Tennessee @ Denver - Running Blog

“I have no words.”

Whether it be on the playground, in the bars, or on television, I’ve seen plenty of crazy things in my lifetime. However, what transpired after the closing seconds of last Sunday’s Cleveland-Baltimore game goes straight to the top of my Insane/Unbelievable/Crazy/Surreal/
Ridiculous/Bizarre list. As the referees discussed whether Phil Dawson’s game tying 51-yard field goal actually DID go through the goal post I sat at Hunt’s house and the only thing I could muster was, “I have no words.”

Think about it though. I mean as a Browns fan I’ve seen some insane endings to football games but for one game to automatically go right to the top left me in sheer amazement.

Here are just a few of some games that only the Browns could be involved in.

- Opening Week, 2002 -

The Cleveland Browns kicked off 2002 with a home contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. In a defensive struggle, the Browns held on to a 39-37 lead with just 10 seconds remaining. Browns linebacker Dwayne Rudd, thinking he had made the game ending sack, celebrated prematurely by throwing off his helmet. The play was not over and the unsportsmanlike penalty set up the Chiefs to kick the game-winning field goal with no time on the clock.

- December 16, 2001 -

The Jacksonville Jaguars came into Cleveland Browns Stadium in mid December for an important AFC game. The Browns entered the game with a 6-6 record and needed a win badly to keep their playoff aspirations alive. Trailing 15-10 with under one minute to go and facing a fourth and two deep in Jacksonville territory, Cleveland quarterback Tim Couch completed a first down pass to Quincy Morgan. Cleveland then raced to the line and spiked the ball to stop the clock. However the referees declared that they had been “buzzed” from the replay official in the press box to review the 4th down play. The play was overturned even though Cleveland had seemed to get another play off, which would go against league rules. Outraged that their playoff dreams were now over and bitter about getting “screwed” by the referees, Cleveland fans began throwing beer bottles onto the field. It got to the point that the head referee ended the game with 50 seconds still left on the clock. The NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue told the referees that they had to finish the game, so, everyone ran back onto the field and again got pounded with beer bottles.

- September 29, 2002 -

Cleveland traveled to Pittsburgh for an early AFC North showdown. Cleveland was able to rebound from the Dwayne Rudd helmet incident by winning their next two games. Sitting at 2-1, the Browns faced the winless Steelers. The score was tied at 13 after regulation and sent into overtime. The Steelers won the toss but Pittsburgh QB Tommy Maddox was intercepted by Andra Davis. Phil Dawson had a chance to win the game, but he missed on a 45-yard field goal. Pittsburgh marched down the field and attempted a 31-yard field goal. The Browns were able to block the attempt and it seemed would get another shot on offense. However, the Steelers recovered the block and the referees ruled that since the kick happened on third down AND the ball never crossed the line of scrimmage that the Steelers would get another shot at it. Well, they were successful on the 2nd attempt and the Steelers had their first of 10 wins on the season AND the first of their 3 wins against the Browns in 2002 alone.

And then yesterday happened.

"It's about time this organization and this franchise got a call." - Cleveland kicker Phil Dawson.

I could not agree more.

It has not been easy to be a Cleveland Browns fan, coach, or player recently. They/We deserved this. For one time, the Browns got a call. It was the correct call, BUT, the important thing was that the Browns got it.

It’s difficult to call this game a springboard to anything (that can only be determined until the season is over), but one thing is certain - IF the Browns make the playoffs then we can all look back at that one play and say it was the turning point. There’s a HUGE difference from being 6-4 and being on a two game losing streak at 5-5.

Sure the Browns have problems. Besides the Patriots every team has them. Cleveland has a defense that really does not stop anyone. However, entering Thanksgiving they are 6-4 (their best record on Thanksgiving since 1994 when they were 8-3) and just one game out of first place.

Will they make the playoffs? - Honestly, I have no idea. They do have a favorable schedule but that holds only if you take advantage of it. The best part is that I’m not worried about the playoffs. If they win games then it will take care of itself. I’ve never had more fun watching these Browns play. They will more than likely be the cause of my early death but it’s turning out to be one hell of a ride so far this year.

Here’s hoping these next six games are just as memorable as last week’s.

I wouldn’t want it any other way.

WHAT A WEEKEND

This past weekend I rode along with Hunt down to Athens for the weekend. It was the first time I had gone down to Ohio University since I left there this time last year. (For those of you that do not know, I will be returning to O.U. this coming winter quarter.)

It was great seeing those recognizable faces that I had not seen in such a long time. It was great meeting up with Guga and sharing our thoughts on Bo Outlaw. It was great seeing Barnes and the rest of the Gridiron Glory crew that still remains from my days spent there. It was great meeting new guys like G-Dizzle. It was great being there with Hunt and now his brother Brian and his sister Sarah as well. It was simply a great weekend.

Strictly on a sports weekend it was damn near perfect.

First of all, Ohio State defeated Michigan in one of the most boring games I can remember watching. This result did not bother me too much as I honestly don’t mind this Buckeye team as much as years’ past. Michigan, on the other hand, was exploited as the team they truly were.

The Kansas Jayhawks and Missouri Tigers each won setting up a #2 vs. #3 showdown next week. The winner will play for a chance to get in the BCS National Championship game. Gotta love that.

My fantasy team, Brady’s Bunch, was able to win again, putting my record at 5-6 entering the final three weeks of the regular season. Just as important was the two teams ahead of me in my division each loss, meaning I basically control my own destiny as far as making the playoffs.

I dominated in our pick’em league posting the week’s best record at 12-3 heading into tonight’s MNF game. I now have an 8 game lead over 2nd place.

Did I mention the Browns won?

Weekends like that don’t happen very often. With Thanksgiving coming up I have a lot to be thankful for.

TENNESSEE @ DENVER - RUNNING BLOG

Pregame - I’m listening to Barnes’ advice and trying to make this MNF running blog a weekly feature. We’ll see how it goes. With no fantasy match-up depending on this game I don’t have that aspect to tackle. However, in order to post our pick’em league’s BEST EVER weekly record of 13-3, I need the Broncos to cover their (-2) spread. Sounds like one Jason Elam field goal to me.

I am looking forward to watching Vince Young play. I haven’t really gotten a chance to watch him play live yet so I am anxious to see how he will perform tonight. I wouldn’t mind him flopping which not only would give me that 13-3 record but would give the Titans the same 6-4 record as the Browns.

If you don’t like South Park then I really don’t want to know you. In a recent episode that featured their Guitar Hero bit, Stan and Kyle run into Jay Cutler at a party. Stan walks up to Cutler and says, “My dad says that you suck, but one day you might be good.” I heart South Park.

I’m hoping to hear a Browns reference from their game yesterday. I’m also counting the number of “Patriots are awesome” references. I’m putting the over/under at around ten for the in-game crew.

Prediction for tonight’s game - Denver 24, Tennessee 20.

Time to saddle up and ride.

8:30 p.m. - I have no problem with Hank Williams Jr. signing “Are you ready for some football?” But, I don’t need to see him driving his GMC truck and walking into the bar. Completely unnecessary.

8:32 p.m. - That AFC South is absolutely loaded. Everyone won this week and the Houston Texans are currently in last place, at 5-5. The Texans would win the NFC South, and could win both the AFC + NFC West divisions.

8:35 p.m. - Tony Kornheiser does a nice piece on the two head coaches tonight. They both were assistants under George Seiffert at San Francisco and are the two longest tenure active coaches in the NFL. Jeff Fisher has been with the Oilers/Titans since 1994 and Mike Shanahan has been with the Broncos since 1995. It’s ridiculous to think that these two AFC teams have met only twice in the past 12 years.

8:40 p.m. - Titans get the ball first and pick up a first down with a nice 8 yard Vince Young scramble on 3rd down.

8:43 p.m. - Eric Moulds sighting! I have been wondering if that guy was still alive or not. Apparently he’s Tennessee’s 2nd WR. It’s safe to say the Titans like to run it a lot.

8:45 p.m. - I’ve seen him several times before but I still cannot get over how big Sam Adams is. That guy is at least four and a half bills.

8:46 p.m. - Denver plays great defense on the first two plays but again gives up another 3rd down conversion to the Titans. Young has converted three third downs in a row.

8:48 p.m. - Young fails to convert a fourth 3rd down and the Titans are forced to punt. Bring out Jay Cutler.

8:52 p.m. - The first quarter is just halfway over and I’m already getting bored. This was a much better idea when I had something relevant riding on the game. I might call it quits before halftime.

8:54 p.m. - Cutler must have been able to read my mind and fires a bullet to Brandon Stokley for a 48-yard touchdown pass. This Titans defense has looked offensive on that first drive. It took Denver three minutes to go 80 yards. Broncos take an early 7-0 lead.

9:01 p.m. - I caught Mike Tirico mid-sentence and I heard him say the number 749. I thought he was referring to Eric Moulds’ age. Apparently that’s how many career catches he has. I like my initial thought better.

9:02 p.m. - Tennessee looks like they are running uphill on offense. Meanwhile, Denver seems to be running downhill on both sides of the ball including special teams. Glenn Martinez takes Tennessee’s punt and returns it 80 yards for a touchdown. That 13-3 is looking very good right now. Denver up 14-0.

9:13 p.m. - Titans begin to drive down the field as the 1st quarter comes to an end. It’s very crucial that they come away with a touchdown on this drive. They do not have the fire power on offense to play catch-up.

9:18 p.m. - Titans answer the Broncos as Vince Young fires a touchdown pass to Brandon Jacobs. Eric Moulds tries to remember what it feels like to catch a touchdown. Recent reports show that Moulds hasn’t scored a touchdown since Rob Johnson was throwing darts in Buffalo. 14-7 Denver. Surprisingly high scoring first half.

9:30 p.m. - So Jason Elam attended Hawaii University? Would not have guessed that one. Is it safe to say he’s the best NFL player currently playing from Hawaii? Somewhere Ashley Lelie is fuming. Broncos kick a field goal and go up 17-7.

9:33 p.m. - No Maxine chip dip tonight. We’re going for a combination of Cheetos and Pringles. Maybe I’ll throw in a Nutty Bar if I feel daring.

9:40 p.m. - LenDale White does his best Tiki Barber impersonation and coughs up the ball. The Titans were moving the ball deep into Denver territory. Meanwhile, Cutler is looking real good.

9:44 p.m. - Shanahan is opening up the playbook tonight. Denver WR Brandon Marshall gets the ball on a reverse, pump fakes a Tennessee LB, (with absolutely no intention of throwing) and picks up 16 yards. I thought this Titans defense was ranked #4? Looks like these rankings are being computed by the BCS. Denver can run any play they want to at this point.

9:50 p.m. - Hawaii grad Jason Elam sneaks another field goal in as the Broncos take a 20-7 lead. A lot of talk about these two QB’s who were drafted just eight picks apart two years ago. After almost one half they are a combined 20/25 for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns. Just your typical line for a QB like Bernie Kosar.

9:57 p.m. - Mike Shanahan gets burned on his ‘timeouts right before the snap of a field goal plan.’ Rob “Ma-ma-ma-my” Bironas misses his first attempt at a 56-yard field goal but is saved by Shanahan’s timeout. He then proceeds to drill the next attempt. We’re at halftime of an actually high scoring and entertaining game. Denver leads 20-10.

10:00 p.m. - No reference to the Browns or the Patriots during the in game crew. Like I’ve said before, this is a decent crew and I’m not surprised they haven’t had to mention either one during this engaging first half.

Halftime thoughts - I’m really looking forward to next week’s Browns-Texans game. First of all, we have the definition of a crew going down to the game. Lucius, Brian, Randy, Hunt, J-Ro, Big John and myself will all be in attendance. Secondly, it’s a game in late November that actually means something for the Browns. That will be a first for me.

Congratulations to C.C. Sabathia and Eric Wedge for winning the A.L Cy Young and Manager of the Year respectively. Both well deserved. Now the key will be re-signing Sabathia and adding a bat before next season gets underway.

Not wanting to toot my own horn or anything, but way back when, I came out with my college football preview I predicted that LSU and West Virginia would meet in the National Championship game. Doesn’t seem too far off now.

Just saw a commercial for Kuebler shoes. It was there that my buddies and I attempted to fix “The Beast” by taping electrical tape on the bottom of it. Go Browns.

10:13 p.m. - Second half is underway. Found out that Suzy Kolber reports on NASCAR events and is not with this MNF crew tonight. I bet Joe Namaith would give her a ride any day of the week.

10:23 p.m. - Jay Cutler throws his 2nd touchdown pass of the night, this one to Brandon Marshall going for 41 yards. I guess Stan’s dad was right. Denver 27, Tennessee 10.

10:28 p.m. - John Elway sighting. I hate that guy. Somewhere Bernie Kosar (probably drinking) is shouting obscenities.

10:29 p.m. - We have the Cleveland Browns reference. Score one for the good guys.

10:30 p.m. - These Titans WR‘s could travel to Asia and not catch SARS. This should come as no surprise. Eric Moulds is starting. I repeat. Eric Moulds is starting.

10:32 p.m. - Costly mistake by Glenn Martinez. Muffed punt is recovered by the Titans and they now have great field position inside Denver’s 30.

10:39 p.m. - A strange sequence of events. Vince Young appears to score a TD on a 2nd down run. Referees ruled that Vince Young was a yard short. Jeff Fisher hesitated about 15 times in a 10 second span and finally decided NOT to throw the challenge flag. The Titans run a play on 3rd down as Young gets tackled on a loss of one yard, setting up 4th and goal. Referees ruled that the 3rd down play never happened due to a timeout by Denver’s LB Nate Webster, yet there was no whistle or anything. Jeff Fisher then decided to challenge the 2nd down play and the referees rule it a touchdown. Bizarre, but fitting for this week in the NFL. Denver 27, Tennessee 17, A-Rod’s career playoff batting average .275.

10:48 p.m. - There’s no way I’m doing a running blog next week. Dolphins vs. Steelers. However, it would be nice to make a countless number of Cam Cameron, Teddy Ginn, and John Beck jokes. Now I’m actually looking forward to it.

10:50 p.m. - Tennessee’s defense is starting to make some noise. 3rd down sack of Jay Cutler has the Broncos punting. Turning point of the 2nd half has to be Martinez’s muffed punt.

10:57 p.m. - The Titans are just moving right on down the field. You can literally see the momentum changing hands. End of the 3rd quarter. Denver 27, Tennessee 17, Barry Bonds’ syringes - priceless.

11:00 p.m. - I haven’t mentioned his name yet but I’m falling in love with Joshua Cribbs. He’s the best special teams player in the entire league. I’ve seen him mature over the past couple of years and now he is a threat every time he touches the ball. He also has his own television show, ‘Josh’s Cribbs.’ What’s not to love? In other news Rob Bironas kicks his 2nd field goal of the game and now the Titans trail by seven. Big drive coming up for Denver.

11:06 p.m. - Andre Hall. That’s right, Andre Hall takes his first carry and runs 62 yards for a touchdown. This is what Denver does. Selvin Young gets injured and in comes Hall. One goes down and in comes another with zero drop-off. Denver back up by 14, 34-20.

11:12 p.m. - Big play for the Titans. 3rd down, deep in their own territory, down by 14. Young completes a pass but it is short of the 1st down. Three + out =13-3 for this guy.

11:25 p.m. - Tennessee gets the ball back quickly and now is moving down the field. However their drive hits a speed bump when Young tries to throw it to 749 yr. old Eric Moulds on two straight plays. Moulds drops the first attempt and then Dre’ Bly steps in front of the second resulting in an INT. As Tom Hamilton puts it, “Ball Game.”

11:28 p.m. - Rod Smith looks very old. It’s times like these I’m glad I don’t have a High Definition television.

11:37 p.m. - Vince Young has thrown for over 300 yards for the first time in his career. On his very next throw he hits Ian Gold over the middle. Too bad Gold is Denver’s LB. The Browns are now tied with the Titans at 6-4 for the 2nd AFC Wild Card spot. Meanwhile yours truly goes 13-3 and now has a nine game lead in first place.

11:40 p.m. - Cutler and the Broncos are in victory formation as they move to 5-5 and are in a 1st place tie in the AFC West with the San Diego Chargers. Final score - Denver 34, Tennessee 20.

We’ve had Rob Johnson, countless number of rips on Eric Moulds, Tom Hamilton quotes, Bernie Kosar drinking, a South Park reference, Joe Namaith taking Suzy Kolber for a ride, A-Rod‘s postseason stats, Barry Bonds syringes, a SARS mention, and a Kuebler Shoes commercial.

Welcome to the life of the running blog. You never know where it’s going to take you.

Until next time, “read it, roll it, hole it.”