HEY, TONY!

Tony Grossi tackles your Cleveland Browns questions

Will the Browns' 29-27 win over the Bills revive their playoff hopes? Browns beat writer Tony Grossi tackled your questions in a chat earlier today on cleveland.com.
Among the topics discussed:

Were the Browns simply lucky escaping Buffalo with a victory?

How do you think Brady Quinn did in first win as a starter?

What do you make of this defense that nearly blew a big lead for the third straight game?

What can Romeo Crennel do to save his job?

And a whole lot more!

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Next live podcast: Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Got a Browns question? Send it in. Submit your question to cleveland.com/heytony, and Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi will choose several to answer each Sunday here in the sports section. All of Tony's answers are archived online.

Hey, Tony: Do you agree that the Browns have an underdog mentality? They play well when no one expects anything, when others dismiss them, or when they have to come from behind. But when they are in a position to prove they are winners, they fall flat on their faces -- i.e. the Cincinnati game last year, blowing the big leads the past two games, the Washington game being almost served on a platter. If you agree, then how do you fix it? I know that's a big question to tackle, so how about one place you would start? -- Ante, Cleveland

Hey, Ante: You have sized them up accurately. Generally in the NFL, you can overcome that through the combined forces of two men -- the head coach and the quarterback. You need special people in both jobs. Those two jobs have the most impact on winning and losing. Think about it: Bill Walsh and Joe Montana, Chuck Noll and Terry Bradshaw, Tom Landry and Roger Staubach, Paul Brown and Otto Graham, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning.

Hey, Tony: The Browns have now lost three games at home (Steelers, Ravens, and Broncos) where it was clear they had a chance to win or should have won the game. Does this put Romeo Crennel on the outs and point towards the future head coach Bill Cowher being hired? And when Cowher is hired as the head coach, does this also mean GM Phil Savage will be fired along with Romeo? Phil has done a good job on improving the talent on the offense and with some help the defense could be solid. The mistakes being made are mental ones and players being out of position, which point more towards a coaching issue, not the GM. -- Zach Hitchcock, COB Speicher, Iraq

Hey, Zach: The only man who can answer a question about the future of Crennel and Savage is owner Randy Lerner. And he has not granted an extensive interview about the team in over two years.

Hey, Tony: You have been wrong on eight consecutive predictions on the Browns. Can't you just predict the Browns to lose every week? -- Pete Saakes, Mission, Texas

Hey, Pete: I tried that twice during this losing streak and the Browns won both times. I guarantee that I am not the only one who cannot figure them out. There are 53 players, about 20 coaches, a GM and an owner in Berea who have no clue about their team, either.

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Tony Grossi is online to answer your Browns questions twice a week until the end of the season. First, break down how the Browns did during a live chat the day after the game at noon. Then, log on every Friday to get his prediction for the next game in an exclusive podcast.

In the meantime, post your questions in the comments area below.

Next live podcast: Friday at 10: 30 a.m.

Link: Enter the chat room here

Can't make the chat? An archive will be posted shortly after the conclusion of the chat here.

The Browns look to snap a two-game losing streak against the Bills on Monday Night Football. Will they acquit themselves after collapsing late against the Ravens and Broncos? In his latest podcast, Tony Grossi previews the game, reveals his pick and answers these burning questions:

• Do you think any of the Browns quit at any point during the last two games?

• Will the lineup changes on defense help at all?

• What do you expect out of Brady Quinn's second start?

• After winning their first three, the Bills have lost 4 of their last 5. How beatable are they?

+ Tony's pick and much more

Download MP3

Stay tuned for our next live chat on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at noon

Where do the 3-6 Browns go after another demoralizing loss at the stadium last Thursday? Browns beat writer Tony Grossi tackled your questions in a chat earlier today on cleveland.com. Among the topics discussed:

How do you think Brady Quinn did in his starting debut?

Who's to blame for the defensive breakdowns the last couple of games?

What is Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage's future here?

What about Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow?

How do the Browns match up against the Bills, losers of four of their last five games?

And a whole lot more!

Download MP3

Next live chat: Tuesday at noon

Hey, Tony: I'm becoming increasingly concerned (at least much more than I already was) with the upper management of the Browns. In the past two weeks, all reports with the Winslow situation and Quinn/DA switch seem to be contradictory. From my understanding, a strong organization is on the same page with their communication and dissenting opinions are kept in house. Why is everyone not on the same page? Does this signify the beginning of the end of the Savage/Crennel era? Is Trent Dilfer right with his assessment of the dysfunction in Cleveland? -- Vinny Sandy, West Chester, Ohio

Hey, Vinny: The organization appeared to turn the corner last year. Unfortunately, there was a brick wall there and it smacked its forehead and nose on it this year and a few teeth were loosened.

Hey, Tony:What is your reaction to comments made by Trent Dilfer about the browns organization. You think this guy could let go of a grudge. -- Gary Alfrey, Toledo

Hey, Gary: Dilfer felt the fan sentiment for Charlie Frye cost him his job in the 11th week of the 2005 season and he thinks the same thing happened to Derek Anderson. I don't think he's wrong about that, but Dilfer's play was lacking and there was no reason to keep him in there. He and Anderson are buddies and share the same agent, so he came down hard on the move. He obviously doesn't have a high regard for Lerner.

Hey, Tony: Don't you think you may have been a little harsh on some of the fans calling for guys like Shaun Rogers and Josh Cribbs to play 2-way football when you just brushed it off as a bad idea? Seems that the coaching staff has had the same thoughts internally. Now I'm not saying that makes it a good idea, but it makes me wonder [if it's] time to remove the coach and name the fans of Cleveland the new coaches in his place? Never underestimate the football IQ of the average Browns' fan, plus it would certainly be an NFL first! -- Joe Cepec, Columbus

Hey, Joe: I agree with something Trent Dilfer said. Browns fans have more impact on the way their team runs than any fans in the NFL.

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The Browns battle the Broncos in Brady Quinn's starting debut tonight at Browns Stadium. Will this be the beginning of the legend of Brady Quinn or just the latest loss in a disappointing season? In his latest podcast, Tony Grossi previews the game, reveals his pick and answers these burning questions:

• What do you think of the decision to start Brady Quinn tonight?

• What will the gameplan be with Quinn in at quarterback?

• Why have the Broncos lost 4 of their last 5 games?

• Will the Browns' defense rebound this week?

+ Tony's pick and much more

Download MP3

Next live chat: Monday at noon

After taking the lead in the third quarter, the Browns imploded against the Ravens. Is it time to look to the future? Who's on the hot seat? Is this season lost? Browns beat writer Tony Grossi tackled your questions in a chat earlier today on cleveland.com. Among the topics discussed:

Can the Browns continue to rely on Derek Anderson, or is it time for Brady Quinn?

With Josh Cribbs big game on special teams, why wasn't he more involved in the offense?

Is Romeo Crennel back on the hot seat? Anyone else joining him?

Where was Beau Bell

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Next podcast: Friday afternoon.

Got a Browns question? Send it in. Submit your question to cleveland.com/heytony, and Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi will choose several to answer each Sunday here in the sports section. All of Tony's answers are archived online.

Hey, Tony: Three questions that I think need to be asked of Kellen Winslow seeing as he has opened the door to them. 1. Where exactly on his body was the "staph" infection? 2. How exactly did he contract it? 3. What exact medication did the Cleveland Clinic use to remove the "staph" infection in just three days? -- Ernie Logothetides, Lyndhurst

Hey, Ernie: All legitimate questions. Winslow's general response has been, "just because I catch a football for living doesn't mean I have to talk about my private life," or something to that effect.

Hey, Tony: Would Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco still be on the bench if they played for the Browns? -- Alex Staunton, Novato, Calif.

Hey, Alex: Yes. Neither Atlanta nor Baltimore has a quarterback of Derek Anderson's ability on their roster.

Hey, Tony: I know you said two years ago Bill Cowher will be the Browns next coach. Do you still stand by that comment? -- Bill Bogle, Smithville, Tenn.

Hey, Bill: Until proven wrong, I do.

Hey, Tony: Would you agree with trading Braylon Edwards in the off-season for a first- or second-round pick? In my opinion he is the main problem with this team. He seems to be more concerned about his image than the team, and I would unload him the first chance I got. He needs to keep his mouth shut, catch the football and realize he isn't an All-Pro receiver anymore. -- Josh Melitschka, Middleburg Heights

Hey, Josh: I would not trade Edwards. I think he can be rehabilitated.

Continue reading "Hey, Tony: Tony Grossi answers your Browns questions" »

The Browns return home to face the Ravens on Sunday at 1 p.m. Will they get to .500 and keep things interesting in the AFC North? Click below to hear Tony Grossi's latest podcast in which he reveals his pick for the game and answers these questions:

What did you make of Phil Savage's 29-second mea culpa in front of the media on Monday?

Can we really expect Shaun Rogers to line up at fullback?

How will the Browns utilize both Kellen Winslow and Steve Heiden?

Which Derek Anderson will show up on Sunday?

Is this Ravens defense as good as they looked in Week 3?

+ Tony's pick and much more

Download MP3

Next live chat: Monday at noon

Just when you thought D.A. and the Browns were down for the county, they win in impressive style in Jacksonville. So, are they just a tease or can they still turn this season around? Browns beat writer Tony Grossi tackled your questions in a chat earlier today on cleveland.com. Among the topics discussed:

How impressed were you by this performance?

Just when you ready to write him off, Derek Anderson has another good game. What do
you make of him?

Are the Browns a better team without Kellen Winslow?

How does the GM not know about text messages a member of the PR staff is sending to players?

With four of their next five games at home, can the Browns make a run at the playoffs?

And a whole lot more!

Download MP3

Next podcast: Friday afternoon.

Hey, Tony: How difficult is it to alter a game plan after it has been established and worked on for a week? I was surprised during the Pittsburgh game that [Rob Chudzinski] called hardly any passing plays. It seems like the plan that was in place for Cincy should have been the plan for the hurricane game (run, run, run, then run). Did the sudden weather conditions make it too late to change the game plan? Could that be an explanation for all the passing in the windy Cincy game last year? -- Dave Morgan, Westlake

Hey, Dave: No, it's not an explanation at all. Coaches have to be able to adjust to weather changes during the course of a game. The Pittsburgh game plan did look to be wrong for the gusty conditions on that night. What's worse was that the Browns never seemed to adapt.

Hey, Tony: The Browns do have an emblem on their helmets. It's Brownie, but he's too embarrassed by our lame excuse of a football team to show his face! And now for a question: Why does the NFL have inactive players for games? Wouldn't the product be better if one could use all of the players? They're paying them, so why not play them? -- Bill Forester, San Jose, Calif.

Hey, Bill: I have asked that question for years and here is the answer: The competition committee feels that if all 53 players were eligible for a game, some teams with rampant injuries may only have, say, 42 available players, while their opponent might have a full complement of 53. Limiting the active roster to 45 is the committee's way of helping to level the field and reduce the disparity among healthy teams and unhealthy ones. In other words, it assures no team can have more than 45 healthy players. Believe me, owners often wonder why they are paying 53 players and using only 45 on game day.

Hey, Tony: Why do you (on a seemingly weekly basis) answer the same question multiple times? The question may be worded differently, but either way it's superfluous and redundant to respond to the same question by different people with the same response. -- Kyle Chormanski, South Bend, Ind.

Hey, Kyle: To paraphrase the late great Joe DiMaggio, you never know when somebody is reading you for the first time.

Continue reading "Hey, Tony: Tony Grossi answers your Browns questions" »

The Jeckyll and Hyde Browns take the field on Sunday to face the Jaguars. Which team will show up? Click below to hear Tony Grossi's latest podcast in which he reveals his pick for the game and answers these questions:

What's your take on the Kellen Winslow saga?

Will this soap opera or Winslow's absence have much an effect on the game Sunday?

If Derek Anderson has another first half like he had last week, will we see Brady Quinn in the second half?

In terms of biggest disappointments this season, does Rob Chudzinski belong right up there with Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards?

The Jaguars are 3-3, but the teams that have beaten them are a combined 16-2. Is this team better than their record?

+ Tony's pick and much more

Download MP3

Next live chat: Monday at noon

Will the real Cleveland Browns stand up? Beat writer Tony Grossi tackled your questions about the Jekyll and Hyde Browns following their loss to the Redskins in a chat earlier today on cleveland.com. Among the topics discussed:

What do you make of the whole Kellen Winslow situation?

How do you explain this team's dual personality on defense?

Is that the real Derek Anderson we saw on Sunday?

What did you think of the coaching and game plan against the Redskins?

With the playoffs a remote possibility, how do the Browns approach the rest of the season?

And a whole lot more!

Download MP3

Next podcast: Friday afternoon.

Hey, Tony: Do you think the Browns' soft training camp is a cause of all the injuries once the real hitting started? If Romeo Crennel is still coach next year, maybe the Browns can sign up for a touch football league. -- Mike Ristau, Chesterfield, Mo.

Hey, Mike: These injuries are a problem for every team. I believe the cause is the new NFL calendar, which has players beating down their bodies from February through June and then having little recovery time until training camps open. Then coaches go light in training camp. So-called off-season conditioning programs sprang up in the mid-1980s and they have expanded to multiple minicamps and OTAs (organized team activities). I liked it in the old days, when players got five months off after a season and then used training camp to get back in shape. Training camps were much harder then, but it seemed there were fewer injuries.

Hey, Tony: Do the Browns have cheerleaders? If they don't, why not? -- Julie Andy, Pataskala, Ohio

Hey, Julie: No, they don't have cheerleaders. They don't have an insignia on their helmets, either. Reason: tradition.

Q: Hey, Tony: After all these years we hear RC after a poor game say we have to fix this and fix that, but he is never specific. I never really see any fixes, and the same problems continue week in and week out. Same stupid penalties, same blown coverages, same wrong routes, poor tackling, rarely any halftime adjustments that work. Sure, talent solves some problems, but not all, and after four years to rebuild a team, that is not an excuse. In your opinion does RC really know how to fix the problems? -- Christopher Warren, Alexandria, Va.

Hey, Christopher: I thought he did a good job of fixing problems leading into the Giants game.

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