It's been a long time since I've read a sportspage where I have a million things running through my head upon completion. But here it goes.

Tony Grossi grades the Browns today.

To show how bad the Browns are, 5 of the top 14 players are significant special team players (Cribbs, Vickers, Dawson, Zastudil, Pontbriand). To paraphrase George W. Bush, "He forgot Cundiff!".

Shaun Rogers at #3? "Child, please." Remains overrated by virtually everyone in this town.

Matt Roth plays 6 games and gets rated (Unbelievably in the Top 10), D'Qwell Jackson plays 6 and is not? I don't care who ended up on IR or not.

Jamal Lewis at #19? Not sure how or why.

One thing bugs me about Terry Pluto's column today. The line "You can be jaded and say that Mangini kept the job" and then lists EXACTLY the reasons why. Lerner paying for yet another ex-employee, the upcoming CBA dispute and Holmgren not yet sure he does NOT want to coach.

Why bang on Braylon Edwards? Dude is gone. Still in the playoffs, but gone.

New Tribe pitching coach, Tim Belcher, talked to Jake Westbrook about how he pitched in Puerto Rico. This always kills me. Hop on a plane and go to PR and see the guy pitch live, you don't even need a passport.

After seeing "Sugar" the other day, I will never underestimate the firing of Luis Isaac by the Indians again. From helping the Hispanic players with the English language and having a father figure around who can speak their native language and prepare them for the dos-and-donts of the majors and guide them when things don't go well, these players go through a lot. I mean how many times will you order "French Toast", because that's the only item you know how to pronounce, even though you don't like it. So, I was thrilled to see that Manny Acta, the Most Interesting Manager in the World, visted with Fausto Carmona in the Dominican. At least 15 wins this year, you watch.

Not a surprise that the Jets handled the Bengals. The Bengals offense led the league in three-and-outs and the Bengals had two of them in the first half yesterday.

Not much of a surprise that the Cowboys whipped up on the Eagles again. The Dallas front 7 is really playing well right now and may give Minnesota some fits next week. Last two weeks, the Eagles ran only 10 and 13 times against that Cowboy defense.

Today, I like the Ravens and Packers, but not sure either team will win. I think they'll be close, but not sure they can get over the hump.

Meal of Links

The World's Most Amazing Views. Hard to believe this did not qualify:




















A long excerpt from the book, "Game Change". About John Edwards, his wife, his mistress, etc.

Credit card rates. Going up.

Ten spinoffs better than the original. I have to think about this one more.

CNET lists the award winners from the Consumer Electronics Show. Do we really need 3-D at home?

Exercise Yard


























It was Mascot Night at the Bart last night. Slider (Indians), Skipper (Captains), Sully (Monsters), Vike (CSU Emeritus) and Magnus (current CSU) were there. No Mister Chicken or Akron Aero guy.


























It was my first look at the new "pressing" CSU Vikings. Due to attrition and bad play, Coach Waters has decided to go with full-court pressure and let the chips fall where they may. A truly weird game. They were "Homered at home" in the first half by the refs (only 2 foul shot attempts by CSU) and had to go to Plan C, with only about 6 minutes gone. Second half foul shot attempts, CSU 15, UIC, 3! Complete reversal.


























CSU eventually wore down Illinois-Chicago to grab a 16-point lead, 65-49, with only 4 minutes to go. Three minutes later, it's 66-63, WTF? In the last minute, CSU hit 4 foul shots for the final score of CSU 70, UIC 63.

Visitor

None, on a cold Sunday.