Wanted: Football GM. Apply Within

Position Available:
*General Manager/VP of Football Ops/Football Czar/Someone Who Can Stop the Bleeding of the Cleveland Browns. Wait! Hear me out

Requirements:

*Must have an Ego as Big as Lake Erie. Only someone cocky and arrogant can think they can fix this mess.

*Must have some sort of success in the NFL. A Super Bowl ring or two would help.

*Must be willing to relocate to cold, snowy, Cleveland, Oh. In the grips of a depression. Brady Quinn's house is on the market.. Still interested? Keep reading.

*Will Inherit a coaching staff in WAAAY over their heads. Mangini has been here almost a year, and we are way worse than we were at this time last year. Actually- you will be responsible for firing him. And please try to find "cause" so I dont have to pay him too. This is getting ridiculous.
*Will take over 53 man roster full of players past their prime (see Eric Barton, Hank Fraley, etc.), players that never truly developed (Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson), players that dont have a clue (Mohamed Massaquoi, Brandon McDonald) and players that would rather retire than be a part of your team (Jamal Lewis). Through Week 12, this roster of rejects is 1-10, has the 31st Overall Offense, and the 32nd Overall Defense. Good luck to you.

Expectations:

We'll tell you you will get 3 years to turn this thing around. But let's be honest. You dont have that long. I am done with this "rebuilding" thing. And dont try selling me any of this crap that you need time to find players that will "buy into your system". I fell for that garbage last year and look what it got me. A team full of Chansi Stuckey's and Mike Furrey's.

Also- all signs point to you making the 1st Overall selection in the 2010 Draft, along with 10 other draft picks. Dont mess this up. They say a 'miss' on a High Draft pick can set your franchise back 10 years. Just so you know, WE ARE THE REASON they say that..

Salary:

Negotiable. Let's be honest- You have all the leverage here. I'm pretty desparate.

Starts:

As soon as possible, but I understand if you want to wait until our potential 1-15 season is over. I wouldnt want to be associated with this either.

Serious Applicants only.

Please send resume to RandysDesparate@clevelandbrowns.com

Best Cleveland Season In The Last 45 Years

As of Thursday, the Cleveland Cavaliers (63-15) were holding onto (1) game lead over the LA Lakers for best overall record in the NBA, with a (4) games left to go in the regular season.

Throughout the history of professional sports in this town, how significant would finishing the regular season with the best overall record in the league be?

Since 1964, a Cleveland Professional Sports team has finished their regular season with the best overall record in their respective league (NFL, NBA, MLB) a grand total of three (3) times.

In other words, over the last 45 years, the Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians have combined to finish their respective regular seasons with the best overall record in their sport three (3) times...total.

Should they go on to hold off Kobe and company for the league's best mark, this years Cavaliers would make four (4).

Browns:

Since 1964, the Cleveland Browns won their division in the regular season (9) times. Out of those (9) seasons, the Browns had the best overall record in the NFL at the end of the regular season (1) time... 1965.

Indians:

Since '64, the Indians won their division in the regular season (7) times. In those (7) seasons, the Indians held the best overall record in baseball at the end of the regular season twice. The 1996 Indians had the best overall record in the MLB finishing 99-62 and in a strike shortened 1995 season, the Indians finished 100-44, also good for best overall mark. In 2007, they were close to finishing with the best record in baseball, but lost the tiebreaker to Boston, finishing the regular season with a 96-66 record, good for second best.

Cavaliers:

The Cavaliers only regular season crown came in the 1975-76 Season...they won the Eastern Conference's Central Division that year. They had the 3rd best record overall in the NBA that season.

So, Cleveland, I hope your enjoying the '09 Cavaliers for all their worth...if your 45 years old or younger, this is most likely the best Cleveland season you have ever been alive to Witness.

Editors Notes:

The years the Browns won a regular season conference title include: 1965, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1980, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989. Pro Football Reference

The years the Indians won a regular season conference title include: 2007, 2001, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995. ESPN All Time Records

The year the Cavaliers won their regular season conference title includes: 1975-1976 season. NBA Universe.com

Plaxico Out In New York...Braylon In??

With ESPN reporting that Plaxico Burress is officially no longer a Giant, the speculation is heating up that Browns WR Braylon Edwards could be heading to the Big Apple in his stead. Former running mate Kellen Winslow did nothing to stem those rumors this week on Sirius Radio.

This via Browns Gab:

[ The Tampa Bay tight end and former Browns teammate of Braylon Edwards was on Sirius NFL Radio today when host Solomon Wilcots asked him if he thought Edwards would be playing for the Browns in 2009.

“For some reason I don’t,” Winslow said. “I know Braylon would love to go to New York. The Giants would fit him to the T and he would have so much fun up there. I know he loves Cleveland, but New York would be a great fit for him...He would love it there. He’s a city guy and, yeah, I know he would love it there.” ]

If Braylon does go to New York, look for Brian Brennan and Reggie Langhorne to come out of retirement and be the leading candidates to start for the Browns at Wide Receiver this year.

Breaking News:Stallworth detained in FLA

Shaver Sports has been informed that Donte Stallworth is being detained by Florida police. Apparently it is for questioning in the death of a pedestrian. Word is that he is cooperating with authorities. Expect the main stream media to come out with more soon.

Browns Town Again? Always...

If there were any question which of the 3 Professional teams in Cleveland own the hearts of the Fans, this past week made it very clear. A starter on the Eastern Conferences best team went down with a broken leg, and will miss 4-6 weeks, yet the top stories this week in Cleveland revolved around the Soap Opera that is your Cleveland Browns.

A quick glance at cleveland.com proves our point. In their Top 10 commented articles, 3 of the 10 are about the Browns, with 1 pertaining to the Cavs situation. There are 4 times as many comments about Shaun Rogers and his weight management and the K2 trade, than there are about the Cavs losing Big Ben.

People love a good train wreck. Must be why the Browns have stayed so popular all these years.

A Soldier Deployed: Winslow Traded to TB

Eric Mangini and George Kokinis are cleaning house. The first casualty is TE Kellen Winslow. He was traded today to the Tampa Bay Bucs for undisclosed draft pics.

This move does 4 things for the Browns- hopefully secures them at least 1 draft pick this year, after Phil traded some away last year, gets rid of a clubhouse cancer, will allow for them to play a TE that can actually block, and allows last year's draft pick Martin Rucker to develop.

Can't wait to see who is next....

UPDATE: The trade brings the Browns a 2nd Round pick this year, and a 5th round pick in 2010's draft.

From the Corner Office of Top Men

Browns Rumors

*The Browns are actively shopping Derek Anderson, with the current asking price a 2nd rounder or two 3rds.

*Cleveland will be in the market for a veteran backup QB/Quinn mentor to replace recently cut and soon to be retired Ken Dorsey.

*They also looking to add a power back and would throw tons of money at Brandon Jacobs. Jamal Lewis will not be back. Another possibility is Larry Johnson. KC is looking to trade him, or more likely will release him due to his high salary.

Indians/MLB Talk

*Former Indian Robbie Alomar is being sued for 15 million for having unprotected sex with his girlfriend after being diagnosed with AIDS. The only person excited about this news is A-Fraud.

* What 2 things do all of these players have in common: Jose Canseco, ARod, Rafael Palmerio, Sammy Sosa (allegedly), John Rocker, Juan Gonzalez, Ken Caminiti, Ismael Valdez? They all spent time in the Texas organization and are all connected to steroids. Canseco planted the seed in his book, and little by little he is being proven correct.

*Hmmm..That gets Top Men thinking...Who else spent time in Texas? None other that Travis Hafner. I'm not saying, I'm just saying....

*Speaking of Jose Canseco, he has sent a letter to Union head Donald Fehr and Commish Bud Selig to "help baseball take additional strides in getting beyond the negativity of performance-enhancing drugs" I am sure this is just what Bud wants. The self-proclaimed "Godfather of Steroids" in baseball helping clean up the game.

*Top Men frequently take time out of their busy schedule to contribute to Shaver Sports.

Rob Ryan. Leaving to coach with Brother?

Eric Mangini has already faced some tough critics with the press his first few weeks on the job. So he had an old mural painted over. So what? But Shaver Sports inside sources say the one leaking some of these stories is none other than new Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan. If you remember, Rob was hired prior to his brother Rex, being names as Eric Mangini's replacement.

If he is upset that he signed with the Browns, its his fault. Why wouldn't he wait to see if his bro was going to get any offers? Why hurry to sign with the Browns? If he wants to go- let him. Something tells me if it really is Ryan leaking things to the press, Mangini's time on the set of the Soprano's wont allow him to stand for having a rat in Berea.

What's Worse?

If you are watching the Super Bowl through Cleveland eyes, I know you're not smiling. But while you're telling your buddy's the 'Steelers Suck' I have to ask you this question. What's worse? Your "Rival" winning the Super Bowl, or a team like the Cardinals winning the Super Bowl before you ever get there. Me, I am going with the latter. I am in no way whatsover rooting for Pittsburgh, but there is a part of me that would find it tougher to swallow if a perennial dormat of a franchise won the Super Bowl before Cleveland ever got there. Misery loves company, and I always used to think that no matter how bad it got, at least we are better than the Cardinals. Guess those days are over. Here's hoping we have some good commercials tomorrow night.

Randy Lerner is a Great Football Owner

...no wait, I meant to say "Randy Lerner is a great 'Futbol' Owner - apparently.

According to Fox Sports Europe:

"Randy Lerner's purchase of the Villains came at a time when foreign ownership in the Premier League was still an unpleasant novelty, and seen with a good deal of skepticism. In just over two years, however, the American businessman has not only proven himself a model foreign owner, his running of the club puts some his English counterparts to shame. "

Ahh, if only we, in Cleveland, could only sit around, while having high tea with the blokes, talk about our beloved Browns as if they were a 'model franchise' that was 'putting other NFL franchises to shame.' Instead, we are talking about how Randy's running of the Browns 'appears to be an unpleasant novelty,' and we are 'forced to view every move he makes with a good deal of skepticism.'

But hey, at least the Aston Villa Villains are doing okay, right??

Top Men Review Browns New Head Coach

Your Cleveland Browns have a new Head Coach, Eric Mangini. The displaced NY Jets coach didn't have to wait long before he found his new gig. Top Men sat down and reviewed the Pro's and Con's of the Mangini hiring. Part One looks at the Pro's of the Browns new hire-

NFL Head Coaching Experience. Mangini is the first coach the Cleveland Browns have ever hired that has previous Head Coaching Experience. Crazy, but true. In his 3 year tenure with the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets, he went 23-25. 2 winning seasons out of 3. Pretty good for a 1st Time coach. The last Browns coach to have a winning record in 2 out of 3 years was Marty Schottenheimer in '88-'89! (Sorry to all the Schottenheimer honks- looks like Marty ball wont be coming back to the Lakefront anytime soon)

He'll be coaching with a chip on his shoulder.
Mangini was the fall guy in NY. They spent TONS of money in the off-season on big name free agents. Alan Faneca, Calvin Pace, Kris Jenkins, and of course, rocket arm Brett Favre. After the Jets went 1-4 in their last 5 games, someone had to be responsible and you cant fire the players. He is a young coach with a lot to prove. He'll be anxious to show the Jets they were wrong.

He's never been described as being a "Players Coach"
The Crennel Country Club has officially repealed all memberships. Braylon, K2, the entire Defense, should all be doing some soul-searching right about now. One important item Mangini mentioned in his presser was accountability. Believe that he will hold these players to his demands. I don't think Edwards should plan on hopping on a charter flights to see U of M lose to a MAC team next year. He will be tough on his players, but don't expect to see a lot of fireworks coming from him on the sideline. He'll leave that to his coordinators. Top Men expect to see Rob Ryan (son of Buddy, bro of Rex) hired soon.

Cleveland Roots (kind of)

Top Men like the fact that Mangini is familiar with Cleveland and had a history with the organization. (The former ball boy even referenced Bucci's, Shaver Sports favorite Italian joint in Berea in his press conference) He will also get some advice and insight on this town from family. He is the brother-in-law of Indians Top Man, Mark Shapiro.

Hurry Up, Take My Football Team, I Gotta Get Back To Europe To Play Soccer

Reports are the Browns hired Eric Mangini.

He might be the right hire, he might not be, I don't know. Top Men will be breaking this down in posts to follow. What I do know is Randy Lerner seemed to be in an awful hurry unloading command of a franchise I don't think he wants any part of running. After Lerner canned Crennel, it almost looks like he went down a list that could have been put together by any run of the mill Fantasy Football Player, that read as follows:

Top Candidates:

Bill Cowher, Scott Pioli, Mike Shanahan, Eric Managini, etc., etc, etc.

He met with Cowher and offered him an ungodly amount of jack - Cowher says no.

Next on the list...

He reportedly offered Pioli the job if he wanted it - Pioli saw something he didn't like and interviewed with the Chiefs.

Then...

He reaches out to Mike Shanahan who, according to Andre Knott with WTAM, told Randy he couldn't meet with him until after his vacation - Boom outta here, can't wait.

And then it is almost like Eric Mangini simply said:

"Yes, I'll take it."

And Randy responded with:

"Hired. And who would you like to be your boss?"

"There is this buddy of mine from the Ravens that no one has heard of, hire him, and I'll come for sure."

"Done and Done."

...hope this works, back to the Soccer pitch to find a free agent midfielder, and a back-up goalie.

Chargers had same Record as Browns in Week 13

In week 13 of the NFL season, the Browns just finished losing to the Indianpolis Colts, to push their record to 4-8. The San Diego Chargers lost to the Atlanta Falcons that same week, and found themselves staring the Brownies dead in the face with a 4-8 mark of their own. Ahh the different roads traveled from there...

From that point, the Brownies packed it in, lost (4) straight, got every QB they had hurt, fired their GM, and fired their coach. San Diego, won (4) straight, got into the playoffs, and just upset the Indianapolis Colts, lead by newly crowned MVP for the third time, Peyton Manning.

Nothing like that California Sunshine...congratulations to Eylria Catholic product Matt Wilhem and to Iggys Grad Anthony Gonzalez who both had good games for the Chargers and Colts respectively...look for the Chargers to give Pittsburgh all they can handle this weekend in the AFC semis.

Browns HC and the Rooney Rule

As the Browns begin their 4th search for a Head Coach since coming back in '99, they will again interview minority candidates for the position. The "Rooney Rule" (named after Steelers owner Dan Rooney) was designed to increase the number of minority coaches in the NFL. Since its inception in December of '02, it has worked, increasing the percentage of minority Head Coaches from 6% to 22%. Here is a list of potential candidates for the Browns to interview:

1.) Leslie Frazier- current Vikes D Coordinator. Great shot to land one of these head coaching vacancies. For his sake, hope its not Detroit.

2.) Dennis Green- former Vikes and Cards coach and current NFL Radio analyst. "They are who we thought they were!"

3.) Emmitt Thomas- current D Backs coach for Falcons. Name always surfaces when head coaching positions are vacant. May have missed his window. Is older than Crennel.

4.) Mel Tucker- a little shady on the Browns part if they do interview Mel. They, and everyone affiliated with the Browns know he is not ready to be a head coach in this league.

5.) Marvin Lewis- current head coach of Bungles. HOW?! I realize this one is a stretch. But it may take Bungles owner Mike Brown a few weeks to realized they missed the playoffs again and fire Marvin.

If a team does not follow the League's guidelines, they will be fined $200,000, as the Lions were in 2003 when Steve Marrucci was hired. Here's the quandary for the Browns. Some of the "Rooney" candidates are currently on staff and can not interview until their season is over. Also, waiting may hurt the Browns chances of going after big name coaches like newly canned Mike Shanahan. If they can land a coach like Leslie Frazier, the wait may be worth it. If they have to "settle" on a second tier Head Coach, the $200 K fine may be worth not having to search for a 5th HC in a couple years.

Pioli and McDaniels to the Rescue?

The Plain Dealer is reporting that Scott Pioli could be sitting down with Randy Lerner as soon as today, and that he is very interested in the Browns GM position. The article goes on to say the following:

"If Pioli takes the Browns job, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, a Canton native, could be near the top of his list of coaching candidates. Pioli hired McDaniels, 32, in 2001 to be a personnel and coaching assistant for the Patriots. The two remain close. Browns owner Randy Lerner confirmed Monday that McDaniels is on his short list."

The arguements for hiring these two guys are obvious. Pioli has had a ton of success working alongside Bill Belichick and McDaniels looks like a star in the making no doubt...but so did Phil and Romeo when we hired them.

So for the sake of arguement, I will ask the following questions, and call them food for thought, before we get all Butch Davis over these two guys.

Is Scott Pioli's success with the Patriots his success, or is it Belichick's? Was the front office success the Ravens had a few years back due to Phil Savage or Ozzie Newsome?

How have Belichick assistants fared over the last (4) years? I will answer my own question. In that time (3) Belichick assistants have gotten head coaching jobs and (2) have already been fired...Romeo Crennel and Eric Mangini. The (3rd), Chaz Weiss, should have been fired, and will be at the end of next season. Maybe McDaniel is different than those guys though...he certainly weighs a lot less.

Bill Cowher: Playing the Field?

Monday we learned that Bill Cowher met with Browns President Randy Lerner on Saturday, and apparently he told Randy "NO". First off. Good Move by Randy. How could you get anyone to take over this team after watching that garbage on Sunday?

Initial reports were that Cowher does not want to coach in 2009. Don't believe everything you read. Cower most likely said "No...for now" Rumors are now being floated in by ESPN Radio 1050 in NYC that Cowher may be interested in the Jets HC position.

Cowher's name will probably be connected to all teams with Head Coaching vacancies, and see which position may be most lucrative for him.

Shaver Sports does not think Randy Lerner will wait long enough for Cowher to slow dance with all the girls at the prom. The quicker Randy can finalize this decision, the better.

Black Monday - Romeo Crennel Fired

Romeo Crennel has joined his former boss in the unemployment line this Monday morning. ESPN 850 KNR producer Darryl Ruiter confirmed that Browns Owner Randy Lerner had made the decision to fire the coach in his closed door, no recording device press conference this morning.

This move is a shock to no one, the search starts now for the next regime.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen said that the Browns are in the best situation of any of the teams with a head coaching vacancy. Someone please tell that to Bill Cowher. Many sources have said that Cowher is not interested in returning in '09. On Sunday night, WKYC's Jim Donovan reported that Scott Pioli is said to have interest in returning to Cleveland and may bring 33 year old Canton native Josh McDaniels with him.

Romeo will probably not be the last move coming from Berea. Tucker and Chud should be preparing their defense as we speak.

Drama Continues for Poor Man's Cowboys

Jim Rome called the Browns "A Poor Man's Dallas Cowboys" last week, and I agree. He said the Browns "have as much drama as the Dallas Cowboys, just not as much talent, or as many wins."

The Drama Continues:

Tony Rizzo read a letter he received from an "anonymous Browns Player" today on the Really Big Show, 850, WKNR that was sent to him at his Fox 8 studios. The letter said that "Phil Savage is the cancer tearing this locker room apart."

The letter went on to say that Romeo is not to blame for the Browns debacle, and the culture that is created by Phil Savage has lead to players listening to IPods and talking on cellphones during meetings, as well as voicing their complaints about how long meetings are.

Rizz went on to talk to Bernie Kosar on the radio afterwards, who seemed to indicate that he will be taking a front office position next year saying that he did not want to speculate on jobs that people currently have "out of respect for them," but that he felt he "knew football, knew this area, and "was willing to do anything Randy Lerner asked of him."

Also, in the Shaun Smith punching Brady Quinn in the face news, Bernie said that things like that went on while he was on the team but he, "was never stupid enough to fight a defensive lineman." The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot did confirm an altercation took place later on in the day on WKNR.

Braylon Edwards Starting Trade Rumors

After the Browns embarrassing 30-10 loss last night to the Eagles, where again the Browns O failed to get in the End Zone, Braylon Edwards decided it was time to talk to the media. The NFL Leader in Dropped Passes felt it was time to start his own trade rumors, saying that he was on the trade block. He went on to say that "he has always been unappreciated in Cleveland. Not by the organization, but by the fans and the city." He feels coming out of Michigan he has always had an uphill fight in this city.

Braylon, if I may....We don't care that you played College ball in Michigan. You could put Wolverine stickers on your helmet. We wouldn't care. We just want to see winning football in this town. Your losing attitude and propensity to DROP pass after pass on Sunday is why you have a tough time in this town. Not because of where you went to school.

Keep starting your own trade rumors. Maybe they will come true. We will send Shaver Sports Moving Truck over to help you move. And Braylon, leave the boxes marked "Fragile" for us.....

D'Qwell Jackson: NFL Leader in Tackles

Lone Bright Spot?

Shaver Sports, in a constant effort to find something positive to say about your 2008 Cleveland Browns, decided to look beyond the obvious bright spot in Josh Cribbs and glanced over at the defensive side of the ball. Much was said last week after the Browns defense held The Great One, Peyton Manning without a TD. No need to look further than the NFL's Tackle Leader in D'Qwell Jackson, right? Jackson, leads the league in Total Tackles with 130, after Sunday's 12 tackle, 3 Assist performance.

As Old Man Corso would say, "Not So Fast My Friend". Upon further review, Jackson's numbers are somewhat misleading, and definitely a product of the system, a.k.a. An Awful defense that can't get off the field. The Shaver Sports research department found that the Browns are ranked 25th in the league in Total Defensive Plays (407 total). Only 7 teams have been on the field, for a defensive play more than the Browns. That being said, it makes sense that the Browns would have a good chance to have a League Leader in tackles, right? (In the NBA, the guy who makes the most Free Throws is usually is among the tops in Free Throws Attempted) The Browns Defense ranks 27th in Yards Per Game and 28th in Rushing Yards Per Game. Amazingly, only two teams have have seen more Total Running Plays, Oakland and Detroit. Not a surprising stat. The Browns D is giving up a ridiculous 4.5 Yards/Attempt.

We are not bashing DJ by any means. If he wasn't out there making all of these tackles, who would be? Shante Orr? Overall, Jackson is a good young talent, and one of the few defensive players the Browns can build around for the future. But don't be fooled by the hype. Good but not Great.

Here's hoping Browns management logs onto Shaver Sports before they offer Jackson a huge contract + signing bonus after one big year. (see Rueben Droughns, Jamal Lewis, Derek Anderson, do I need to keep going?)