In years past, I've written a "Christmas Wishlist" that was a combination of ridiculous ideas and actual things I want. That tradition resumes this year with some new ideas and some rehashed ones because my level of creativity just isn't good enough to come up with all-new ideas. Anyway, don't take it too seriously and just enjoy!
Dear Santa,
I took a couple of years off of writing you a list, and for that, I apologize. Life came at me pretty fast after my 2011 list and I just wasn't focused on sending these out, especially since there's always been a child living with me since. I figured I'd take a step back and let the kids' dreams come true.
Sadly, I can't say that you've stepped up your level of service since I last wrote you. I mean, I've come to expect shoddy service from you and your elves (granted, you are serving a LARGE portion of the population), but I feel you didn't appreciate the effort I did occasionally put into writing those letters.
Not only did you not throw me a bone the last 3 years that I skipped writing you, but you likely continued crushing the dreams of others who just wanted you to deliver them the things they wanted most. I mean, I give you a 3 year break and not once do I get a fighter jet, tank, or pony? No XBox One?
Worst of all, no world peace and domination?
I've often taken issue with your lackluster production levels and generally unhelpful elves, yet despite previous public shaming, I have yet to see any significant changes to your operation and how you handle complaints. If anything, I wonder if the problem has become worse with time. I mean, I haven't brought this to the attention of the public in a few years, so maybe you think it's blown over and not a issue.
You're wrong there Santa. Not only is it still an issue, but I'm about to take it to a new level if the list requirements aren't met. We're in the information sharing age and all I have to do is broadcast my complaints on social media and YouTube for people to find out. Think you're safe? Think again.
Simply put, I've seen enough examples of how poorly you've done to be convinced that change is needed. Switching out your sled for a Mercedes? Are we for real Santa?
Or how about the documentary "Elf," where we saw just how far your elves will go to "handle" a situation?
And don't get me on the series of "Santa Claus" movies where you faked your death to convince Tim Allen to take over for a while.
The gig is up Santa, so just pony up the goods and all of this controversy will go away.
Now then, presenting in no particular order, my list for Christmas 2015:
A catapult: Because nothing says fun like being able to load something on to a catapult and fling it in some random direction. Think of the fun that I can have with one of these? Someone's bike is in the middle of the sidewalk? Load the catapult and see how far it flies!
A Yacht: I've asked for large things before, but I don't think I've ever asked for a yacht, preferably one that I could just live in.
A house: A little more practical, but not nearly as adventurous. Wait, I have a kid, so throw in some stuff for her to play on and keep her busy. A dog run would be nice too. Oh, and a full-size basketball court. Oh, oh oh! A gaming room so I can record/stream/play games in complete peace!
A new PC: But not just any PC, we're talking overpowered gaming PC capable of running any and every game at UHD while streaming and/or recording. Would include all accessories I need to upgrade my gaming, streaming, and recording experience. Optional streaming PC would be nice as well.
A Man Cave: This would be for said house. Would come complete with couch, chair, minimun 60" UHD TV, XBox One (and games), PS4 (and games), and Wii U (and more games). Oh, and blu-ray player with surround sound sytem, because we're all about big here.
Jeep Cherokee: I want. Or a Wrangler. Or just my Liberty paid off would be helpful.
Spinnyos: For Kylie (because she matters too) because I think she'd have a blast with that thing.
The Clapper: No real good reason really.
World Peace & Domination: This will be on the list every year until it's granted.
A Mech Suit: Have you seen these in video games? They shoot rockets, bullets, and can take a shit ton of damage. I could use this during the holiday sales.
A bike: I've been wanting a bike again for a couple of years for fitness purposes and just frankly miss riding it.
The Entire MST3K Collection: The revival of the show has rekindled my interest in the show, which is still one of the best to ever grace a TV.
Galaxy Note 5 or S6 Edge: I've grown quite fond of the Galaxy lineup. I'd prefer the Note (or Note Edge 2 when it comes out), but beggars can't be choosers.
Shark tank: Filled with sharks of course. Nothing will keep your guests in line like the knowledge that if they mess up your carpet, they could be the next meal.
Winning Powerball/Mega Millions ticket: I mean, I could do wonderful things with all that money. Some of it would be a bit excessive, but I could do so much and help so many people out. Think about it.
A tank: An oldie, but goody. I mean, terrifying for everyone else.
A pony: I may have to fend of Kylie for this one, but I still want one dammit.
An RV: Just think of the dysfunctional adventures I could go on if I had my own RV?
Season tickets to Indians/Cavs/Browns: Sure the Browns have been putrid, but I still love them. The Indians have been so-so, but there's no experience like the ballpark in the summer. The Cavs are just awesome to watch and basketball is my favorite sport.
Tickets to an OSU Buckeyes football game: I just want to experience this one time and I'll be satisfied.
A Pitbull Farm: Raised properly, these are the best dogs ever. I of course would love to have a farm of them. Pitbulls everywhere!
New teeth: Mine are simply bad and the one thing physically I'm ashamed of. Kinda.
Fire pit: Again for previously mentioned house. I just like the idea of sitting outside in the summer with a nice fire going.
Trampoline: More fun for me or for Kylie?
A bounce house: More for kids than me, but I'd still play.
A Tropical Island: I asked for this back in 2011. You have yet to deliver. Consider yourself put on notice.
Lifetime supply of Chipotle: E. Coli or not, that shit is like crack. I don't know if I can turn away from it anymore.
Improved Health for my mom: Hasn't she suffered enough? She did so much for us, yet her reward is increasingly failing health.
My own Batcave: Because seriously, how cool would that be?
I'm sure there are more things I could ask for, and if I think of them, I'll amend this and add them in, but for now, this should do.
Don't let me down or else I'll have to take action against you and your deliquent elves.
Yours in warnings,
David.
In all seriousness, I hope everyone has a great holiday season. If you celebrate it, Merry Christmas! If you don't, well, happy whatever-it-is-you-celebrate because it matters. It really does.
I think we tend to lose sight of what matters this time of year, but I'm keenly aware of it as I've been reminded frequently at home and at work of what's really important. Sure, it's nice to receive gifts, but it's far more important to have people you can count on to be there when you need them.
So have fun, be safe, and hope things roll your way.
Now I'm gonna go buy $20 in lottery tickets so I can fulfill several dreams, not all my own.
PS - Feel free to comment with what you want for Christmas!
Friday, December 18, 2015
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Friday, December 11, 2015
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Why I'm a horrible friend
Let me start by saying that this isn't a cry for help, or me trying to say I'm depressed in any way shape or form.
I'm not.
This is simply an explanation of some very long-standing habits that I've had since I can remember to try and help all of you understand a little better what goes on inside my head when it comes to communicating with most of you, even if you're a friend going back 10 years or more.
I've sat and thought about how to word this for almost a week since I announced on social media (personal FB page, gaming FB page, Twitter) that I was going to be writing about how I'm a bad friend and why I don't talk to people nearly as much as I should. I still haven't found the exact words I want, but I figured I needed to at least get started so I didn't lose the ones I have now.
I've always been fairly introverted around people I don't know. I'm not the type of person who will approach someone and strike up a conversation and if I'm in a group of people I don't know, I have very little to say. This has always had a fairly reasonable impact in dating as even if I felt fairly certain a girl was interested in me, I still had significant trouble mustering up the courage to speak to them.
I've improved at my social skills as the years have gone by, but I still struggle with it to this day and it greatly impacts the relationships that I've developed with people, and in some cases, sadly have lost because of my poor communication skills.
I'm just simply not the type of person who reaches out to people very often. I often think about it and intend to, or think that certain times would be good, but often forget about it shortly after deciding it would be a good idea.
It's a weak excuse, but the number of times I've decided that I was going to contact someone, only to lose track of time until it's well after midnight is pretty bad. I simply forget about it and get caught up in other things, sometimes important, sometimes not, and don't recall my original intent until it's too late (or I perceive it to be too late; I'm weird about that too).
In other words, I overthink the process of contacting people.
If it's during the day, I often fear that I'll be interrupting something more important and decide against it. If it's at night, even if I know there isn't a chance they're asleep, I fear waking them.
It isn't limited to any particular person either. Close friends, distant friends, and family are all likely to get treated this way. It isn't necessarily because I'm trying to avoid them, but rather it comes down a basic inferiority complex I've always had.
I can't pinpoint when I developed it either, I just know I've always felt like I wasn't good enough for others. It used to bother me a lot when I was younger (I was probably starving for positive attention from others outside of my immediate family and just not getting it), but as time has gone on, it's become a smaller issue for me.
It's still there though, and it doesn't always take a lot for it to rear its ugly head, particularly if I feel someone is belittling the way I do something. At those points I have to fight through it a bit more and realize there probably wasn't anything malicious about it.
In essence, I've always felt relatively unimportant to those around me. It's impact these days is FAR less significant than it used to be, but it still pops up from time to time.
Again, not trying to make it sound like it's crippling for me. Typically if I feel it, it only lasts for a brief moment before it passes and regain my mojo.
Yes I said mojo. Deal with it.
When I was younger? It definitely affected me more and would cause me to become withdrawn from virtually everyone around me. I wouldn't speak to many and if I did, it was short and to the point. If I had to choose between going somewhere with others or staying home, I'd stay home.
These days, that's not an issue. Sure, I have moments where I don't feel like doing things, but I don't feel the need to completely withdraw from everyone around me.
Unfortunately, one way the inferiority still holds on is picking up a phone and even texting someone, much less calling them. I just struggle with it, even if I know it's been a while since I've talked to said person. I have this unexplainable fear when it comes to calling others, even if I KNOW I need to.
But I never want to get in the way of what people are doing, which is pretty insane since I'm fairly certain most of my friends/family would not complain if I called on occasion to say hi and see how things were going.
Now, I do have legitimate reasons for not taking a lot of time to call people. I do work, and after work I'm pretty busy with Kylie until she goes to bed right now, but I won't have that excuse in a few months when I've moved out and I don't have her around every day anymore.
Even so, I know certain people (Lennie and Sarah come to mind), are usually still up when I have Kylie down, so the child kept me busy isn't a great excuse. I could conceivably call them after she goes to bed, but then that's where the "I don't want to bug them if they're busy" issue comes back around.
I could go into further detail on this, but I feel I've summed it up fairly nicely to this point. I don't think the inferiority issue should be an acceptable excuse, and it shouldn't make anyone say "oh that's okay" if I suddenly talk to them after several weeks or months, but I do want people to understand why it happens and what goes on in my brain when it's happening.
I also want to reiterate one last time, I'm not depressed or think I'm worthless. My confidence, despite the issue I have with my teeth, is fairly high and I know I'm a worthwhile person. I just always feel there are more important things people could be doing than talking to me.
If you have any questions about this, feel free to reach out to me on any of my social media links, which are in this post and in the blog overall.
Thanks for reading this.
I'm not.
This is simply an explanation of some very long-standing habits that I've had since I can remember to try and help all of you understand a little better what goes on inside my head when it comes to communicating with most of you, even if you're a friend going back 10 years or more.
I've sat and thought about how to word this for almost a week since I announced on social media (personal FB page, gaming FB page, Twitter) that I was going to be writing about how I'm a bad friend and why I don't talk to people nearly as much as I should. I still haven't found the exact words I want, but I figured I needed to at least get started so I didn't lose the ones I have now.
I've always been fairly introverted around people I don't know. I'm not the type of person who will approach someone and strike up a conversation and if I'm in a group of people I don't know, I have very little to say. This has always had a fairly reasonable impact in dating as even if I felt fairly certain a girl was interested in me, I still had significant trouble mustering up the courage to speak to them.
I've improved at my social skills as the years have gone by, but I still struggle with it to this day and it greatly impacts the relationships that I've developed with people, and in some cases, sadly have lost because of my poor communication skills.
I'm just simply not the type of person who reaches out to people very often. I often think about it and intend to, or think that certain times would be good, but often forget about it shortly after deciding it would be a good idea.
It's a weak excuse, but the number of times I've decided that I was going to contact someone, only to lose track of time until it's well after midnight is pretty bad. I simply forget about it and get caught up in other things, sometimes important, sometimes not, and don't recall my original intent until it's too late (or I perceive it to be too late; I'm weird about that too).
In other words, I overthink the process of contacting people.
If it's during the day, I often fear that I'll be interrupting something more important and decide against it. If it's at night, even if I know there isn't a chance they're asleep, I fear waking them.
It isn't limited to any particular person either. Close friends, distant friends, and family are all likely to get treated this way. It isn't necessarily because I'm trying to avoid them, but rather it comes down a basic inferiority complex I've always had.
I can't pinpoint when I developed it either, I just know I've always felt like I wasn't good enough for others. It used to bother me a lot when I was younger (I was probably starving for positive attention from others outside of my immediate family and just not getting it), but as time has gone on, it's become a smaller issue for me.
It's still there though, and it doesn't always take a lot for it to rear its ugly head, particularly if I feel someone is belittling the way I do something. At those points I have to fight through it a bit more and realize there probably wasn't anything malicious about it.
In essence, I've always felt relatively unimportant to those around me. It's impact these days is FAR less significant than it used to be, but it still pops up from time to time.
Again, not trying to make it sound like it's crippling for me. Typically if I feel it, it only lasts for a brief moment before it passes and regain my mojo.
Yes I said mojo. Deal with it.
When I was younger? It definitely affected me more and would cause me to become withdrawn from virtually everyone around me. I wouldn't speak to many and if I did, it was short and to the point. If I had to choose between going somewhere with others or staying home, I'd stay home.
These days, that's not an issue. Sure, I have moments where I don't feel like doing things, but I don't feel the need to completely withdraw from everyone around me.
Unfortunately, one way the inferiority still holds on is picking up a phone and even texting someone, much less calling them. I just struggle with it, even if I know it's been a while since I've talked to said person. I have this unexplainable fear when it comes to calling others, even if I KNOW I need to.
But I never want to get in the way of what people are doing, which is pretty insane since I'm fairly certain most of my friends/family would not complain if I called on occasion to say hi and see how things were going.
Now, I do have legitimate reasons for not taking a lot of time to call people. I do work, and after work I'm pretty busy with Kylie until she goes to bed right now, but I won't have that excuse in a few months when I've moved out and I don't have her around every day anymore.
Even so, I know certain people (Lennie and Sarah come to mind), are usually still up when I have Kylie down, so the child kept me busy isn't a great excuse. I could conceivably call them after she goes to bed, but then that's where the "I don't want to bug them if they're busy" issue comes back around.
I could go into further detail on this, but I feel I've summed it up fairly nicely to this point. I don't think the inferiority issue should be an acceptable excuse, and it shouldn't make anyone say "oh that's okay" if I suddenly talk to them after several weeks or months, but I do want people to understand why it happens and what goes on in my brain when it's happening.
I also want to reiterate one last time, I'm not depressed or think I'm worthless. My confidence, despite the issue I have with my teeth, is fairly high and I know I'm a worthwhile person. I just always feel there are more important things people could be doing than talking to me.
If you have any questions about this, feel free to reach out to me on any of my social media links, which are in this post and in the blog overall.
Thanks for reading this.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
On the Browns and finally losing patience
I'm not one to portray doom and gloom with the sports franchises that I root for. I simply do not take them so seriously that my life is ruined because of sports.
They're still not, but boy are the Cleveland Browns doing their best to try and drive the loyal fans away.
This past game against the Arizona Cardinals was perhaps the most frustrating game to watch, and that's saying a lot given the games that us fans have suffered through since the team's rebirth in 1999.
Yet it was a symbol of what we've come to expect from the Browns. Play competitively for a while, then fall into an abyss as the opponent makes adjustments and the Browns fail to counter.
You could feel it coming really with about 5 minutes left to go in the first half. The Browns had just taken a 20-7 lead on Josh McCown's third touchdown pass of the first half (missed the extra point) and the stadium was buzzing. The Browns were relatively competent on offense and the defense had done a nice job of forcing some turnovers.
Yet you could feel the change was going to come. The Browns defense has been notorious for giving up points before the half, squashing all momentum that they had built up.
Sure enough, Carson Palmer had the Cardinals in position to at least get a field goal, if not a touchdown, and a completion to Larry Fitzgerald seemed to confirm my own belief that the score was coming. Then K'Waun Williams forced Fitzgerald to fumble, thus seemingly preventing that end of the half score.
With over a minute in the half, the Browns could conceivably try to get down the field and possibly put some points up before the half, but of course, the coaching staff went conservative and the Browns were forced to punt with 36 seconds left in the half.
A false start pushed the Cardinals back, but then Palmer hit Michael Floyd for 28 yards to the Browns' 27, thus putting the Cardinals in field goal range. Palmer then hit Fitzgerald for 19 yards, and after spiking the ball the Cardinals had 2nd and goal from the 8. There were offsetting penalties on the following play, which allowed the Cardinals to kick that field goal at the end of the half to make it 20-10.
Now, with the Browns having the ball at the start of the second half, you wouldn't be too bothered by all this, except the Browns have been putrid to start the second half at times. This game was no different as the Browns lost 2 yards in 3 plays before punting. Joe Haden was beaten again by Floyd for a long touchdown, thus finishing the shift in momentum. Cardinals were down 20-17, but you knew that wouldn't last and the train wreck continued.
The Browns punted on their next 3 possessions and allowed the Cardinals to take the lead at 24-20. The Browns forced two turnovers, but didn't get anything out of those turnovers, punting after intercepting Palmer, then McCown threw an interception in Cardinal territory after the Browns defense had forced a fumble.
Of course the Cardinals responded by adding another touchdown, and finished the scoring with a field goal to win 34-20.
Remember, the Browns led 20-7 at one point. They gave up 27 unanswered points from the end of the first half going through the 4th quarter. McCown could barely stand, yet Mike Pettine refused to remove him from the game. The offensive line, which had done an admirable job in the first half, couldn't block anyone in the second.
The run defense, which had also done an admirable job in the first half, parted wide open in the second half.
Haden and Tramon Williams couldn't cover anyone. Donte Whitner hit a player so hard he knocked himself out the game.
It was an utter catastrophe in the second half from every angle. There is not one positive you can gleam from that second half.
Nothing.
Listen, this team is now making me angry. Us as fans devote 3+ hours to watch this and no, I don't know why we do this to ourselves. Especially those of you who go down to that stadium every Sunday, paying exorbitant prices on tickets, parking, and concessions, just so you have the privilege of saying you were there when Brian Hartline dropped 4 passes, or watched Dwayne Bowe stand there on the sideline.
Why are you paying Bowe a ton of money if you aren't going to play him? Why has he been inactive so much this year even though he's healthy? Why did anyone think picking up Robert Turbin was a good idea? Why can't this "premiere" offensive line block anyone or open up any running lanes?
Why can't they stop the run? Why can't two of the best cover corners cover anyone? Why can't these guys stop getting concussed? Why is McCown out there when he can barely stand up?
I could go on, and I will because Ray Farmer, the genius himself, took to the podium today to talk about the team. You know, the guy who was trying to trade Joe Thomas anyway he could for some god-forsaken reason. You know, the guy who didn't believe in going out and getting a play-making receiver, who instead threw money at Bowe to stand on the sidelines.
Farmer contended that the team was close, that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. He claimed he wasn't on the hot seat (but very visibly needed to wipe his ENTIRE HEAD OFF WITH A TOWEL), that the hot seat was just something outsiders say.
Farmer is now an internet meme and that's not a good thing.
Look, we could spend hours dissecting what's wrong with this team. Jimmy Haslam is the second coming of Jerry Jones, but without the football knowledge. Pettine, well, he's in a rough spot. He knows his job is on the line and needs to win now, but this team really needs to be developing the younger players, which costs you wins (not that the vets are doing a bang-up job).
The defense, which was supposed to be the strength, gets gashed on a regular basis both on the ground and through the air.
Are the players trying? I believe so, but I feel most aren't being used properly or being put in the best position to succeed. Best example? Paul Kruger, brought into to rush the passer, is being dropped into coverage a lot more than he should be.
One final thing before I switch into a more positive tone, this team needs to stop being jerks to the few good players it has. Tashaun Gipson is one of the best young safeties in the league, yet the team will likely refuse to pay him, much like Buster Skrine (who admittedly wasn't great, but was still serviceable) and TJ Ward (who they replaced with past his prime Donte Whitner).
There's so much more I could get into, but I'm not going to do this to myself. Yes, I want the Browns to become a great franchise, but I doubt they'll do it with the current regime in place. I HATE saying that because I hate constantly changing the faces, but this is possibly the worst I've seen outside of the Pat Shurmer debacle.
Hopefully they figure it out, but expect more painful moments before they do.
Some final thoughts:
Cavalier Caveats
I love the Cavs.
One, they're not the Browns. Dan Gilbert has made it clear he wants to win, he wants to win now, and he'll do what he can to make it happen. Of course, it helps having LeBron James, Kevin Love, and eventually Kyrie Irving, but Gilbert has shown he will give the greenlight on just about any roster decision that helps the team win.
Last nights game was a dud early on though. The 76ers came out with energy and took it to the Cavs early on, but the Cavs started to get back into the game late in the first half, closing what had been a 15 point lead down to 5 at 54-49. They continued the assault in the second half, taking the lead at 56-54 just minutes into the half.
They never looked back. Mo Williams was hitting jumpers, Love was posting up on the block, James was catching alley-oops from Matthew Dellavedova, and the defense tightened up considerably. They stretched the lead to 21 at one point before David Blatt turned it over to the bench, who allowed the lead to dwindle, but not completely disappear.
James passed 25,000 points for his career last night and did so as the youngest ever. The only downside was JR Smith having to leave with a knee injury. He'll be out at least two games, but at least it wasn't serious.
I just want to point out that Love appears to be 150% more comfortable with the team this year than last. He has a bounce in his step (he's health), but he's more assertive. He's calling for the ball and the Cavs are getting it to him where he can be successful. He's no longer just drifting outside the three point line, waiting to shoot a jumper. He's active, he's vocal, and he's being aggressive.
Finally, it's really great to see Mo back with the Cavs. He was a favorite of mine his first time with the team and has done exactly what they need him to do until Irving comes back.
Oh wow, that's right, they're playing pretty well without Irving and Iman Shumpert.
This is going to be fun.
Unlike that Browns team.
They're still not, but boy are the Cleveland Browns doing their best to try and drive the loyal fans away.
This past game against the Arizona Cardinals was perhaps the most frustrating game to watch, and that's saying a lot given the games that us fans have suffered through since the team's rebirth in 1999.
Yet it was a symbol of what we've come to expect from the Browns. Play competitively for a while, then fall into an abyss as the opponent makes adjustments and the Browns fail to counter.
You could feel it coming really with about 5 minutes left to go in the first half. The Browns had just taken a 20-7 lead on Josh McCown's third touchdown pass of the first half (missed the extra point) and the stadium was buzzing. The Browns were relatively competent on offense and the defense had done a nice job of forcing some turnovers.
Yet you could feel the change was going to come. The Browns defense has been notorious for giving up points before the half, squashing all momentum that they had built up.
Sure enough, Carson Palmer had the Cardinals in position to at least get a field goal, if not a touchdown, and a completion to Larry Fitzgerald seemed to confirm my own belief that the score was coming. Then K'Waun Williams forced Fitzgerald to fumble, thus seemingly preventing that end of the half score.
With over a minute in the half, the Browns could conceivably try to get down the field and possibly put some points up before the half, but of course, the coaching staff went conservative and the Browns were forced to punt with 36 seconds left in the half.
A false start pushed the Cardinals back, but then Palmer hit Michael Floyd for 28 yards to the Browns' 27, thus putting the Cardinals in field goal range. Palmer then hit Fitzgerald for 19 yards, and after spiking the ball the Cardinals had 2nd and goal from the 8. There were offsetting penalties on the following play, which allowed the Cardinals to kick that field goal at the end of the half to make it 20-10.
Now, with the Browns having the ball at the start of the second half, you wouldn't be too bothered by all this, except the Browns have been putrid to start the second half at times. This game was no different as the Browns lost 2 yards in 3 plays before punting. Joe Haden was beaten again by Floyd for a long touchdown, thus finishing the shift in momentum. Cardinals were down 20-17, but you knew that wouldn't last and the train wreck continued.
The Browns punted on their next 3 possessions and allowed the Cardinals to take the lead at 24-20. The Browns forced two turnovers, but didn't get anything out of those turnovers, punting after intercepting Palmer, then McCown threw an interception in Cardinal territory after the Browns defense had forced a fumble.
Of course the Cardinals responded by adding another touchdown, and finished the scoring with a field goal to win 34-20.
Remember, the Browns led 20-7 at one point. They gave up 27 unanswered points from the end of the first half going through the 4th quarter. McCown could barely stand, yet Mike Pettine refused to remove him from the game. The offensive line, which had done an admirable job in the first half, couldn't block anyone in the second.
The run defense, which had also done an admirable job in the first half, parted wide open in the second half.
Haden and Tramon Williams couldn't cover anyone. Donte Whitner hit a player so hard he knocked himself out the game.
It was an utter catastrophe in the second half from every angle. There is not one positive you can gleam from that second half.
Nothing.
Listen, this team is now making me angry. Us as fans devote 3+ hours to watch this and no, I don't know why we do this to ourselves. Especially those of you who go down to that stadium every Sunday, paying exorbitant prices on tickets, parking, and concessions, just so you have the privilege of saying you were there when Brian Hartline dropped 4 passes, or watched Dwayne Bowe stand there on the sideline.
Why are you paying Bowe a ton of money if you aren't going to play him? Why has he been inactive so much this year even though he's healthy? Why did anyone think picking up Robert Turbin was a good idea? Why can't this "premiere" offensive line block anyone or open up any running lanes?
Why can't they stop the run? Why can't two of the best cover corners cover anyone? Why can't these guys stop getting concussed? Why is McCown out there when he can barely stand up?
I could go on, and I will because Ray Farmer, the genius himself, took to the podium today to talk about the team. You know, the guy who was trying to trade Joe Thomas anyway he could for some god-forsaken reason. You know, the guy who didn't believe in going out and getting a play-making receiver, who instead threw money at Bowe to stand on the sidelines.
Farmer contended that the team was close, that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. He claimed he wasn't on the hot seat (but very visibly needed to wipe his ENTIRE HEAD OFF WITH A TOWEL), that the hot seat was just something outsiders say.
Farmer is now an internet meme and that's not a good thing.
Look, we could spend hours dissecting what's wrong with this team. Jimmy Haslam is the second coming of Jerry Jones, but without the football knowledge. Pettine, well, he's in a rough spot. He knows his job is on the line and needs to win now, but this team really needs to be developing the younger players, which costs you wins (not that the vets are doing a bang-up job).
The defense, which was supposed to be the strength, gets gashed on a regular basis both on the ground and through the air.
Are the players trying? I believe so, but I feel most aren't being used properly or being put in the best position to succeed. Best example? Paul Kruger, brought into to rush the passer, is being dropped into coverage a lot more than he should be.
One final thing before I switch into a more positive tone, this team needs to stop being jerks to the few good players it has. Tashaun Gipson is one of the best young safeties in the league, yet the team will likely refuse to pay him, much like Buster Skrine (who admittedly wasn't great, but was still serviceable) and TJ Ward (who they replaced with past his prime Donte Whitner).
There's so much more I could get into, but I'm not going to do this to myself. Yes, I want the Browns to become a great franchise, but I doubt they'll do it with the current regime in place. I HATE saying that because I hate constantly changing the faces, but this is possibly the worst I've seen outside of the Pat Shurmer debacle.
Hopefully they figure it out, but expect more painful moments before they do.
Some final thoughts:
- Haden has become more about talking about his game then actually playing like a ProBowl corner. He's been beaten multiple times by average receivers, then is magically hurt afterwards. Please don't be that guy Joe. We want to love you.
- Alex Mack is still not right. Before his injury last year, he was one of the best centers in the league. Now he is getting pushed all over the place and part of why the rushing attack just can't get going.
- Why are the linebackers constantly running up the backs of the linemen in front of them? Shouldn't they be shooting the gaps?
- Justin Gilbert, Johnny Manziel, Cam Erving, and Danny Shelton are your high profile draft picks. Let that soak in.
- Brandon Marshall was had for a fifth round draft pick. The Browns CUT their fourth round receiver.
- If nothing else, I'd like to see the Browns become better so we stop getting the worst announcing crews. Seriously, some of these guys clearly didn't pay attention to who they were going to be covering.
- NFL officials continue to be the worst. In last night's Colts/Panthers game, they made a few errors that helped the Colts in their comeback attempt. The worst was on an a pass play where the receiver was ruled out of bounds even though he was clearly tackled in-bounds, thus saving the Colts several valuable seconds.
Cavalier Caveats
I love the Cavs.
One, they're not the Browns. Dan Gilbert has made it clear he wants to win, he wants to win now, and he'll do what he can to make it happen. Of course, it helps having LeBron James, Kevin Love, and eventually Kyrie Irving, but Gilbert has shown he will give the greenlight on just about any roster decision that helps the team win.
Last nights game was a dud early on though. The 76ers came out with energy and took it to the Cavs early on, but the Cavs started to get back into the game late in the first half, closing what had been a 15 point lead down to 5 at 54-49. They continued the assault in the second half, taking the lead at 56-54 just minutes into the half.
They never looked back. Mo Williams was hitting jumpers, Love was posting up on the block, James was catching alley-oops from Matthew Dellavedova, and the defense tightened up considerably. They stretched the lead to 21 at one point before David Blatt turned it over to the bench, who allowed the lead to dwindle, but not completely disappear.
James passed 25,000 points for his career last night and did so as the youngest ever. The only downside was JR Smith having to leave with a knee injury. He'll be out at least two games, but at least it wasn't serious.
I just want to point out that Love appears to be 150% more comfortable with the team this year than last. He has a bounce in his step (he's health), but he's more assertive. He's calling for the ball and the Cavs are getting it to him where he can be successful. He's no longer just drifting outside the three point line, waiting to shoot a jumper. He's active, he's vocal, and he's being aggressive.
Finally, it's really great to see Mo back with the Cavs. He was a favorite of mine his first time with the team and has done exactly what they need him to do until Irving comes back.
Oh wow, that's right, they're playing pretty well without Irving and Iman Shumpert.
This is going to be fun.
Unlike that Browns team.
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