On The Mark 10.26.15: #Browns v. #Rams Recap

Browns beaten down by the Rams, 24-6
By @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns lost to the St. Louis Rams, 24-6, in a game that the Browns could have won.  But, instead, turnovers and penalties killed any momentum they may have had during drives.  Josh McCown was 26-of-32 for 270 yards, but was sacked 4 times and fumbled.  The biggest turnover was in the very beginning of the game, when a screen pass to Taylor Gabriel was fumbled and brought back for a touchdown by the Rams Rodney McLeod.  Gary Barnidge made another spectacular play and had 101 yards receiving, but the run game once again was ineffective with Robert Turbin leading with 30 yards on 5 carries.

The defense actually played another solid game until they got tired from being on the field too long.  That and the fact that Todd Gurley got going after the first quarter, rushing for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns.

My take:  The season is over for the Browns.  Coming back from 2-5 will be almost impossible.  Mistakes, penalties and turnovers show how much of a huge mess the Browns are in.  It may be time for Johnny Manziel to start the rest of the season.  But with bull headed Mike Pettine, he may stick with McCown if he isn't suffering from another concussion.

Player of the game:  Todd Gurley, who looks every bit the first round running back, especially hurdling over defenders and his own men to get more yards.

Turning point:  Taylor Gabriel's fumble which was picked up by Rodney McLeod for a touchdown.  It was really the only points they needed to win the game.

Next for the Browns: next week, at home, against the Arizona Cardinals.

#Browns Preview 10.23.15: Cleveland Browns @ St. Louis #Rams

By @mrgroce

Fresh off a disappointing 26-23 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Cleveland Browns travel to St.Louis to take on the Rams who are coming off of their bye week. The Browns found every way possible to lose this game and midway through overtime accomplished their mission. Questionable coaching decisions, bad defense, and terrible QB play eventually killed the Browns chances of pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the young season. Peyton Manning struggled for most of the game, but Denver realized they were facing the worst run defense in the NFL and decided to hand the ball off for the rest of the overtime and finished the Browns off with a field goal. 

That same run defense must now prepare to face one of the newest studs in the league, running back Todd Gurley. I'm a little biased here because Gurley was my favorite player coming out of college in this year's draft. After missing all of training camp, preseason and the first two games of the year Gurley has gained over 300 yards in the two games he has started this season. The Browns coaching staff has heard all season long how bad the run D is, so I'm sure they have been stressing to the players to not allow themselves to get embarrassed by a rookie. The Rams only average 309 yards per game and have the second worst passing attack gaining only 183 receiving yards per game. QB Nick Foles has one of the worst passing ratings in the league only registering a lowly 77.6 per game. WR Tavon Austin is questionable for this week's game and WR Kenny Britt only has 183 yards all season. Stopping the run seems to be the recipe for victory for the Browns this week. 

Browns QB Josh McCown has shown why he's not a franchise quarterback while at the same time allowing us to see how he has stayed in the league for 12 years. When he's on he hits everything in sight, but when he's off he is absolutely terrible. The Rams have one of the top defensive lines in football. They have 19 sacks in only five games. WR Travis Benjamin and TE Gary Barnidge had big games last week and seem to be the most targeted options for McCown. If Cleveland could get a consistent run attack this offense could be dare I say, dangerous. Before the season started the number one question Browns fans asked were "where will the points come from"? Who would've imagined the Browns would be the 6th best scoring team in the NFL averaging 23 points per game? Running back Robert Turbin who made his Browns debut carried the ball ten times for 27 yards. Isaiah Crowell had 32 yards rushing and Duke Johnson finished with 38 yards rushing. The offensive line hasn't played the way everyone expected this year, but I can't blame them for the run game being this dismal. It's time for one of the three backs to step up and take over the lead rusher position and carry this offense on their back. 

The Rams have beaten the Seahawks and Cardinals, but have lost to the Redskins and Steelers (minus Ben). Seems like they play to the level of their competition which is great news for the Browns. Two average teams with average quarterbacks means this one will come down to turnovers and who commits fewer untimely penalties. If I was to use that logic I'd have to go with the Rams, but Cleveland knows that a loss here which would drop them to 2-5 will pretty much end their season. That level of desperation has me thinking that the Browns will find a way to pull this one out 27-17. 


What: Cleveland Browns (2-4) at St.Louis Rams (2-3)
When: Sunday Oct. 25 1:00 PM
Where: Edward Jones Dome St.Louis
TV/Radio: CBS, WKNR 850 Cleveland, WKRK 92.3 The Fan, WNCX 98.5

Leadoff with Lee 10.31.14

By @cleeverizon

The atmosphere in Cleveland was electrifying yesterday. If I didn't know any better, you could have told me it was game 7 of the NBA finals and I would have believed you. It was a Cleveland Cavailier and Lebron James media day. International media, social media, local media... it was all about King James and his homecoming. But the New York Knicks stood in his way. The Cavs lost to the Knicks 95-90. Lebron James was obviously nervous and out of sync with the team. He was 5-15 scoring 17 points but also 8 uncharactoristic turnovers. Kevin Love had a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. The Cavs turned the ball over 19 times, which the Knicks turned into 26 points. Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks shooting 9-17 for 25 points. The Cavs face the Bulls tonight who defeated the Knicks by 24 Wednesday night.

But let's relive this moment

The Cavs and Tristan Thompson are likely to sign a contract extension today. The 4th pick of the 2011 NBA draft will make $5.4 million this year under his rookie contract. His new deal is expected to be 4 years between $40-$48 million over that period. If no extension is signed by Friday, he will play for the qualifying offer of $7.15 million dollars for the 2015-2016 season and then become a restricted free agent.

Anderson Varejao is also expected to agree to a 3 year $30 million dollar contract extension with the Cavs today.

The NCAA sent out a simple tweet regarding Todd Gurley and the University of Georgia's appeal of Gurley's suspension. Which simply states: The membership committee upholds Todd Gurley suspension upon appeal. He will be eligible to play again November 15.

Last night, the Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10 to kick off Week 9 of the NFL season. Drew Brees went 24/34 for 297 yards throwing 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Saints running back Mark Ingram rushed 30 times for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns to go along with Jimmy Graham's 7 catches for 83 yards and a TD. Panthers QB Cam Newton finished with 10/28 passing for 161 yards with 1 rushing touchdown. Next week's Thursday night game will see the Cleveland Browns travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals.

Leadoff with Lee 10.30.14

By @cleeverizon

Hello, World! Welcome to Cleveland! Remember us? You had all the funny jokes about us, made fun of our sports teams, and burning river. Called Cleveland Municipal Stadium the "Mistake by the lake". Our sports teams would always make it soooo close but couldn't pull it off. The Drive, The Pitch, Red Right 88. Our superhero left us 5 years ago and the media made us look like savages because some burned jerseys. The only time you felt bad about Cleveland and the good people that live here is when our football team was stolen and moved to Baltimore. But world where are you at now? You're in that city that you made fun of all these years. You came from the west coast, you traveled from the east coast, you left the fun and sun of south beach to come to Cleveland. You're here from Japan, Israel, Germany and from parts unknown to Cleveland! All the stars are in town, from Jay Z to Kevin Hart! This is New Cleveland! Our city will shine in the bright lights, brighter than those in New York or San Francisco. This is New Cleveland! The King has returned to the throne to take over his city! Welcome to New Cleveland! Get ready for the ride!

-The NCAA has ruled that the University of Georgia running back Todd Gurley will remain suspended until November 15th for accepting more than $3,000 from multiple memorabilia dealers. Georgia issued a statement yesterday that they will appeal the NCAA ruling. The NCAA membership committee will review the case this week and can reduce or remove the suspension. Gurley has admitted to violating NCAA rules and has already missed 2 games. Gurley must also repay a portion of the money received and donate it to a charity, along with performing 40 hours of community service.

-Joe Maddon is on the verge to become the new manager of the Chicago Cubs. Once the deal is finalized Maddon is expected to be the highest paid manager in baseball. The Los Angeles Angels currently pay Mike Sciocia $5 million dollars annually.

-Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants as they won the 2014 World Series over the Kansas City Royals 3-2. Baseball truly saved the best game of the season for the last game of the season. Madison Bumgarner was named World Series MVP. He was 3-0 during the series.

-Buster Posey is now a 3-time World Series champ, Rookie of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, MVP & batting champion.

-Monday evening former Bash Brother Jose Canseco, accidentally shot the middle finger of his left hand off. Yesterday after returning home from the hospital Canseco tweeted out a picture of his hand. He said "I hope I can keep my finger,but I'm grateful it wasn't something worse".

-I was was looking at some press video of the Cleveland Cavs shoot around and noticed a familiar face at the shoot around. It was former Cavalier Damon Jones. So I began to wonder what he was doing there. So I did a little investigating,and found him on twitter under @D19J. Well I guess LBJ got him a job as the shooting consultant for the Cavs/Chargers. Lebron still has a lot of say of what comes and goes in and out of the organization. It is what it is I guess. By @cleeverizon

Leadoff with Lee 10.23.14

By @cleeverizon

-Georgia running back Todd Gurley applied to have his eligibility reinstated yesterday to the NCAA. Gurley was suspended indefinitely by Georgia after allegations that Gurely accepted payments in exchange for autographs for several memorabilia dealers in the area. The university has completed their internal investigation and has turned their findings into the NCAA, along with the proper paperwork to have Gurley reinstated. According to a source that is familiar with the situation, said the process of the eligibility commitee usually has a ruling within 24 hours. UGA can also appeal the ruling if the commitee does not reinstate Gurley.

Here is the statement that the University of Georgia released:

Since completing its initial review of the eligibility matter involving UGA student-athlete Todd Gurley on October 9, the University has been supporting Todd and cooperating with his legal counsel as they review the matter.

Todd has confirmed his desire to seek reinstatement, and the University fully supports Todd’s request. The University plans to file the necessary paperwork with the NCAA later today.

“I want to thank the University, coaches, teammates, and the Bulldog Nation for their patience and support,” Gurley said. “I take full responsibility for the mistakes I made, and I can’t thank the University, my coaches, and teammates enough for supporting me throughout this process. I’m looking forward to getting back on the field with my teammates.”

Gurley’s attorney, William King, said, “Todd has taken responsibility for his actions and is ready to rejoin his teammates. The University has been great throughout the past two weeks and has done everything it can to support Todd. I would especially like to thank President Morehead, Greg McGarity, and Coach Richt for standing by Todd.”

The University hopes for and expects a prompt ruling by the NCAA so that Todd, his coaches, and teammates can adequately prepare for our next game.

-The Cleveland Cavaliers have the hottest ticket at home and also the hottest ticket on the road. Cavs road games are averaging $411.17 per ticket, which is $130.00 more than any other road teams.

-Student athletes at the University of Texas can expect a $10,000 pay raise. Texas will spend a extra $6 million dollars per year to comply with a string of recent legal rulings requiring colleges to be more "GENEROUS" to scholarship athletes. This money is supposed to be used to cover expenses that aren't covered by a traditional full scholarship. Each player will receive $5,000 in compensation to cover for the university's use of his/hers player likeness/image. Does this mean a return of the NCAA video games that started all of this?

-After a 7-1 loss in the opening game of the World Series, the Kansas City Royals wore the crown in Game 2 with their 7-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants. Tied at 2 going into the bottom of the 6th, the Royals exploded for 5 runs, sparked by the bat of Salvador Perez. Perez knocked home a two-run double in that 6th inning off of Giants reliever Hunter Strickland. We officially have a series now, with both teams dealing out some big time run support. Yordano Ventura started for the Royals, giving them 5.1 innings while surrendering 8 hits and 2 earned runs. Game 3 will be Friday night in San Francisco with the series tied at 1 game apiece.

The Raven Report 10.10.14

By @neveRWilliams

-Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton and the Indianapolis Colts went down to Houston and pulled out a 33-28 win against the Texans. Luck finished with 370 yards passing and 3 touchdowns, with 223 of those yards going to receiver T.Y. Hilton and his 1 TD. Texans running back Arian Foster gained 109 yards on 20 carries and 2 touchdowns. Texans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick didn't have a bad statistical night, going 15/23 for 212 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions. Houston defensive end J.J. Watt had a fumble recovery and scored his 3 touchdown of the season. The Colts had a 24-0 lead at the end of the 1st quarter, but Watt's fumble return TD in the 4th quarter cut the Colts lead to the 33-28 score. Houston had two chances to come back and take the lead, but a fumble by WR Andre Johnson and another by Fitzpatrick nixed that in the last five minutes. The Colts improved their record to 4-2, while the Texans pulled even at 3-3. Next week's Thursday night game will be the New York Jets heading up to Foxboro, Massachusetts to take on the New England Patriots.

-University of Georgia star running back Todd Gurley was suspended by the school indefinitely on Thursday. The suspension is pending an investigation in the alleged NCAA violation of Gurley being given money for his autographs, memorabilia and use of his own likeness. A source told ESPN's Darren Rovell that Gurley would seek $8-$25 per signature. Authentication company James Spence Authentication as authenticated at least 500 signed items with Gurley's signature including mini-helmets, jerseys, photos and cleats. Personally, I still think it's ridiculous and silly that the NCAA and schools can make LITERALLY BILLIONS of dollars on these kids, but then turn around an scream out violation because one of them signs their name, gets an extra taco, another plate of pasta or uses a water hose to wash a car. All of which are true stories that the NCAA seen as violations.

Last weekend against Vanderbilt, Gurley rushed for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns. He will likely be replaced by freshman Nick Chubb. In 2010, Georgia receiver and current Cincinnati Bengal AJ Green was suspended 4 games for selling his own Independence Bowl jersey. Todd Gurley is currently ranked 9th on Mel Kiper's NFL draft board.

-Speaking of silliness, the NFL decided to fine San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick $10,000 for wearing pink Beats by Dre headphones around his neck at a press conference. The NFL has an exclusive agreement with Bose, while Kaepernick has an endorsement deal with Beats By Dre. Ridiculous.

-The American League Championship Series opens tonight with Chris Tillman and the Baltimore Orioles hosting James Shields and the Kansas City Royals. Back in April, would anyone have pick these two teams to be the final two of the American League? But as they say, that's why you play the games. Both teams are the epitome of a "miracle run" or a "team of destiny".

-The Blue Jackets opened up the 2014-2015 NHL season against the Buffalo Sabres with a 3-1 victory. The first period ended 0-0 but the Jackets outshot the Sabres 12-7. Both goaltenders were on their game making amazing saves. The second period was a little bit different with Jack Skille(1) opening up the scoring with his first of the year with assists from Jarod Boll(1) and Michael Chaput(1). Buffalo tied it up a minute later with a goal from Zemgus Girgensons (1). Shots for both teams in the second were the same as the first 12-7 making it 24-14 through two periods. The third period just like the first two periods as both teams playing a tight close checking game. Cam Atkinson (1) scored on the power play half way through the period to give the Jackets a 2-1 lead with assists going to Ryan Johansen (1) and Nick Foligno (1). Joining the scoring party was Artem Anisimov (1) with assists to Scott Hartnell (1) and rookie Alexander Wennberg (1). The rookies showed poise and promise while the veterans did the brunt work in the win. Sergei Bobrovsky (1-0) was his usual brick wall self stopping 22 out of 23 shots while Buffalos Jhonas Enroth (0-1) stopped 37 out of 40 with both goalies making highlight real saves. The Blue Jackets (1-0 2 points) have their home opener and play this Saturday October 11 against the New York Rangers at 7pm.

-Pop music and pop culture superstar Katy Perry will be the Super Bowl XLIX halftime performer. The game will be held February 1 in Glendale, Arizona, the home of the Arizona Cardinals. Other artists who were in contention were Rihanna and Coldplay. Adding Perry should be a major draw for the NFL. Last year's Super Bowl that had the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos with Bruno Mars at halftime, brought in over 111 million viewers.

-Opening in theaters today is the action horror film "Dracula Untold", legal drama "The Judge" starring Robert Downey Jr. and Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner's family comedy "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day". All 3 films should have pretty decent opening numbers, but will anyone of them overcome Ben Affleck's "Gone Girl" which pulled in $37.5 million last week? Not so sure about that one.

-The uber popular zombie action drama "The Walking Dead" starts it's 5th season this Sunday on AMC at 9pm.

-Lastly, I'd like to announce that plans are moving forward to bring TripleThreatCLE.com to internet radio and podcast outlets. Please, stay posted for more on that news coming soon.