Village Challange II Continues... (FOF 2)

[Syrinx]

-2014 Score-

Performance - 81
Value - 76
Profit - 60
Difficulty - 71
Total - 71


-2015 Offseason-
The Hall of fame adds 3 new members:
Larry Allen
Curtis Martin
Bryant Young

And surprisingly Cleveland avoids any retirements.
Both our coach and scout are still at their peak and have job security over the next 2 years.

Looking to re-shape some of the team, and free up some cap room, we trade 3rd string QB Rob Miller to the Card's for this year's first round pick, plus a first and second for next year. Miller will most likely start for Arizona.

A lot of renegotiations with our current players whose contracts are up at years end. And we end up $19 mil under the cap going into free agency. The biggest news story to come out is that 17 year vet Blaine Davies, is in his contract's last year but is not extended. Davies will either retire, or be made the team's franchise player at year's end.

Our team is solid. Mainly we need some youth and depth at DE, CB and WR. We also need Clark to step it up in the next year or two as Davies has hit his twilight years.
If I see a true stud at any of those positions (well... not CB), or at RB, I'll trade up to get him. I'm not convinced that Rico's the man.

We have 5 role players up for Free Agency, we'll try to retain a few of them, and look for less pricey alternatives for those who want starter money.

Looking through FA nothing jumps out at us (it helps that we have no major holes)

Going through the motions, we find some decently priced back up players, this helps us out as a few of our backups are ticked off at their playing time, and won't renegotiate their contracts. We'll probably dump a few. Also as a side note, the Lofton brothers are united for the first time.

Long time Brown, Bobby Lofton and kid brother Mack Lofton are the 1-2 punch at Tight End. Mack was playing for the Cowboys, but his injuries over the last 2 years soured that relationship. When Bobby heard his kid brother was looking around, he put in a good word for him with management.

Trade offers come and go, only one looks appealing, but with out the Draft view, there's no way to tell if I can re-stock, so I let it slide.

Going into the draft we have both the 13th and 27th pick in the first, and one pick in each of the lower rounds.

Seeing a well stocked draft, we watch as DE's and WR's fly off the board. After the third DE is taken at number 6, we realize we won't be able to get the kind of player we want want at both positions, sitting where we are. We approach Oakland (owner of the 7th pick) with an offer of our 27th pick, our third rounder, as well as our extra second rounder next year for their top pick. They agree, and we immediately grab a top DE prospect.

As we come to the 13th pick, two of the better WR's are still available (a total of 9 WR's ended up being selected durring the first round). We try to trade down a few spots, but we get no takers, so making a tough call we take one.

Seeing nothing inspiring in the lower rounds (our backups are better then these chumps) we trade the remainder of our picks for Seattle's first selection next year.

Draft Results:
1st(7) - Sedrick Copeland DE (100/100/88 potential)
1st(13) - Marc Francis WR (72/100/97/92/77/2/2/74)

After the draft we sign 4 rookies to long term deals, 2 project LB's a project CB, and a return specialist.

We are looking at doing some trades to get ready for next year, we have a lot of players in the last year(s) of their contract and are angry about playing time... and most of them are not even second on the depth chart! I'll see what I can do without harming cohesion.

To Be Continued...

[Darkiller]

Great Job Syrinx !

I think as for Blaine you did the right thing.
I hate to say that but hopefully he'll retire after the season so that we don't have to pay him to much for another twilight year.

Also, I beg you to to make him win one last 5th SuperBowl ring before he calls it quits

Good luck !
(I love that Copeland we drafted in the 1st round...can't wait to see how he'll do)


[This message has been edited by Darkiller (edited 11-15-2000).]

[WebEwbank]

Perfect. Anything past the first round is usually trash in any case. I agree: Rico will have to sustain his production to make a believer out of me; I see him as a Robert Edwards-type or Leonard Russell-type back: one good year and then a tragedy or a quick fade. Still, I could be convinced. The WR you snagged is also needed. We are really getting a solid D at S and DL; another Dukish LB would be great to find.

[Syrinx]

Trades...
We send backup TE Cronk to Jacksonville, along with our 5,6 and 7 next year for their number 2 next year.
Backup Guard Franklin goes to the Jets along with 2 4's and a 7 for their 2017 first rounder.
The 9ers take LB Butler and WR Fredrickson for their number one in 2017
Our last trade, we trade our 2016 first rounder and backup LB Vinny Ray to St. Louis for their number 1 and number 2 pick in 2016.

With all of this we now have 3 ones, 3 twos and a three for 2016
We also have 3 ones, 2 twos and a three for 2017.
We have all of our normal picks for 2018.

We also have a stacked 53 man roster that ranks number 1 in the league.
Our overall value is $1,142,960,000, ranked 5th in the league. Our stadium is killing us, but I hope we can hold out 'til 2020.


Another Season Ticket sell out.
Cohesion 90/85/82/82

The Browns cruise through the preseason undefeated. But 2 injuries have the team worried. Split End Hardy Dougherty is out 3-5 Weeks and Defensive Tackle Phillip Hamilton is lost for 2-3 Months

To make room for a 4th tackle we trade our 3rd Center to the Bills along with our 4th 6th and 7th picks in 2018 for their first rounder in 2018. We pick up ex-Packer Donny Downs on a one year deal to play DT while Hamilton is out.

With Dougherty down, rookie Wideout Marc Francis will get the start. (Bushon, last year's split end, has seen his ratings dropped due to age and injuries)

Starting Line-up for the Season Opener (with year they joined the team and GM)
QB Davies (1999 Darkiller) - although Clark is only rated 2 points (out of 100) behind him
RB Rodriguez (2014 WebEwbank)
FB Chin (2010 Darkiller)
TE Lofton (2003 WebEwbank)
WR Garcia (2013 WebEwbank)
WR Francis (2015 Syrinx)
C Galyon (2010 Darkiller)
G Page (2009 Darkiller)
G Corbett (2008 Subby)
T Hamilton (2013 WebEwbank)
T Banks (2013 WebEwbank)
P Kindred (2013 WebEwbank)
K Milne (2013 WebEwbank)
DE Clinton (2014 WebEwbank)
DE Champion (2004 WebEwbank) - Although rookie Copeland is the starting end on passing downs
DT Downs (2015 Syrinx)
DT Eddings (2012 TheRoyalOne)
LB Wheeler (2012 TheRoyalOne) - This guy just hit his prime, and looks like The Duke
LB Monroe (2009 Darkiller)
LB Kobeski (2008 Subby)
CB Ferderer (2005 Syrinx) - wow one of my first term guys
CB Mathewes (2013 WebEwbank) - BJ Carr is still on the team as the Dime back - He holds the Franchise record with 41 Ints
S Foster (2012 TheRoyalOne)
S Dunkelberger (2013 WebEwbank)

Regular Season

Week 1
Cleveland(0-0)-6 vs. Dallas
This game was close, with 22 of the points coming in the 4th quarter. We dominated in time of possession and we allowed only 3 of 13 third down conversions. Rico sprained his knee (he should start next week), and Casey had to fill in.
Davies 18 of 33 for 223 yards, 2 TD's and 1 Int
Casey 26 carries for 77 yards and 1 TD
8 Different players caught passes, but no player had over 50 yards
Downs had 2.5 sacks and Clinton had 1.5
Wheeler made 7 tackles
Browns 21 Cowboys 18

Week 2
Cleveland(1-0)-11 vs. Washington(0-1)
We provided total domination on both sides of the ball. Time of possession, third downs, Turnovers, rushing yards, passing efficiency, everything.
Davies 28/18/228 with 1 TD and no picks
Rodriguez 17 carries for 69 yards and 6 catches for 48 yards as both the leading rusher and receiver
All 3 LB's had 7 tackles
Downs and Clinton each got another sack
Carr and Dunkelberger each got a pick
But the Defensive player of the game was Ferderer who took an interception back 78 yards for a score
Browns 20 Redskins 3

Week 3
Cleveland(2-0)-8 vs. Tennessee(0-2)
In our first divisional contest, we come up short. The running game was stagnant, and the passing was sloppy. Davies, trying to play catch-up, dug us in deeper instead with 4 picks.
Davies 44/24/386 with 1 TD and 4 picks
Rodriguez 14 carries for 42 yards and 5 catches for 56 yards
WR Dougherty had 5 catches for 58 yards
WR Bushon had 4 for 86
WR Francis had 4for 78 and a TD
All 3 LB's had 7 tackles
Clinton got another sack, and Cpt. Kirk got his first sack of the season
McElroy got a pick starting for the injured Mathews
Wheeler had another 7 tackle game
Browns 15 Titans 24

Week 4
Cleveland(2-1)+2 @ Baltimore(1-2)
Our first road game, and we go in as dogs no less...
And come out with a win. It was an ugly win, but a win none the less.
Again the running game was stagnant, but our defense kept our inefficient offense in the game enough to go ahead with two long strikes from Davies.
Davies 17/10/206/2/1
Rodriguez 22/74/0
Francis 3 catches for 81 yards and a TD
Swift, Foster and McElroy each got an interception
Clinton and Copeland each got 2.5 sacks
(Our D completely tore apart ex-Brown Jesse Sieh as he was sacked and intercepted as many times in this game as he was in his first 3 games combines)
LB Kobeski led the team with 7 tackles
Browns 17 Ravens 16

Week 5
Cleveland(3-1)-3 @ Pittsburgh(3-1)
The top two teams in the division face off for an early match with playoff implications!
The Browns come up big in this firestorm, Rico set the pace early with a 36 yard TD Run for the first score of the game. The Browns trailed 15-14 at the middle of the third, but scored 18 points over the next 15 minutes to put the game away.
Davies 17/11/194 and 3 TD's
Rodriguez 27 carries 165 yards! (6.1 avg) and 1 TD
Francis caught 2 passes for 50 yards, both were TD's
Foster and Monroe had 8 tackles a piece
Ferderer got a pick
Clinton, Copeland and Eddings each got a sack
Browns 32 Steelers 22

Week 6
Cleveland(4-1)-2 @ Jacksonville(1-4)
Unlike the Tennessee game, we stay focused against an inferior division opponent, and the results show. For the second week in a row Rodriguez gets the first score in the game. The Browns hold the Jaguars to only one successful third down conversion, and holds the ball for over 34 minutes of the game.
Davies 43/20/257/1/2
Rodriguez 23/95/1 on the ground and 2/32 in the air
Bushon 6 catches for 88 yards
Kobeski had 7 stops
Hamilton, in his first game back, had 6 stops and a sack
Copeland and Clinton each added a sack
Swift, McElroy and Foster each got a pick
Browns 23 Jaguars 10

Week 7
Cleveland(5-1)+2 vs Charlottesville(5-1)
In a possible AFC Championship preview the Central leading Browns take on the Western division leading Spangles.
Another Rico TD to start the scoring, and the Spangles can never catch up.
Davies 30/12/118/1 - Davies just couldn't connect with his targets today
Rodriguez 22/155/1 - but with running like that...
Garcia 4 catches for 50 yards
Wheeler had 9 stops
Copeland got a pick off of a batted ball
Swift and Foster each got a pick, Swift also added a sack
Browns 23 Spangles 10

Week 8
Cleveland(6-1)-8 vs Baltimore (3-4)
This game was much closer then it should have been. Both teams played evenly across the board, and it took a Milne FG with 2:00 left to send it into OT, where another Milne FG won it mid way through the extra period.
Davies 40/20/313/1/0 Davies also had a QB sneak for a TD in the first quarter
Rodriguez 20/83
Francis 5/114
Garcia 5/102
Foster led with 9 tackles
Swift had 8 tackles and the games only Int
Clinton and Hamilton each had 2 sacks, and Copeland added one more.
Browns 23 Ravens 20


Mid Season Report
We lead the AFC in defense, with only 123 Points allowed and a League high 15 Interceptions
Clinton is third in the League with 10 sacks
Swift is third in the League with 4 Interceptions
Davies leads the league in passing yards with 1925 and is tenth with an 80.4 rating which is well below his career average of 87.4
Rico Rodriguez is 5th in rushing 691 yards and has 4.7 yards per carry (after a very slow start)
Our receivers are all having decent years, but none have enough catches to be near the top of the charts, as Davies has spread the ball around pretty well.
And we are the only team in the league with just one loss.

AFC Central Standings
Cleveland 7-1
Pittsburgh 4-3
Tennessee 4-4
Baltimore 3-5
Cincinatti 2-5
Jacksonville 1-6

[This message has been edited by Syrinx (edited 11-16-2000).]

Our defense is scary good and with Hamilton back in the fold its only scarier.

BTW I love the roster breakdown with who is responsible for the starters, though some of which is probably dictated by the last GM, looks like Web got us quite a few good players.

We have very few old players, Clark is going to have a great team ready for him next year.

Go Browns!!!

[Syrinx]

Yeah,
WebEwbank was right before me, so a lot of the players he picked up in his most recent run are in starting positions. But he had to deal with some key retirements, and did quite a job.

[WebEwbank]

Wow: trading Vinny Ray for a 2nd pick. That is Monty Hall-level goodness. I really like the fact that rook WR Franklin is forced to get early PT; WR may be our shakiest unit, and Clark will need a seasoned set of wideouts as he suffers through his learning seasons. Our depth is really great now - witness the top picks we're getting for third-stringers. You have certainly loaded the clip as far as draft picks goes ! I think I did add some decent talent, but have the lingering feeling I should have won two Bowls,instead of zero, in my four years. I see Rico as the ideal #2 back if we could pick up someone better. That might be the last thing our O needs : a dominant tailback.

[Syrinx]

Week 9
Cleveland(7-1)-10 vs Pittsburgh(4-3)
The Steelers needed this game more then us and it showed. The Browns, always in the lead, could never put Pittsburgh away as we settled time and time again for field goals. Then it happened... We were leading 12-6 with only 2:12 remaining, but Steelers RB Cornell Shaeffer ripped off a 70 yard run (his longest of his career) for a score. The Browns offense, unable to strike decisively all day couldn't match it and the Steelers pulled out a win.
Davies 37/20/302/0/1
Rodriguez 24/72/0
Dougherty 6 catches for 152 yards
Milne was 4 for 6 on FG attempts, 2 failed attempts that could of won it (or you could see it as 6 failed TD attempts that could have won it)
Wheeler 6 Tackles
Dunkelberger and Ferderer each had a pick
Hamilton and Dunkelberger each got to the QB once
Browns 12 Steelers 13

Week 10
Cleveland(7-2)-8 at San Diego(3-5)
I feel sorry for the Chargers, down on their luck as they are, they face a Browns team that just received a wake up call. And boy did we wake up...
In the first quarter, Rico ran... big time for an 80 yard TD. Down 17 nothing at the start of the second quarter, the Chargers tried to get back in the game, with two TD drives. But in the second half the Browns defense stiffened, and the offense continued to pour on the points. Davies went out in the second half with a sprained knee and will likely start after the bye, Clark filled in well, playing it safe and not giving up the game.
Davies 17/9/99/1/1
Clark 7/5/76/0/0
Rodriguez 19/173/1 (averaging over 5 yards a carry without including the 80 yard dash!)
Wheeler, Dunkelberger and O'Donnell each had 7 stops
McElroy got an INT
and Monroe got the only sack
Browns 33 Chargers 14

Week 11 - Bye

Week 12
Cleveland(8-2)-4 @ Tennessee(5-5)
the up and down Titans host the division leading Browns. The Titans are looking for an upset to cause a season sweep. The Browns are wary and should be able to put them away...
The Browns come out of the gate strong, taking a 17-7 lead into half time, but at the end of the third quarter, another long run by the opponent (this time for 96 yards ) ties the score. The Browns win the battle of field position, and mount one last scoring drive, capped by a 3 yard scoring plunge by Rodriguez for the win.
Davies 40/19/290/1/0
Rodriguez 32/102/2
Dougherty 5/93/1
Dunkelberger and Ferderer each got an interception
Kobeski led with 6 tackles
Browns 24 Titans 17

Week 13
Cleveland(9-2)-5 vs Arizona(4-7)
The Browns held a 17-3 lead late in the third, when a Davies pass went awry. Arizona returned it for a score, and for a moment took the momentum. But Arizona's Offense still couldn't dent the formidable Browns defense and came up empty. Cleveland put the game out of reach with a Field goal at 3:55 left in the game. Arizona mounted one last comeback drive, and finally got to the endzone with under 3 minutes left in the game... but it was too little, too late. Cleveland held on for the last minutes and came away with a 3 point win.
Davies 32/20/246/2/2
Rodriguez 32/102/0
Dougherty 6/87/2
Foster, in his first game back from injury, led with 6 tackles and a fumble recovery
Swift got a pick
Hamilton and Clinton had a sack and a half each, O'Donnel had a sack, and Champion and Copeland each got 1/2 a sack
Browns 20 Cardinals 17

Week 14
Cleveland(10-2)-2 @ Cincinnati(6-5-1)
This game was so lopsided I don't know where to begin. We dominated on every level.
The Bengals couldn't get in the end zone, they couldn't stop the pass, they couldn't stop the run...
Davies 27/17/203/2/0
Rodriguez 22/104/1 rushing and 6/57 receiving
Garcia 5/71 receiving
Swift 6 tackles and an interception
Clinton, Copeland, and Stuart each got a sack
WR Francis recovered a fumbled Bengals punt return, and took it into the endzone
Browns 31 Bengals 6

Week 15
Cleveland(11-2) vs Jacksonville(4-9)
This one was a nail biter. Up 10-0 at the end of the first, down 10-17 at the half, still down 16-17 at the end of the third. 4th Qtr. 6:37 to go a Browns FG to pull ahead 19-17. But plenty of time on the board for Jacksonville to come back... And they start to drive, a slant here, a fade there, and right after the 2 min. warning they move into FG range, and keep driving ... Then a pass down to the 11, but wait, Browns corner Christian Ferderer steps in front of the ball, grabs it out of the air right in front of the receiver, then races 89 yards down the sideline for a TD that puts the game out of reach!!
Davies 38/19/239/1
Rodriguez 19/110
Daugherty 5/66
Wheeler 7 tackles and a Sack
Swift 7 tackles and a Pick
Ferderer 4 tackles, and the game saving interception/TD
McElroy also made an interception
Browns 26 Jaguars 17

Week 16
Cleveland(12-2) @ Miami (6-8)
Miami went for the Jugular, and came out firing. For a while it worked, as they stunned the Browns with 17 unanswered first quarter points. But Coach Martin Force rallied the troops, and by Halftime the score was tied at 17! The second half was the exact opposite as the first, as no one could move the ball with much efficiency. The only score being a Cleveland FG early in the fourth, that proved to be the game winner.
On the down side, we lost Christian Ferderer for the rest of the season(which for us isn't going to be just one more game)
Davies 33/18/232/2/2
Rodriguez 18 carries for 73 yards, and 2 catches for 22 yards and a TD
Dougherty 6/83/1
O'Donnel 7 Tackles and a Sack
Swift 4 Tackles and 2 Int's -along with D player of the Week
Dunkelberger and Wheeler each added a sack
Browns 20 Dolphins 17

Week 17
Cleveland(13-2)-11 vs Cincinnati(6-8-1)
Another lopsided game against the bungles, that wasn't even as close as the score shows.
Midway through the 4th quarter leading 43-6 (and having wrapped up the division 2 weeks before) !! The Browns went into auto pilot mode as they celebrated on the sideline and allowed the Bengals to score 14 meaningless points.
Davies 26/13/263/1/1 as well as 7 Carries for 40 yards and a score (WHAT IS DAVIES THINKING!!! A meaningless game, right before the playoffs, and he's out running around asking to get his head knocked off!!)
Rodriguez 19/112/1
Lofton (The Elder) 4/123/1
Milne 6/6 FG 4/4 PAT
McElroy 5 Tackles
Clinton 2 sacks, Copeland 1
Browns 46 Bengals 20


At 14-2 we are undisputed AFC Central Champs, and have home field advantage throughout the playoffs!! With the number 3 scoring offense, and the number 1 (in terms of points against) defense. The Browns are the clear favorites to win the Bowl!

To Be Continued...

[WebEwbank]

Absolutely a stunning season. No single game mattered, yet we played each as if it did. Force has certainly improved his Knute Rockne speech-making. I can't wait to see the season totals, even more than the playoffs. It appeared that no WR really stood out, Rico was useful but not overpowering (except for 4 or 5 games), and Davies was his old self. It seems that Dunkelberger starts, and Matthews was pushed to the bench (his number was NEVER called by the announcers). No LB really stood out either, and maybe this factors into our propensity to give up the 70-yard-plus TD scamper.

You also deserve an award for the best game writeups yet. The level of detail was perfect, and they read like stories.

[Syrinx]

2015 Playoffs
Wild Cards

Buffalo 6
Milwaukee 35

New Orleans 21
Carolina 13

Indianapolis 16
Charlottesville 9

Tampa Bay 10
Minnesota 13

Quarter Finals

Minnesota 19
New York (N) 30

New Orleans 24
San Francisco 47

Milwaukee 7
Seattle 23

Cleveland(14-2)-1 vs Indianapolis(11-6)
Let's hope this week of decisive home team victories continues
We go in with 2 starters unavailable(C,CB), and one who is questionable(S), but with our depth, I am not too worried.
Cleveland takes an early 3 point lead, but on the last play of the first quarter ex-Brown Tommy Pieper and Rookie End Billy Meechan meet in the backfield on top of Davies, who comes up limping, on what is later diagnosed as a sprained ankle. So at 3rd and 14 the 2nd quarter starts. Clark steps in and delivers. He starts with a 37 yarder to Lofton, then Rico breaks one for 18. Clark has a pass dropped by Dougherty, then has to scramble on second, but faced with another big 3rd down, Clark again delivers on target this time to Garcia for 10. Clark then goes back to Dougherty, who this time makes the catch, for 14 yard and the score! A few drives later, Indy is threatening, but the defense holds for three straight downs on the 4 yard line, and the Colts settle for 3. The Browns respond in kind, as Rodriguez carries the team back to FG range where Milne puts one up with 12 seconds left in the half. Browns 13-Colts 3 at the half

Feelings are mixed in the Browns locker room at the half. Davies has ice on his ankle, the Browns have a 10 point lead, and need a solid half of football to preserve the win.

The browns can do nothing in the 3rd, as the Colts slowly erase the 10 point lead (helped by a Int thrown by Clark in Browns territory). The clock keeps ticking down... With 9:00 left in the game, the Browns start another drive, this time from their own 20. Clark and Rodriguez start to get things going, as a flawless drive is executed: Clark to Francis for 13. Rico for 24. Rico for 11. Clark to Garcia for 21. Rico for 2. Rico for 9 into the endzone! Browns 20 - Colts 13. With only 5 and a half minutes left, the Colts start at the 3 (after a hold on the return). Backed up to their own endzone, the Colts go conservative, and fail to produce a first down. Both teams then do nothing for the final 4 minutes as the teams trade punts and Rodriguez eats up clock time. AFC Championship here we come!
Clark 16/8/129/1/1
Davies 3/3/60/0/0
Rodriguez 26/155/1
Garcia 3/62
Dougherty 3/43/1
Kobeski 9 Tackles
Dunkelberger 1 Int
Clinton 1 Sack
Browns 20 Colts 13

Conference Championships
Giants 23
49ers 13

Cleveland(15-2)-9 vs Seattle(12-5)
The biggest decision of my GM tenure. The scout recommends going with Clark, Davies is listed as probable. But 2 factors make me go with Davies. First off his big game experience is key for us, secondly, the drop from 90 to 70 in passing cohesion this change would cause is not something I want to see in the playoffs. So Davies gets the start...
Seattle starts, but gets nothing. Cleveland then proceeds to score on their opening drive, keyed by a 48 yard run by Rico Rodriguez. And capped by a Davies pass to Dougherty. Seattle puts up three on their next drive. But on the first play of Cleveland's second drive, Seattle picks off a Davies pass and returns it to the Cleveland 5. Seattle manages to put the ball in the endzone for a 10-7 lead.
In the second Qtr Cleveland drives into Seattle territory 3 times, but comes away empty handed. Seattle only gets into Browns territory once in the qtr, but come away with another 3 points. Cleveland 7 - Seattle 13 at the half
Cleveland's first drive of the second half stalls, but on third and 9 Seattle QB Wilson gets picked off by Browns corner Mathews. Even with the ball on the 28, the Browns can only manage 1 yard, but they get 3 points. Seattle starts another long drive getting down to the Cleveland 32, but again Mathews grabs another Wilson pass. Mathews takes it back and is dragged down at the Seahawks 9. Yet again the Browns settle for 3 Tying the game at 13. Late in the 3rd, the Browns offense finally start a long scoring drive that eats up 6 minutes of game time, included 11 passes and 2 runs by Davies, and results in another TD pass from Davies to Dougherty. Browns 20 Seahawks 13 - 11:22 left in the game.
Seattle's next drive ends with another Int in Seattle territory. But the Browns can't capitalize. The Seahawks go 3 and out with a good punt, but Browns return man Stegeman erases most of the punt with a 21 yard return. Yet again the Browns offense find themselves starting in Seattle territory. They only come away with another 3. Seattle again goes 3 and out, and Cleveland then adds 3 more while eating away 4 more minutes off clock time. the two minute warning is reached as Seattle gets the ball down 26-13. Seattle goes into desperation mode, converting on one fourth down, but not on the second. Cleveland, again with good field position, adds a meaningless 3 as time expires. The Browns are AFC Champs again!!
Davies 47/22/273/2/1
Rodriguez 18/104/0
Garcia 8/89
Lofton 5/79
Dougherty 4/49/2
Monroe and Wheeler had 6 stops
Hamilton and Clinton had a sack
Dunkelberger had one Interception
Matthews (who fought injuries throughout the regular season) had 3 interceptions, 82 return yards and is D. player of the week
Browns 29 Seahawks 13

...

[Syrinx]

FOF Bowl
Cleveland vs New York G
The game starts on a sour note as the Giants drive 68 yards for a TD on their opening drive. The Browns start great with a 25 yard Rodriguez run. But the Giants stuff the next run and 2 incompletions later we have to punt. Both teams battle for field position into the second quarter, with the Browns coming out on top. Starting at their own 45. Rodriguez turns a screen into a 12 yard gain, then Cleveland comes up big with a 40 yard run by Rico. FB Chin then plunges in from the 3. 7-7 tie! After the Giants do nothing, Cleveland gets the ball back. But on 3rd and 16, Davies is picked off. Giants ball at our 37. Our defense holds, and they only score 3. Each team gets one more possession, but don't do anything, going into half time 7-10 Giants.
Cleveland starts the next half, but are intercepted off a Davies bomb delivered to Giants territory. The giants can't do anything, and Cleveland gets the ball back. Rodriguez carries the team to the Giants 17, but on 3rd and 4, New York gets a big sack, forcing the Browns to settle for 3. 10-10 tie score
But on the first play of their next drive, New York strikes for a big play 72 yard pass to the 13. The giants throw again for the score. 10-17 Giants lead halfway through the third.
Cleveland then drives from their own 19, just into Giants territory, where Rodriguez, having the game of his life so far (aside from a lack of scoring) fumbles The giants recover, then take 5 minutes off the clock and drive down for a FG and a 10 point lead.
Rodriguez and Davies then work the field. Starting from their 9 they get to the New York 36. From there Davies hits Francis for a long score! The Browns pull back within 3. With a little over 12 minutes left to go. The Giants are 3 and out and with 10:32 left the Browns take over at their 30, But the Giants key on Rodriguez and we go 3 and out ourselves. The Giants eat up more precious time, before punting and pinning us back at our 4. Rodriguez helps move the team out to the 28, but a 2 underthrown Davies passes force us to punt. Again the D comes up big, holding them to 3 and out, giving us one more chance. With all our timeouts used to keep the Giants from killing the clock on their last drive, We have the ball on our 32 with 2:20 to go. 1-10 Davies incomplete, 2-10 false start, 2-15 Davies incomplete. 3-15 False Start.... 3-20 Davies to Dougherty for 18! 2 minute warning....

And this is when I wish I didn't sim the games, and read the logs after. 4th and 2 on our 40 2:00 left in the Superbowl, down by 3 and... we PUNT!?!?!??? We have no time outs, the Giants simply run out the clock without gaining any yardage. What kind of play call is that???
We Outgained them 413 yards to 279, but coughing up 3 turnovers and forcing none as well as our 12 penalties killed us. We handed them this game
Davies 31/17/239/1/2
Rodriguez 26 carries, 156 yards and 7 catches for 73 yards! All with no TD's and one fumble. This was close to the greatest single performance of all time, but came up short in 2 stats.
Garcia 5 Catches for 80 yards
Kobeski 6 Tackles
Champion got 1.5 sacks, Hamilton got 1, and Kirk got .5
Browns 17 Giants 20

Season Statistics (with League ranking)
-Individuals-
Blaine Davies 502(4th)attempts, 268 completions, 53.3%, 3799(2nd) yards, 22(tied4th)TDs, 15Ints, 80.2(11th) Rating
Rico Rodriguez 332(4th) carries, 1539(2) yards, 4.6(10th)avg, 8(tied 13th) TD's and 35 Catches 321 Yards 9.1 avg 1 TD - and, I fell, robbed of the 2nd All-League award

WR Darren Garcia 51 Catches, 698 yards, 13.6avg, 1 TD
WR Hardy Dougherty 43 Catches, 698 yards, 16.2avg(10th), 5TD
WR Marc Francis 33 Catches, 597 yards, 18.0avg(3rd), 4TD
TE Bobby Lofton 31 Catches, 476 yards, 15.3 avg, 1TD
WR B.J. Bushon 31 Catches, 451 yards, 14.5 avg, 3TD

G Norbert Page 32/73 43.8% run blocking and only 3 Sacks allowed, also being robbed of 2nd team honors

K Burt Milne 40(2nd)/53(1st) FG, 36/36 PAT, Awarded 2nd Team All League Kicker

DE Dennis Clinton 14.5(tied10th) Sacks

LB Wheeler 82 Tackles, 2 sacks

S Joeseph Swift 67 Tackles, 9(tied 1st)Int's, Named Second Team All League Safety
CB Gus McElroy 5 Ints
CB Christian Ferderer 5 Ints, 179(1st) return yards, and 2(tied 3rd) TD's

-Team-
Turnovers: +14(1st)
Offense
Rushing:2125(7th) Passing:3882(3rd) 3rd Down conversions:.358(17th) Points:386(4th)
Defense
Rushing:1558(2nd) Passing:3280(10th) 3rd Down conversions:.281(1st) Points:244(1st)

Summary: Our Defense was ferocious, and our Offense was pretty darn good. We couldn't make the kill shot all the time, and it hurt us in the end. I'd prefer not to lead the league in FG attempts, that means we could have (should have) had more TD's instead.

Final Score
95/84/63/71--> 79

[Syrinx]

Sorry for the Dola-posting.

I have 2 questions, that i'd like to pose to the group.

1. Davies has decided NOT to retire, but I'm pretty sure he'll be rated lower then Clark. What are your thoughts on who should start?
2. We are getting killed in the profit area, we are making money, but not as much as we could, and the problem is our stadium. How do you all feel about starting the new one now, instead of waiting 4 more years for VR-Suites? Anyone remember when bio-grass becomes available?

Start Clark through the preseason, if he deserves the start, give him a few games but I also want to see Davies atop the career passing marks if possible, is Peyton still playing or can we finally gain groung on him?

What are Clarks ratings and potential? If he doesn't see playing time he won't reach anything.

I think we should wait for our new stadium, but he really do need one and would be OK going for one now.

[WebEwbank]

I think the stadium features occur in about 2020 and about 2040.

Can't really take a stand on Davies vs. Clark. If one guy is significantly better, then he should probably get most of the PT.

You could consider starting Blaine, spot-starting Lee against the poor teams, when Blaine is dinged, or late in the year, when a playoff spot is secured.

Tough way to end a great season.

I have not called any Village plays. The ONLY time I call plays is in Q4 of tight playoff games, precisely becuase of what happened, or, worse, when we kick a field goal, down by 4 or 5 with under 2 minutes left and no time outs.

[Subby]

Congrats on a great season, Syrinx.

One more Superbowl try for Davies!

Definitely wait for a new stadium - it will payoff if we can wait.



[This message has been edited by Subby (edited 11-18-2000).]

[Syrinx]

-2016-
Well we had a great year last year, and hope to go one better and bring home Bowl Win.
Apparently Blaine Davies feels the same, as he shocks management and doesn't decide to call it quits. This could present some interesting scenarios this season as Clark will likely be the better pure passer, while Davies experience and leadership is a big plus. Obviously, as a keeper, Davies is tagged as our Franchise Player.

We do loose one player to retirement, FB Chester Tindale hangs up his cleats.

Please welcome Darrell Russell, Kordell Stewart and Curtis Enis to the league hall of fame.

And let me introduce, the Cleveland Browns' first Team HOF members:
WR Harvey Wallace, one of Davies favorite targets, and holder of both franchise receiving records.
DT B.J. Mudgett a 13 Year mainstay of our great defensive line
and...
You know him, you love him...
Number 35 RB Donnie Sheen!!!!
2002 Rookie of the Year, 2 Time FOF Bowl MVP, 3 Time 1st Team back, 2 Time Offensive Player of the year, 2 Time second team back and 2010 League MVP. Sheen holds all of the Team rushing records, and is one of the top 5 in the league in all rushing records. Sheen also averaged more then 34 catches per season, and racked up 20 receiving TD's , to go along with his 108 rushing TD's he may have been to the endzone more then any other player in league history(he has more then anyone in the HOF, and only 2 non-HOF players have more rushing TD's). And of course as you all know, this doesn't include his playoff numbers... When Donnie got to the postseason, he was like a man possessed, as shown by his 2 Bowl MVP awards.

We raise ticket prices, but not to the highest, we also don't request a new stadium, even though both Loyalty and Support are at 100. Waiting for V-R to come out in 2020.

We get some interesting trade offers, and again I wish I could see the Draft... For Rico Rodriguez, we are being offered the number 2 pick in the draft. Which would go nicely with our number 1, number 10 and number 19 choices. But with Rico's outstanding performance last year (although we do need to teach the boy about getting into the endzone), he's not leaving us this year.

I'm going to do 2 rounds of re-negotiations. First any player who is in their last year, and I can extend for the same or less I do. This gives us $35 mil under the cap, with $21 mil reserved for rookies. I plan to try to re-sign 2 of our non-Franchised Free Agents. TE Bobby Lofton, and DT Donny Downs (who filled in great as a one year pick up last year).

In some manner I need to pick up a backup FB, and if possible a future super star at T and WR. I also need to sign a starting TE (perhaps Lofton who is one of our FA's) And rework Davies contract after the draft. After the draft, I'll also use some of our Draft reserve to extend some of our star players who want more money.

In Free Agency we had no new pick-ups, but re-signed a few players (including Lofton). Saving most of our money for the draft, and more re-negotiations.

In the draft we hit a windfall.
Rnd 1(1) - Robbie Jeffries, WR, Kansas State
Rnd 1(10) - Scott Fleming, T, Marshall
Rnd 1(19) - Clarence Lee, FB, Colorado
Rnd 2 - Kenneth Stone, RB, Morningside
Rnd 2 - Bernard Cornehl, TE, Iowa

We then trade our final 2nd rounder for New England's late third rounder, and their 2017 Third. We then take the guy we saw back in the second as the best prospect.

Rnd 3 - Charles Whiting, CB, Washington State

After the draft we trade our 6th wide out, Terry Ellis, to the Broncos for their number one pick in 2019. He wanted 3 Mil more then he was making, and we had no room at WR with our 2 youngest additions. We trade our 5th OT, Buddy Donovan to the Saint for a third and first in 2019, and we trade our 6th OT Ernie Muldoon to the Colts for their Number 1 in 2018.

And we are informed that we have another sell out year, as we get ready to start the pre-season.

Cohesion : 73/75/87/90 w/ Clark at QB, and Coleman at C
vs. 96/80/87/90 w/ Davies at QB and Galyon at C

We finish the pre-season 2-2, Clark was less then impressive, throwing 5 interceptions in 4 games. We would start Davies to begin the season, but he got a broken nose in the little pre-season time he saw. We have a few people with nicks and scratches, but no one is out of action long-term.

[Darkiller]

Ok guys, i'm back w/ u.
was off a little bit this past week and weekend but i read the thread all over and got back to normal state of VCII

first of all, congratulations Syrinx on a great 14-2 season last year, capped off with another SuperBowl appearance. I am disgusted by the way the season ended, that would certainly have been one of our top seasons ever.
Anyways, that was great to follow.

second :
Davies Vs Clark.
I am a little biased here obviously since i am the one who drafed Blaine back in 1999 (whaooo so long ago) and he has been so great.
As for now, he is probably the greatest QB ever and I wouldn't be too pleased to see him end up his Hall of Fame career as a backup on his team.
but i know that Lee Clark was a #1 overall pick as well and has yet to start a game after 3 years in the league.
Obviously, he deserves to start now.
but does Blaine deserves to sit on the bench ?
I think the cohesion ratins show that we should stick with our Hall of Fame bound QB until he retires, which WILL be after the season from what I heard from his agent Leigh Steinberg.

didn't Steve Young wait 4 seasons behind future hall of famer Joe Montana to himself become a future Hall of Famer afterwards ?

yeah you got my point i'm sure
Lee Clark waits 4 years behind the HOF bound QB to learn and then comes in and becomes eventually a HOFer too.
that would be huge, since the Montana/Young thing is currently the only exemple of a team having back to back Hall of Fame QBs.

Also, before the season starts let me express my congratulations to :
Harvey Wallace (whaoou made it !)
B.J Mudgett
and Donnie Sheen
for their inductions in the Browns Hall of Fame.

3 great players honored by our club, will be remembered forever.

Donnie should be the only one of the three to make the Hall of Fame in 2 years though.

Go Browns !!!
Let's make it 5 !

[WebEwbank]

Very nice draft.

Does the RB have starting potential ?

Hey, maybe Garcia will make it THREE Niner QB HOFers in a row...

OT: Fred Taylor is back, folks. He looked like a cross between Barry Sanders and Earl Campbell last night.

[Darkiller]

Hey,
everybody says Rico Rodriguez is an overachiever ...
i say : maybe.
but the truth is, has any RB ever had such productive first 2 seasons ?
man HE IS HUGE !!!
common let's admit it !

[Syrinx]

Stone is a pretty good runner, but he doesn't have the hands that Rico Rodriguez has.
Current Ratings Compared
Rico vs. Stone:
53 - 66
61 - 36(71)
69 - 80
89 - 32(67)
71 - 20(49)
84 - 35(69)
86 - 75
76 - 42
86 - 60

And as you can see Blaine has lost some of his arm strength.

Davies vs. Clark
69 - 72(96)
65 - 71(96)
75 - 80(99)
48 - 79(100)
57 - 78(100)
68 - 95
72 - 80(98)
66 - 80(99)
77 - 96
52 - 100

[Syrinx]

Seasonal Comparison
Rodriguez started every game both years. Sheen started 12 games is rookie year, 16 is next.

Rico vs. Donnie
Rookie Rushing (Carries/Yards/Avg/TD):
DS - 186/667/3.5/7
RR - 301/1447/4.8/15
Rookie Receiving (Catches/Yards/Avg/TD):
DS - 24/172/7.1/2
RR - 10/74/7.4/0
Sophomore Rushing:
DS - 290/1140/3.9/10
RR - 332/1539/4.6/8
Sophomore Receiving:
DS - 21/165/7.8/2
RR - 35/321/9.1/1

[Darkiller]

undeniable.
but the cohesion drop that we would suffer if we start Clark instead is too big.
Blaine has 1 last year to play in this league so I don't think he should be anything but the starter this year.

you have a tough call to make here Syrinx

[Darkiller]

oh my...
Rico's stat lines are scary...even compared to the mighty Donnie.

Blaine hands-off to Donnie

Lee hands-off to Rico.

gosh.
do we know a little on how to draft players or what ?

[WebEwbank]

Very interesting comparisons.

I still think Rico would be best as a #2 back, although it would take a real stud to push him out of the starting slot.

Skill position players get hurt seriously a lot, and my best dynasties have usually had two excellent tailbacks and four strong wideouts.

I hope our #1(1) WR pick blossoms, and our first-round T makes up for Green, who we picked up by mistake, and had to basically ditch.

Still amazed at the way we routinely trade our discards for first-rounders ! We deep.

I plan to try to follow Syrinx's example and try to pass on three #1 picks to my sucessor as GM, who would be, uh, Syrinx...

[Syrinx]

2016 Regular Season

Week 1
Cleveland(0-0)-6 @ Jacksonville(0-0)
Turnovers killed us as we loose in OT. 2 Int's and 1 lost fumble, combined with Rico's -11 total rushing yards, doomed us in a game we should have won. Milne also missed on two FG attempts, in a game that was decided by 3 points.
Clark 45/27/347/2/2 passing and 13 rushes for 74 yards
Jefferies 7/104/1
Francis 5/122/1
Kobeski had 9 tackles
Wheeler had 5 and 2 sacks
Burnim added a sack
Copeland and Clinton combined on another sack
Browns 17 Jaguars 20

Week 2
Cleveland(0-1)-3 @ Tennessee(0-1)
OUCH!! The Titans schooled us in a manner I have never seen. They blocked 2 of our punts, and recovered both in the end zone. Clark hit less then 50% of his passes, and threw another Int. Rico had a nice rushing average, but didn't carry the ball enough to matter.
Clark 23/10/118/1/1
Rodriguez 14/67
Francis 4/61
Eddings had 8 Tackles
Wheeling and Porter had 7
Fujimoto had a sack, Clinton and Copeland combined on another
Browns 7 Titans 49

Week 3
Cleveland(0-2) @ Cincinnati (0-2)
Davies gets the start and helps turn this ship around. As he orchestrates a second half comeback after falling behind 11-6.
Davies 39/25/236/2/0
Rodriguez 14/95
Garcia 6/57/1
Jeffries 4/53
Wheeler 5 Tackles and an Int
Foster added another Pick
Clinton had 1.5 sacks, Hamilton and Copeland had one a piece, and Burnim helped with .5
Browns 22 Bengals 11

Week 4
Cleveland(1-2)-6 vs Milwaukee Mission(0-3)
My... I'm not sure how to say this... Davies got sacked 6 times and intercepted 6 times. I'm pretty sure that's some kind of record Obviously we lost.
Davies 42/17/255/1/6
Rodriguez 10/48
Dougherty 7/156
Wheeler had 9 tackles, he also combined with Swift for our only sack.
Mathews had our defense's only interception
Browns 17 Bengals 27

Week 5
Cleveland(1-3)-9 vs. Detroit(3-1)
We're giving Davies one more chance, before we go back to Clark.
Well we have fallen to a new low. Our defense had more holes then a sieve, as we allow scoring plays of:70,68,41,27,21 and 10 yds. Our offense helps contribute to the loss with 5 more turnovers, one of which was returned 67 yards for another score.
Davies 19/9/105/0/1 and 1 fumble
Clark 17/7/163/2/2 and 1 fumble
Rodriguez 16/207/2TD's and 1 fumble
Dougherty 4/73/1
Garcia 4/105
Jeffries 4/50/1
Kobeski 10 tackles
Hamilton 2 sacks, Clinton had 1
Browns 32 Lions 60

Week 6- Bye ... Thank Goodness
We are now a dismal -10 in turnovers, which is last in the league
We also just lost 3 starters , Page(G), Lofton(TE) and Coleman(C) for at over a month.

Week 7
Cleveland(1-4)+2 vs. Pittsburgh(3-3)
Back to Clark to try to get something new. But nothing seems to help, as big plays(a 50 yard pass) and turnovers(2 returned for TD's) continue to kill us.
Clark 26/12/173/0/1
Rodriguez 22/131/1 and 3 catches for 53 yards
Foster 8 Tackles
Copeland, Hamilton and Clinton had a sack a piece.
Browns 10 Steelers 36

Week 8
Cleveland(1-5)+9 @ Minnesotta (4-3)
This is getting depressing. We were in this one until the middle of the fourth quarter, when the Vikings scored 14 unanswered points to lock the game.
And again our defense couldn't create turnovers.
Clark 32/15/176/0/0
Davies 2/0/0/0/1
Rodriguez 19/47/0
Wheeler had 11 Tackles
Clinton and Copeland combined for the only Sack
Browns 10 Vikings 27

Week 9
Cleveland(1-6)+11 @ Baltimore (5-2)
Apparently Clark cracked form the pressure, cause he went postal on the Ravens. At first the game looked like another normal showing for this Season's Browns as Raven's defender Ricky Shabowski picked off a Clark pass and returned it for a TD in just the first minute of play... but then the tide turned. With 9:30 left in the half, and down 14-3 Clark threw his first TD of the afternoon... and never looked back on his way to winning O player of the week!
Clark 33/19/363/5/1
Rodriguez 21/106/0
Jeffries 8/152/3
Garcia 5/135/1
Ferderer 9 Tackles and 1 Pick
Monroe 9 Tackles
Eddings had a Sack
Clinton had a Sack and a Half
Copeland had half a sack
Browns 43 Vikings 28

Week 10
Cleveland(2-6)+4 vs Tampa Bay(4-4)
Clark continues to start, and continues to be inconsistent, this time showing none of the flair from the week before. The team is flat all around, and returns to their loosing ways. Clearly Davies diminishing skills, and the ensuing QB controversy has had a major affect on the team's psyche.
Clark 23/13/133/0/2
Rodriguez 17/88/0
Hamilton, Clinton and Ferderer each had a sack. Burnim and Eddings combined for one more. Again the D couldn't force a turnover. This has probably been one of the biggest changes form last season (along with the win-loss record )
Browns 3 Buccaneers 31

Week 11
Cleveland(2-7)+10 @ Pittsburgh(5-4)
Davies gets the start, again we try to get a spark. And It works... as with our last win things look bleak to begin with, this time Pitt 92 yard KO return started the game off, which they then repeated after we tied the score at 7. But their offense never got things going, while Blaine and Rico had one of their best games of the season to lead the Browns to victory.
Davies 35/20/278/2/0
Rodriguez 20/150/1
Garcia 9/136/1
Jeffries 5/87/1 - and quietly making a potential run for ORotY
Kobeski got 9 tackles
Our pass rush did some damage:
Clinton and Hamilton 1.5 Sacks each
Wheeler, Monroe and Copeland 1 Sack each
Champion and Mathews had .5 Sack a piece
Browns 28 Steelers 27

Week 12
Cleveland (3-7)+2 vs Jacksonville(7-3)
Davies(2-2, 59.6rtg) starts over Clark(1-5, 73.9 rtg). The fact we are only 2 point underdogs surprises me. We win the turnover war but loose the game, none the less. We can't produce anything against this years Central Division power.
Davies 24/9/96/0/1
Rodriguez 16/32/0 w/ 4 catches for 39 yards to lead the receivers
Foster 11 Tackles 1 Int
Wheeler 6 Tackles 1 Int
Ferderer 4 Tackles 1 Int
Champion had the only sack
Browns 6 Jaguars 30

Week 13
Cleveland(3-8)+0 vs Cincinnati(4-7)
Davies again gets the start, and is saved by Rico who has a nice game.
Davies 27/15/180/1/2
Rodriguez 19/144/2
Jeffries 6/85/1
Wheeler 11 Tackles and a Sack
Hamilton, Clinton, Eddings and Copeland each added a sack
Browns 21 Bengals 14

Week 14
Cleveland(4-8)+4 vs Baltimore (7-5)
Although Davies has been winning, Coach Force wants to see if Clark can torch the Ravens again. So Clark gets the start. And again Lee Clark receives OPotW for his performance against the Ravens. Good thing we get to play them twice a year!!
Clark 28/19/242/4/0
Rodriguez 21/100/2
Jeffries 6/77/1
Champion led with 5 Tackles
Edding got 2 Sacks, while Kobeski and Wheeler combined on a third.
Ferderer had one pick.
Browns 45 Ravens 14

Week 15
Cleveland(5-8)+3 vs Charlottesville(7-6)
Ahh the trials of a coach mired in a QB controversey. Davies gets the start, these aren't the Ravens. Rico got shut down, big time. And Davies didn't have quite enough in the tank to get us the win.
Davies 35/15/273/2/0
Rodriguez 15/12/0
Dougherty 4/75/1
Jeffries 2/115/1 (69 and 46 yards)
Rookie CB Whiting had 9 tackles as a reserve Safety in his first game action
Stuart had 7 tackles, a Pick and a Fumble recovery
Clinton made our only sack
Browns 17 Spangles 20

Week 16
Cleveland(5-9)+11 @ Seattle(9-5)
A heartbreaker, Down 18 at the start of the 4th we start to mount a comeback, but a Rico Rodriguez failed 2 pointer keeps us from taking it to overtime.
Davies 31/18/246/1/2
Rodriguez 27/153/1
Dougherty 6/103/0
Garcia 5/74/0
Kobeski 7 Tackles
0 Sacks 0 Ints
Browns 33 Seahawks 35

Week 17
Cleveland(5-10)+5 vs Tennessee (9-6)
Going with Davies one last time. This is our final Game of the season, and It's likely to be Davies last game here in Cleveland. The crowd gives him a standing ovation as his name is called in pre-game ceremonies. A warrior who's time has past him.
Davies 43/22/261/1/1
Rodriguez 16/65/0 and 5 catches for 42 yards to lead in receptions
Dougherty 4/88/0
Clinton 6 Tackles and 1 Sack
Hamilton added a Sack
and Copeland and Champion combined for another
Mathews 1 Interception
Browns 21 Titans 31

We finish a dismal 5-11 in a season I just can't explain. With essentially the same personell as last year's 14-2 Super Bowl run, this year we crashed and burned as Cellar Dwellers.

Post Season results and Stats and closing remarks to follow in the morning.

[WebEwbank]

Wow. The QB situation was part of it, as neither guy was consistently effective, but there were other markers too.

Rico failed to step up when we needed him, the D let down, and the turnover and long-distance disaster bugs reached new lows.

Possibly Force is losing his edge as well. Have his ratings slipped ?

My guess is that this is an aberration, and we'll be back to 11-13 wins, and the playoffs, again next year. Maybe Lee got ALL of his learning mistakes in this year...

[Subby]

What an amazing draft. Wow.

I guess we can just look at these as the rebuilding years. Ill concentrate on building cohesion.

Good to see the Sheen-meister get in our HOF. What about the Duke-inator? His time better come

[Darkiller]

That realy sucks...
5-11 whauu..unbelievable after going 14-2 last year.
Yeah i think the QB controversy was too much for the team to handle. For the first time in 17 years, the players didn't really know who to rally to (Blaine or Lee) and that lack of leadership throughout the season might be the cause of our fall down.

too bad it ended like that for Blaine. That was the "too much" season. He should have retired after last season's SuperBowl participance.

But as you said, i don't think it is the reall fall of the Browns. I believe with the core of players that we have, we should be back on track as early as next season.

Now waiting for the Blaine announcement...

5-11, when is the last year we missed the playoffs? The chemistry just wasn't there, we're able to trade our 6th OT for someone's 1st rounder, it seems that we have SO MUCH talent around that people are starting to get attention and not bother winning games. This isn't the way Blaine should have gone, but hopefully he does hang them up instead of trying to prove his doubters wrong for one last season.

As for WR Wallace, he could very easily make the NFL Hall I think as he is amongst the all-time recieving leaders. He's the best non-keeper we've had.

Rico's #'s compared to Donnie's in his first two years are remarkable but honestly in wasn't until Donnie's 3-5th year that he began to shine.

[Subby]

I didnt make the playoffs in the 10th year (2008?) - injuries were awful that year and Jessie Sieh kept biting us on the ass (he had been traded to, I think, the Ravens)

I think Sheen's numbers were lower than Rico's at a comparable stage because Sheen's supporting cast wasn't even CLOSE to what Rico has...

Wallace is definitely the best non-keeper ever - any other great non-keepers that folks can think of? I seem to remember T Jamie Nails being pretty damn good.

[This message has been edited by Subby (edited 11-21-2000).]

[Darkiller]

Yeah you're absolutely right about Rico's suporting cast. It is clearly better and more talented than the one Donnie had.

As for Wallace, yeah he was damn good...no question about it. And that's why he deserves his place in the team's Hall.
Now we will see for the Hall of Fame...of course that'd be neat to see him be inducted but i'm not sure it'll happen.

I believe Donnie will be the first Browns Hall of Famer in 2 years.

And about great non-keepers I really liked BJ Carr's efforts, a long and great career despite being a low pick.
Same for this LB I drafted...humm don't have his name in mind, i'll go check that.
but him too was a low pick and became a long time starter at his position.

[Syrinx]

Playoffs

-Wild Card-
Minnesota 6
Atlanta 34

Denver 16
Buffalo 26

Washington 30
Detroit 24

Seattle 14
Tennessee 22

-Quarter Finals-
Atlanta 22
Chicago 25

Buffalo 16
Oakland 0

Tennessee 9
Jacksonville 7

Washington 31
New York G 16

-Conference Championships-
Tennessee 31
Buffalo 16

Washington 23
Chicago 29

-Bowl-
Tennessee 20
Chicago 17

Stats
Individuals
QB Blaine Davies (9 Starts) 150 of 297, 50.5%, 1930 yards, 6.49avg, 10TD/14Int, 62.7 Rating
QB Lee Clark (7 starts) 124 of 232, 53.4%, 1777 yards, 7.65avg(7th in the League), 15TD/9Int, 83.8 Rating

RB Rico Rodriguez 278 carries(9th), 1436 yards(1st in League), 5.1Avg(2nd), 9TD(7th),
and 45 Catches for 373 yards (8.2 avg) but no TD's along with his very first award All League 2nd Team RB

WR Darren Garcia 60 Catches, 891 Yards, 14.8 avg, 5 TD's
WR Robbie Jeffries 54 Catches, 859 Yards, 15.9avg, 11TD's(1st )
WR Hardy Dougherty 42 Catches, 720 yards, 17.1avg(7th), 5 TD's

We had 3 Lineman with more then 20 blocks, higher then 35%, and less then 10 sacks
G Cory Corbett (16 starts) 30 of 81 run blocks (37%), 7 Sacks Allowed
T Mitch Banks (14 starts) 27 of 56 run blocks (48.2%), 7 Sacks Allowed
C Dexter Galyon (8 starts) 27 of 63 run blocks (42.8%), 7 Sacks Allowed

P Harris Kindred had 94 punts(9th) with a 42.3 avg(6th) and 40 inside the 20(1st) and named All League 1st Team P for the first time
DE Dennis Clinton led the team with 12 sacks
DT Phillip Hamilton was second with 8.5 sacks
LB Alvin Wheeler 91 tackles 45 assists(2nd) 5 sacks! and 2 Int's for his very first All League 1st Team LB award
CB Chrisitan Ferderer led the team with a measly 3 Int's

All in all a poor team performance, starting with the QB's and going all the way through the team. RB Rodriguez may have silenced his critics, as he continues to excel, and Rookie WR Robbie Jeffries looks like he could set team records as his relationship with Lee Clark grows. Jeffries didn't get Offensive Rookie of the Year due to a RB who compiled a total of 1237 yards and 11 TD's of his own.

I'm going to name WR Jeffries as my Keeper, to replace the retired Donnie Sheen.
Good luck Subby, Lets turn this team around!

[This message has been edited by Syrinx (edited 11-21-2000).]

Nails started every game of his career, a true stud tackle.

Darkiller, the LB you refer to was Farmer who was a great overachiever that in the team we have now wouldn't get the chance to prove himself, a shame. He retired in 2011 with the Duke. Carr had a tremendous career for us, best late round pick we've had for sure.

Syrinx, What LB got named first team? I'm guessing my man Wheeler but can't tell for sure. 5 sacks and 2 Ints make him a true all-around LB.

[Syrinx]

Yeah, it was Wheeler, I updated my first post. I don't think I've ever had a LB with both Sacks and Int's in the same year. Even if I had, it was certainly not more then one.

[Darkiller]

Yes this is it Linebacker #53 J.R Farmer...

A 7th round pick out of Arizona State who played 12 seasons for us and ended up being a fan favorite.

one of our great great steals.
an overachiever who played with heart.

[Subby]

I am going to work on doing a historical website for our team where we can keep all of the stats and info..if anyone kept the old zip files, please email them to me - and if there is a chance in hell anyone kept there old season summaries that would be great, too.

Thanks!