cavaliers' career assist record of 4,206.

Leadoff with Lee 1.19.15 #SuperBowlXLIX #Paterno #Scherzer

By @cleeverizon

- Late last night, free agent pitcher Max Scherzer agreed to a 7 year deal with the Washington Nationals. Scherzer went 18-5 last season, with a 3.18 ERA over 33 starts for the Detroit Tigers. He's led the American League in wins the last two season and won the Cy Young Award in 2013. Terms of the deal are not yet known.

- The Seattle Seahawks overcame a 16-0 deficit at halftime, only to return to the Super Bowl with a 28-22 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers. The Seahawks had 5 turnovers in the game and Russell Wilson threw 4 interceptions. Marshawn Lynch went #BeastMode and had plenty of 'Skittles' rushing for 157 yards and 1 touchdown. Russell Wilson finished 14/29 throwing 209 yards, 4 interceptions and 1 touchdown. Wilson's lone touchdown was a 35 yard game winning strike to Jermaine Kearse.          

- The Patriots rode the Colts into Super Bowl 49! New England defeated Indianapolis 45-7 in the AFC championship game. Tom Brady left the game to "Brady, Brady" chants and finished 23/35 for 226, 3 TDs, 1 INT. Brady is on to start in the record breaking 6th Super Bowl as a starter. LaGarrette Blount got "Fleeky, Fleeky, Fleeky" scoring 3 touchdowns and racking up 148 yards rushing. Julian Edelman was the leading receiver for the Pats, catching 9 passes for 98 yards. Bill Belichick simply said in his post game presser with this victory, "We're on to Seattle".

Belichick has passed Tom Landry for the most postseason wins with 21 by an NFL head coach in NFL history.                                  


- Previous to the Colts loss to New England, the Colts have been working on the details of a deal for QB Andrew Luck for a new contract. It could be the richest deal in NFL worth around $25 million per year.

- The Broncos are finalized a 4-year deal with Gary Kubiak to become their next head coach. With Kyle Shanahan going to the Falcons, Adam Gase becomes the front runner to be their offensive coordinator.

- The Falcons now have to wait two weeks to hire Seahawks DC Dan Quinn as their new head coach , but they will wait and he is their expected choice. The Falcons will also hire former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan for that same position.    

- John Fox parted ways with the Broncos the day after he lost to the Colts, and has landed as the Chicago Bears new head coach. Dennis Allen, the one time Raiders head coach, is believed to be a candidate for defensive coordinator.        

- On the Browns Offensive coordinator search, Jim Hostler interviewed on Friday.  The 49ers are interested in hiring former Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski to become their offensive coordinator. Currently "Chud" is with the Indianapolis Colts as a special assistant. The 49ers can now interview him for the position with the Colts being eliminated from the playoffs yesterday.                                

- Joe Paterno is the winningest coach in the NCAA for the second time. After the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal, the NCAA wiped out 112 wins from 1998-2011 for Paterno and Penn State. On Friday as part of a settlement filed by Pennsylvania officials, the NCAA restored 112 wins. With his record of 409-136-3, built from 1966 until he was fired near the end of the 2011 season, Joe Paterno again becomes the major-college football coach with the most victories.                                        

- Along with Friday's Cavs victory against the L.A Clippers, LeBron James became the youngest NBA player is history to score 24,000 points. Kobe Bryant was 31 years, 75 days old when he set the record. LeBron broke the record at 30 years, 17 days. James scored 32 points, had 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals in his milestone game.                                        

- NBA and college basketball commentator Greg Anthony was charged Friday afternoon with soliciting a prostitute. CBS has suspended Anthony indefinitely, saying he will not call another game for the network this year. If I'm reading into this correctly, the spokesperson did say "this year". Which brings me to believe depending on the outcome of the case, he could return next year. Greg Anthony played for 6 NBA teams from 1991 until he retired in 2002. Anthony won a national championship with UNLV in 1990. If Marv Albert survived his scandal, I'm sure Greg Anthony will survive his.                          

- Ohio State coach Urban Meyer will appear on "Real Sports" on HBO on Tuesday at 10 PM with Andrea Kremer.    

Leadoff with Lee 12.30.14 #Harbaugh #Michigan #Manziel #BlackMonday

By @cleeverizon

- Former 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh will become the head coach of his alma mater, the University of Michigan. He'll be signing a reported 6-year, $8 million dollar annual contract and becoming the highest paid coach in college football history. Michigan will also pay the consulting firm of Korn Ferry $80,000 for helping conduct the "search" for the new coach. This is the same firm that was used when they hired Brady Hoke, and we all know how that ended. The official press conference is scheduled at Noon today and I also expect Harbaugh to address the Michigan fans prior to the men's basketball game, ala Urban Meyer. The average Big Ten head coach salary in the 94-95 season was $132,800. Harbaugh made $50,000 in 2002 as quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders.

- Johnny Manziel had a "social gathering" at his apartment Friday night. Saturday morning he was set to seek treatment for his hamstring injury and was not able to be reached via phone. Browns security staff went to Manziel's apartment to search for him after he didn't return calls or show up to the team facility. Ultimately, Manziel was fined a undisclosed amount of money for his tardiness. In a season ending interview yesterday, "Money Manziel" apologized to Jimmy Haslam and his teammates. It was initially reported Justin Gilbert and Josh Gordon attended Manziel's "social gathering". Manziel shutdown rumors yesterday and told reporters neither of the players were in attendance. Justin Gilbert was inactive Sunday because he was late for a team meeting. The Browns suspended Gordon after he failed to show up for Saturday's walk-through. He'll finish with just five games active this season, which could prevent him from being eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2016. The Browns nearly traded Gordon prior to the 2013 deadline and could shop him again this offseason. This means the Browns now have control of Gordon as he will then be a restricted free agent in the 2016 season and can match any offer made to him by any other team.

- Yesterday was #BlackMonday aka the time when most teams inform their head coaches they have been fired. The following #NFL head coaches and general managers were fired: Chicago Bears fired head coach Marc Trestman, offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer and general manager Phil Emery. They hired consultant Ernie Accorsi to help them in the search of a new coach and general manager. The New York Jets fired Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik. Ryan is rumored to be the leading candidate for the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job, which became vacant after firing head coach Mike Smith. The Falcons hired, you guessed it, Korn Ferry to identify potential candidates for the position.

- Per Eric Garafalo, 49ers assistant Eric Mangini is slated to interview with the Raiders for their head-coaching job, source says.

TV Tonight 12.15

By @nevaRWilliams

NFL
Monday Night Countdown (ESPN, 6 PM)
Saints @ Bears (ESPN, 8:15 PM)

NBA
Hornets @ Cavaliers (FOX Sports Ohio, 7 PM)
Lakers @ Pacers (NBA TV, 7 PM)

NHL
Lightning @ Penguins (NHL Network, 7 PM)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Elon @ Duke (ESPNU, 7 PM)

======

WWE Raw (USA, 8 PM)
The Voice, Live Final Performances (NBC, 8 PM)
The Great Christmas Light Fight (ABC, 8 PM)
American Country Countdown Awards (FOX, 8 PM)
2 Broke Girls (CBS, 8 PM)
Hart of Dixie (The CW, 8 PM)
Mike & Molly (CBS, 8:30 PM)

Scorpion (CBS, 9 PM)
Jane The Virgin (The CW, 9 PM)
Major Crimes (TNT, 9 PM)

State of Affairs (NBC, 10 PM)
Castle (ABC, 10 PM)
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS, 10 PM)
Anger Management (FX, 10 & 10:30 PM)

TV Tonight 12.4

By @nevaRWilliams

NBA
Cavaliers @ Knicks (TNT/FOX Sports Ohio, 8 PM)
Pelicans @ Warriors (TNT, 10:30 PM)

NFL
Cowboys @ Bears (NFL Network, 8:25 PM)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Central Florida @ East Carolina (ESPN, 7:30 PM)

NHL
Blue Jackets @ Panthers (FOX Sports Cincinnati, 7:30 PM)
Stars @ Red Wings (NHL Network, 7:30 PM)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Baylor @ Vanderbilt (ESPNU, 7 PM)
LSU @ West Virginia (ESPN 2, 7 PM)
TCU @ Mississippi (ESPNU, 9 PM)
Arkansas @ Iowa State (ESPN 2, 9 PM)
San Diego @ San Diego State (ESPNU, 11 PM)

===

Peter Pan Live! (NBC, 8 PM)
The Taste (ABC, 8 PM)
Bones (FOX, 8 PM)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 PM)
The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 8 PM)
Mom (CBS, 8:30 PM)

White Collar (USA, 9 PM)
Gracepoint (FOX, 9 PM)
Two And A Half Men (CBS, 9 PM
Reign (The CW, 9 PM)
Party Down South (CMT, 9 PM)
The McCarthys (CBS, 9:30 PM)

How To Get Away With Murder (ABC, 10 PM)
Elementary (CBS, 10 PM)
Covert Affairs (USA, 10 PM)
The Fabulous Life Of... Holiday Superspenders (VH1, 10 PM)

Slednecks (MTV, 11 PM)

TV Tonight 11.9

By @nevaRWilliams

NFL
Football night In America (NBC, 7 PM)
Bears @ Packers (NBC, 8:20 PM)

NBA
76ers @ Raptors (NBA TV, 7 PM)

NHL
Maple Leafs @ Senators (NHL Network, 6 PM)

SOCCER
MLS: Eastern Conference Semifinal, Second Leg: Columbus Crew SC @ New England Revolution (ESPN 2, 5 PM)
MLS: Western Conference Semifinal, Second Leg: Real Salt Lake @ Los Angeles Galaxy (ESPN 2, 7:15 PM)

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2014 MTV EMAs (MTV, 7 PM)

Once Upon A Time (ABC, 8 PM)
The Simpsons (FOX, 8 PM)
Madam Secretary (CBS, 8:30 PM)
Brooklyn Nine Nine (FOX, 8:30 PM)

The Walking Dead (AMC, 9 PM)
The Newsroom (HBO, 9 PM)
Homeland (Showtime, 9 PM)
Family Guy (FOX, 9 PM)
Resurrection (ABC, 9 PM)
Bar Rescue (SPIKE, 9 PM)
The Good Wife (CBS, 9:30 PM)
Mulaney (FOX, 9:30 PM)

Talking Dead (AMC, 10 PM)
The Comeback (HBO, 10 PM)
The Affair (Showtime, 10 PM)
Revenge (ABC, 10 PM)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS, 10:30 PM)
Getting On (HBO, 10:40 PM)

Last Week Tonight (HBO, 11:15 PM)
Comic Book Men (AMC, 12 PM)

TV Tonight 9.22.14

By @neveRWilliams

NFL
Monday Night Countdown (ESPN, 6 PM)
Bears @ Jets (ESPN, 8:15 PM)

MLB
Royals @ Indians (STO, 7 PM)

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WWE Raw (USA, 8 PM)
The Voice, SEASON PREMIERE (NBC, 8 PM)
Dancing With The Stars (ABC, 8 PM)
Gotham, SERIES PREMIETE (FOX, 8 PM)
The Big Bang Theory, SEASON PREMIERE (CBS, 8 & 8:30 PM)

Sleepy Hollow, SEASON PREMIERE (FOX, 9 PM)
Scorpion, SERIES PREMIERE (CBS, 9 PM)
America's Next Top Model (The CW, 9 PM)
Dallas, SEASON FINALE (TNT, 9 PM)

The Blacklist, SEASON PREMIERE (NBC, 10 PM)
Forever, SERIES PREMIERE (ABC, 10 PM)
Under The Dome, SEASON FINALE (CBS, 10 PM)

TV Tonight 9.14.14

By @neveRWilliams

NFL
Football night In America (NBC, 7 PM)
Bears @ 49ers (NBC, 8:20 PM)

MLB
Yankees @ Orioles (ESPN, 8 PM)

NHRA DRAG RACING
Carolina Nationals (ESPN 2, 8:30 PM)

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Breaking Bad, Binge Marathon (AMC, 5 PM)

Countdown to Miss America (ABC, 8 PM)
Big Brother (CBS, 8:30 PM)

Boardwalk Empire (HBO, 9 PM)
American Dad (FOX, 9 PM)
The 2015 Miss America Competition (ABC, 9 PM)
Total Divas (E!, 9 PM)
Ray Donovan (Showtime, 9 PM)
Unforgettable (CBS, 9:30 PM)
The Great Food Truck Race (Food Network, 9 PM)

True Detective, Season 1 (HBO, 10 PM)
The Strain (FX, 10 PM)
Masters of Sex (Showtime, 10 PM)
Unforgettable, SEASON FINALE (CBS, 10 PM)

Last Week Tonight (HBO, 11 PM)

TV Tonight 8.28.14

NFL
Preseason: Bears @ Browns (WKYC/NBC/NFL Network, 8 PM)
Preseason: Seahawks @ Raiders (NFL Network, 11 PM)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Texas A&M @ South Carolina (SEC Network, 6 PM)
Wake Forest @ Louisiana-Monroe (ESPNU, 7 PM)
Eastern Illinois @ Minnesota (Big Ten Network, 7 PM)
Boise State vs. Mississippi (ESPN, 8 PM)
Tulane @ Tulsa (CBS SportsNet, 8 PM)
Temple @ Vanderbilt (SEC Network, 9:15 PM)
Rutgers @ Washington State (FOX Sports 1, 10 PM)

MLB
Indians @ White Sox (STO, 8 PM)
Athletics @ Angels (MLB Network, 10 PM)

TENNIS
2014 US Open, Second Round (ESPN 2, 7 PM)

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The Quest (ABC, 8 PM)
Defiance (SyFy, 8 PM)

Rush (USA, 9 PM)
Big Brother (CBS, 9 PM)
Defiance (SyFy, 9 PM)
Dating Naked (VH1, 9 PM)

Married (FX, 10 PM)
Ridiculousness (MTV, 10 PM)
Satisfaction (USA, 10 PM)
Candidly Nicole (VH1, 10 PM)
Party Down South (CMT, 10 PM)
You're The Worst (FX, 10:30 PM)
Snack-Off (MTV, 10:30 PM)

Black Jesus (Cartoon Network, 11 PM)

TV Tonight 8.14.14

NFL
Preseason: Jaguars @ Bears (ESPN, 8 PM)

MLB
Nationals @ Mets OR Diamondbacks @ Marlins (MLB Network, 7 PM)

LLWS
Canyon Lake, SD vs. Mountain Ridge, NV (ESPN 2, 7 PM)

ATP TENNIS
U.S. Open Series, Western & Southern Open, Women's Round of 16 (ESPN 2, 9 PM)

WNBA
New York Liberty @ Indiana Fever (NBA TV, 7 PM)

SOFTBALL
National Pro Fastpitch, Akron Racers @ Chicago Bandits (CBS SportsNet, 8 PM)

===

Hollywood Game Night (NBC, 8 PM)
The Quest (ABC, 8 PM)
Defiance (SyFy, 8 PM)

TNA iMPACT Wrestling (SPIKE, 9 PM)
Rush (USA, 9 PM)
Last Comic Standing (NBC, 9 PM)
Gang Related, SEASON FINALE (FOX, 9 PM)
Big Brother (CBS, 9 PM)
Dominion (SyFy, 9 PM)
Dating Naked (VH1, 9 PM)

Married (FX, 10 PM)
Ridiculousness (MTV, 10 PM)
Satisfaction (USA, 10 PM)
NY Med (ABC, 10 PM)
Candidly Nicole (VH1, 10 PM)
Party Down South (CMT, 10 PM)
You're The Worst (FX, 10:30 PM)
Snack-Off (MTV, 10:30 PM)

Black Jesus (Cartoon Network, 11 PM)

Leadoff with Lee 6.12.14

-The Cleveland Indians lost to the Kansas City Royals 4-1 yesterday. Lonnie Chisenhall remained hot, going 2-3 while batting second in the lineup. His batting average increased from .388 to .393. Jason Kipnis extended his hitting streak to 9 games by going 1 for 4. Trevor Bauer got the start for the Tribe pitching 5 1/3 innings giving up 7 hits and three earned runs in the loss. Bauer is now 1-3 on his struggling season. Greg Holland recorded his 19th save on the season for the Royals. The Tribe open up a 4 game set tonight in Boston against the Red Sox.

-Could the Cavs land Kevin Love? Who knows? But he has stated "Cleveland has great young talent". Could a sign and trade be in the works between the Timberwolves and Cavs? Who knows? Love is going to be a free agent next summer and I'm sure Dan Gilbert won't pull the trigger until he knows Love can be secured for the long term.

-Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon sat out of practice because of a pulled hamstring on Wednesday. Speculation yesterday had Mike Pettine sitting him over his looming suspension. But this was not the case. The Browns have had other key veteran wide receivers miss time due to injury in Miles Austin, Nate Burleson, Travis Benjamin and Earl Bennett.

-Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar was at the Chicago Bears OTA practice yesterday giving advice to Jay Cutler and four other quarterbacks in practice. Bears coach Marc Trestman coached Kosar in Miami and in Cleveland early in his career. Kosar states Cutler has respect in the huddle and great pocket presence.

-Johnny Manziel was drafted last Saturday by the San Diego Padres in the 28th round. Could this mean a career change for Manziel? No. Browns coach Mike Pettine said "I didn't really know he played baseball". Well coach, me neither. He played baseball at Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas. Manziel thought about about playing baseball and football at Texas A&M as a freshman, but opted to stick with football. Do you blame him now after becoming the 22nd pick in the first round of the NFL draft? It sure beats the 28th round.

-The New York Rangers defeated the LA Kings 2-1 in Game 4, to stay alive in the Stanley Cup Finals. Game 5 will be Friday night.

-The Miami Heat look to even the series tonight against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The Spurs lead the series 2-1 heading into tonight's game in Miami.