The Astros Finish Off The Tribe Thank God

The Houston Astros put the Cleveland Indians to rest with a convincing 11-3 win and a sweep of the three-game series. Cleveland in recent years has struggled in the playoffs and this scenario has continued in 2018. Since the loss to the Cubs in the World Series, this team just does not look the same. It hard to say how much that has taken out of this team, but it's evident something is not right. Corey Kluber continues to struggle in the playoffs and other players have not stepped up when needed.

Hitting in the playoffs is critical if you want to win a series. Cleveland's hitters went AWOL and Houston pitching mowed through them like a lawnmower through the grass. Cleveland during the regular season hit the ball well, but towards the end of the season, they did struggle. Those struggles continue against a Houston pitching staff that was lights out in all three games.

Cleveland's front office has some thinking to do this offseason. Do they change the manager or is there other issues holding this team back. I do know one thing the window of opportunity is closing rapidly for this team. Cleveland must make some tough decisions in the offseason.  Moves must be made and some bold ones could happen because of this pathetic showing in the playoffs.

Browns And Steelers Battle To Ugly Tie 21-21

When the Steelers came to Cleveland to open the season I was hoping for a very good game to watch. Cleveland had added a lot of new pieces to their team, but what we see from both teams was pretty ugly. Both teams battled to a 21-21 overtime tie and have multiple issues that both teams will need to address.

Cleveland's defense was very good and Myles Garrett was a beast on the edge. Pittsburgh at times had trouble controlling him. The Browns defense was able to come up with turnovers to help the offense out, but Cleveland struggled on offense for most of the game and have issues that will need to be fixed. The running game was good, but the passing attack definitely needs work. Tyrod Taylor was just 15/40 for 197 yards and one interception. This was only the first game, so there is plenty of time to fix the issues on offense.

Pittsburgh's defense surprised me with their play in this game, The front four was great and harassed Tyrod Taylor all game long. The defense on the back end for the Steelers was also very good which was a shock. I was told they were not very good, but that was not the case at all. On offense, the Steelers did not look well. Antonio Bryant was held in check for the most part and Big Ben threw three interceptions.

Overall this was such an ugly game for both teams. Neither team could get things going consistently for any long stretches. A tie hopefully will not hurt either team towards the end of the season. At least both teams can build on this and hopefully this kind of football won't happen again anytime soon.

Steelers vs Browns Who Wins The Opener?

The new look Cleveland Browns finally get to take the field today and remove the sour taste of a 0-16 season from their mouths and bodies. The problem is they will be facing one of the better teams in the NFL in the Pittsburgh Steelers who have a lot to play for themselves in this game. Let's take a closer look at the game and give our bold prediction on this game.

Let's take a look at the offenses of both teams:

Cleveland's offense is so much better this opener than last year. Cleveland signed Tyrod Taylor and have No.1 pick Baker Mayfield baking him up. Compared to last season a huge upgrade. Toss in wideout Jarvis Laundry and Josh Gordon and you have a potent offense. Maybe the biggest improvement may come in Todd Haley the Browns new offense coordinator. He is great at his job and will make a huge difference on this offense.

Pittsburgh, of course, has Big Ben still at the helm and Antonio Brown and some very good wide receivers to throw the ball too. There will be no LeVeon Bell for the Steelers, but they still have one of the best offensive lines in football. Pittsburgh will rely on Big Ben's arm and game management in this game.

ADVANTAGE: Steelers but not by much.

On defense, the Browns are heads and shoulders above the Steelers. Cleveland has spent money and draft pics on their defense and it shows. Myles Garrett is a beast and the linebackers are some of the best in the league. Steelers, on the other hand, has many holes in there defense and Cleveland should be able to score against them.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

Special teams are another area we must see improvement in the Browns. Last season they really had some issues. On the other hand, Pittsburgh special teams are usually in the Top 15 every year.

ADVANTAGE: Pittsburgh

PREDICTION: The Browns are so much better this season and look for this game to be really competitive. Pittsburgh knows they are going be in a dogfight in this one. I just think Pittsburgh being the veteran team will make just enough plays in the end to win. It will be close 31-28 Steelers.

Urban Meyer And Ohio State Did Everything Wrong In This Case

Urban Meyer and the Ohio State University had a perfect chance to make a stand against domestic violence and they fumbled it all away. Yes, Urban Meyer and Gene Smith got suspended by the University, but they could have done a lot more which is a shame. Courtney Smith had to get little comfort in all of this as she got drugged through it all. Meyer gave a lame apology after the media railroaded him about it. If the media didn't step in she may never see an apology from Urban Meyer which is a shame.

Zach Smith who has been accused of domestic violence but not charged got with a lot if you read the information that has been released. Meyer did warn him on several occasions about his behavior but did not remove him until information was released about him. When that happened Meyer got rid of him. No matter how you look at it domestic violence is a serious issue and it seems neither Meyer of the University took it very seriously. Courtney Smith and her family must be shaking their heads and I can't say I blame them. This should have ended so differently, but when you talk about big-time money it should not surprise anyone of the outcome!

Is Kevin Love Really Worth 120 Million Dollars?

Kevin Love is now the 120 million dollar man after signing an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Is Kevin Love worth this kind of extension right now? I guess there are many ways you can actually look at this if you want to. 

The one thing that has been constant about Love is his desire to remain with the Cavaliers. Through all the trade talk he was steadfast he rather say in Cleveland. The Cavaliers rewarded him with an extension for his loyalty. It will be interesting to see how well he does with King James gone. 

Kevin Love will now have to make this his team as he will be counted on a lot. I think Kevin Love will benefit by his new role with James gone. I think for the longest time K-Love wanted to do more but would always defer to James now he no longer has to worry about that. 

Cleveland now will run the offense through Kevin Love which is something he will not be use to. I am sure it will be an adjustment period, but one he will like a lot. In the end, You have to credit Cleveland for rewarding Kevin Love for his loyalty to the organization. Hopefully, Love can lead them to the playoffs even without James being there anymore. It's K-Loves time to shine.

Why Are The Murals Of Lakers And King James Being Targeted

I bet not to many people thought when King James headed to the Lakers murals would be targeted and destroyed. For me I was kinda of shocked as well. I knew King James was a polarizing figure, but did not think murals would be a target of people who had a grudge against King James. Why is this happening. I don’t really have an answer just some theories like everyone else.

Many people think that is surrounds Kobe Bryant and other Laker legends. This is a plausible answer to the problem. Kobe Bryant is still hugely popular and many people feel he is trying to replace him in their eyes. James just wants to be the best player he can be, but others think he is trying to steal Bryant’s spotlight. Hopefully, it’s not the reason we have vandalism on Lakers murals.

The reason I am going with is Lebron James has plenty of haters in the world as well. Probably just as many people hate him as love him. It comes with the territory and James understand this better then anyone. I think once basketball season starts the vandalism should slow down or stop altogether. I am not a big King James fan, but do not condone vandalism as some of these murals are beautiful works of art.

Are The Cleveland Browns Really A Playoff Capable Team?

The Cleveland Browns have been the laughing stock of the NFL the last two years, but that will be ending very soon. Cleveland Browns fans are always optimistic every year, but this season seems a lot different. Gone are many players from the 1-31 teams replaced by veterans and free agent signings. It seems a new look and attitude abounds in Berea, Ohio and Browns fans will tell you its about time.

Baker Mayfield was drafted No.1 as the future quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, but getting Tyrod Taylor from the Bills was also very important. Taylor is a quarterback that will give you a chance to win. Last season the quarterback position cost the Browns some wins. With Taylor, he will limit his mistakes and give you a chance to win. Probably the other big dal the Browns make was getting Jarvis Landry from the Miami Dolphins. Landry is a receiver who moves the chains and makes the tough catch when you need it. With Josh Gordon and Jarvis Landry, the Browns now have a great one-two punch.

On the defensive side of the equation, the Browns addressed the secondary which needed to be upgraded. Rookie Denzel Ward brings a toughness to corner and he is going to surprise people with his tough-minded playing ability. Overall, the defense is vastly approved as well. Can Cleveland make a playoff run this season?

Cleveland has to be one of the most improved teams going into the 2018-19 season. The key will be how well they mesh early and the kind of start they get off too. If they struggle out of the gates it could be a long season. I don't forsee that happening as they have too many talented players on both sides of the ball. What also helps Cleveland is most of the great teams are in the NFC  not in the AFC. Cleveland will be a middle of the road team, but there are many like that in the AFC. The Browns have a good chance as anyone else to be a playoff team in the AFC in 2018-2019 Go Brownies!

Why Lebron James Should Join The Lakers

We should find out where Lebron James is playing soon, but in my opinion the only logical choice is the Los Angeles Lakers. Many people wonder why he would want to choose this destination and I have thought long and hard about it. James is all about winning and beating the Warriors. Many people say that going to the Western Conference is a much tougher proposition and I agree with that assumption.

James has never really been about taking the easy road. If he wants the easy rode he can join Boston or Philadelphia or stay in Cleveland. The Eastern Conference is still his if he wants it. I just think James wants to prove he can do it with a new set of teammates and do it in the Western Conference. Even though his legacy is cemented this would be something that people would talk about for years.

The Lakers are getting better and with James they are a playoff team. Add one more superstar and the Lakers. Outdoor be a real handful. I just think James wants to prove he can do it in Los Angeles even if he goes there the first year without any major help.

Why Does A Team Quit On Their Superstar?

Over the years we have seen it time and time again a team that has quit playing and just stand around watching as the other team embarrasses them. It's rare though when a team quits on their superstar like the Cleveland Cavaliers did this past week. Lebron James help carry the Cavaliers to the Finals and all he wanted was some of his teammates to step up and help him. What he got was a team that did the exact opposite and in the last game did nothing but embarrass themselves and the City of Cleveland.

It's rare that a team quits on their superstar, but I think they got tired of the message Lebron James was delivering and wanted to prove a point. The point they proved is they quit as a team and it is not a good look at all. If these players did quit they will find it hard to get other teams to give them a chance. The sad part is many of these players are guys King James went to management and got them big contracts only to have them stab him in the back. To James credit, he never publicly threw them under the bus. Of course, he might have a different opinion now, but I doubt it.

King James will most likely leave Cleveland and who can blame him when you have a team quit on their superstar. The real question is what will be next for these players without their superstar to help carry them.

Is Lebron James The Greatest Ever Now?

Through the years many people have a opinion on who is the Greatest of All-Time.  Names such as Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Kareem, The Big O, Michael  Jordan,  Kobe Bryant,  and Lebron James all have been mentioned as the greatest of all-time.  The question is can we really determine who is the greatest? There is a simple answer to that question you just can't do it.

Comparing eras just is impossible.  There are so many variables that define an era that others did not deal with. Many people like to throw out stats, but the truth is you can make stats cases for the people I mentioned above. You can pick and choose stats that will make a case for each player.

We will never know who the greatest of all-time happens to be.  We should just enjoy each players accomplishments without tearing apart others.  Each player brought something special to the table. Defining the greatest of all-time is virtually impossible so we should stop trying.

Can Lebron James Will His Team To Victory?

Not too many players will be out practicing 10 hours before a game, but Lebron James is which is a testament to his greatness. After the Game 1 beatdown at the hand of the Boston Celtics Lebron James knows he must be a whole lot better if the Cavaliers are to win Game 2. Now Lebron James cannot do it alone as his supporting cast must step up in a big way. Boston will have the crowd behind them and Cleveland will have their hands full. Can James will his team to victory? Let's take a closer look at what the Cavaliers must do to win Game 2.

Look for Ty Lue to make some lineup changes in Game 2. Tristan Thompson will probably be inserted into the lineup to slow down Al Horford. In the past, Thompson has had good success against Horford and the Cavaliers hope he can keep it up. Other things the Cavaliers must do is hit shots when given the opportunity. Brad Stevens will make those looks tough as the Celtics are No.1 in team defense.  Cleveland must limit turnovers and also play sound defense. It won't be easy, but Cleveland can win, but it will take a team effort and a monster type game from King James.

Could Josh Allen Save The Browns?

We are starting a series of articles on the quarterbacks and how each could fit into the Cleveland Browns plans.  First up is Josh Allen the rocket arm quarterback from Wyoming.  In recent days the rumors have been flying that he is becoming a favorite in Cleveland. I do not know if that is true,  but let's take a look at Mr. Allen.

Josh Allen played college football for Wyoming and one look at his stats and you wonder why anyone would take him in the first round.  His stats really do not jump off at you and say I'm the best.  Even with that said many people have him as a top prospect.  There are many reasons people love Josh Allen and what he can do.  I will admit I really like his skill set as well.

Allen has a body to play quarterback and without a doubt  his arm strength is top notch.  I think without a doubt he has the strongest  arm in the draft. The knock on Allen is his low completion percentage and his in ability to make routine throws on a consistent basis.

Josh Allen has plenty of upside and virtually an unlimited ceiling.  If he went to Cleveland he would have Hue Jackson to tutor him and others with experience at that position.  There is no doubt that Allen will be a project as you will need to clean up some of his flaws. One thing that will help him is a good receiving core.  Many times an inconsistent quarterback can look alot better with great receivers to throw too.
In the end Cleveland must decide if they are willing to take a guy on who is a work in progress. Allen has a high ceiling so that could be just enough to persuade the Browns to pick him real early.

NFL Draft: Why Its So Hard To Hit On A Quarterback

Maybe one of the toughest things for NFL teams to do is find the perfect quarterback in the NFL Draft. Why is that?  It comes down to a few things that many people just do not look at when they draft quarterbacks.  No matter how talented a quarterback maybe they must fit into the system they are going to in the NFL.  Some quarterbacks play better in certain systems.  If you look over the years you will see many quarterbacks with talent but struggled during their careers.

Another big part of projecting a quarterbacks success is how well they mess with the players around them.  Certain quarterbacks are more comfortable with a certain type of receiver while others it does not matter.  A running game is also very important in the early years for a quarterback.  The less you ask them to do the better.  As they get more experience they will become better, but throwing them to the sharks to early is a recipe for disaster.

Lastly,  coaching cannot be underestimated either.  Finding a quarterback that meshes with a coach early using will find success much quicker.  Coaches and quarterbacks that butt heads will lead to more on the field issues then people realize.  Having a coach that molds and understands there quarterback usually means quicker success down the road.

As you can see there is alot of things going into picking a quarterback  in the NFL draft.  This is why so many quarterbacks eventually are label NFL busts.  Finding the perfect fit is tough as the quarterback graveyard of what might have been will continue to grow.