* Sunday's Browns game had me screaming at the television set for most of it. The 26-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons kept their playoff hopes alive but there are some troubling signs to consider. Brian Hoyer's game was abysmal. Three interceptions with the worst being in the end zone which could have extended the lead and forced to Falcons to get more than a field goal. I'm sounding like a broken record but my biggest concern is that the Browns are still going to need a legitimate playoff type quarterback. They don't have one on the current roster and that includes Johnny Manziel.
* I'm also concerned with the coaching staff. Time management is an issue and it was evident at the end of the first half as they left time outs on the table when they should have used one after Josh Gordon's huge catch. At the end of the game, instead of using their last time out, Hoyer could have spiked the ball and then used the time out before the field goal attempt. Speaking of field goal attempt, going for a 60 yarder with Devin Hester back there was dumb. It was especially dumb in that Billy Cundiff has the worst field goal percentage outside the 50 yard line in all of the NFL. Mike Pettine needs to be smarter.
* While many in the Cleveland media praise Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan, I'm not as impressed. Not being able to capitalize on turnovers for touchdowns will eventually come back to haunt the Browns. This has been a problem all season long. I also have to call into question the play that was called which led to Hoyer's interception in the end zone. It was first and goal from the five yard line so there was no need to throw especially the way Isiah Crowell was running inside the red zone.
* Kudos to the rookie running backs, Crowell & Terrence West, as they showed why the Browns didn't need the disgruntled Ben Tate. What else can you say about Josh Gordon. This guy is unreal and would have had more yardage if Hoyer was on target. The Browns defense also made plays, particularly Paul Kruger, Joe Haden and Craig Robertson.
* The Maple Leafs responded to the media-created controversy by defeating the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. The Leafs really turned it up in the third period and everything got started with Tyler Bozak's shorthanded goal that gave the Leafs 2-1 lead and they never looked back. Once again, the Peter Holland - Mike Santorelli - Leo Komorov line was a factor as Holland and Komorov each scored and they provided a strong forecheck inside the Detroit zone. Holland's goal was a beauty.
* Roman Polak will be out for four weeks due to a knee sprain that was suffered as a result of a collision with the Wings Tomas Tatar. It could have been worse but the Leafs will have to weather the storm while Polak is out.
* The usual Toronto media critics who are regularly all over Jake Gardiner had nothing to say after the Red Wing game. The kid had a solid game as did Morgan Reilly but I didn't hear any of the TO gasbags giving any praise.
* Really sad to hear about the passing of Pat Quinn. As a Leaf fan, Quinn's teams in the late 90s early 2000s were playoff contenders and made the Eastern Conference finals twice. The Big Irishman will be missed. Every time I hear the song, The Mighty Quinn, I always think of him. God bless you, Pat.
* Had to laugh hearing Milan Lucic whine like a baby after he was knocked down with one punch by the Blue Jackets' Dalton Prout. If you watch the replay, Lucic initiated the whole thing by going at Prout. If he didn't want to fight then why did he go at Prout. Lucic should have shut his mouth and if he feels so inclined take care of things the next time the Bruins play Columbus.
* Can't wait to hear more on this story involving Johnny Manziel and the altercation that took place early Saturday morning. Manziel's agent issued a statement which conflicts with initial reports so it remains to be seen what else comes out. Bottom line: Johnny Football needs to grow up. This is why I did not want the Browns to draft him.
* The Boston Red Sox made a big splash with the signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. They have created a glut of bats which could result in a trade for a frontline pitcher. Think: Cole Hamels.
* Meanwhile, Brian Cashman is getting ready to repel down a building in Connecticut with Bobby Valentine.
* Why not bring Willie Randolph back as infield and first base coach? The guy is a Yankee through and through and knows the game. By the way if you want a nice gift for a Yankee fan, get Randolph's book "The Yankee Way". It's a great read!!
* Solomon Wilcots made a jerk out of himself on the Bills-Jets broadcast. Spero Dedes was talking about the catch that Odell Beckham Jr. made on Sunday night when Solomon said, "everyone will know your name, Ladell Beckham Jr. " And this guy gets paid to do this.
* The new Hockey Night In Canada broadcast is terrible. Too many know-it-all talking heads and the new host, George Stroumboulopoulus, is annoying.
* Finally, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here in the U.S.
* Finally, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here in the U.S.
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