Wednesday, December 24, 2014

A Christmas Eve Edition: Tuesday's Thoughts

While remembering CHCH-TV Hamilton's tracking of where Santa was on Christmas Eve night, here's what is on my mind this morning:

* Well, the Cleveland Browns quarterback mockery continues as once again another season where we could very well see three guys attempt to be the team's signal caller. What a joke. It's a possibility that Connor Shaw will come up from the practice squad to be the starter against Baltimore. Two weeks ago, former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar criticized the team for the way they have handled the quarterback position going back to Tim Couch. On Monday, Couch echoed Kosar's sentiments by saying that there has been a failure to build a team throughout the roster with whoever is in the quarterback position paying the price. To Couch's point, the early returns on the 2014 first round draft picks is not good. More on that in a minute. You also have to look at the lack of depth, particularly on the offensive line. The good organizations have depth in the critical spots, specifically on the offensive and defensive lines. 

* This week the word coming out of the Browns locker room is the the team's first round picks, Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel, have a lot of growing up to do. First, Karlos Dansby called out Gilbert by saying the young cornerback out of Oklahoma State needs to realize that he's not in college anymore. Dansby questioned Gilbert's dedication. Then, we have Manziel admitting that he could have done more to be prepared and promising to dedicate himself to be better in 2015. He went on to say that he had to take things more seriously. My question is: where is the coaching staff to straighten these two guys out? Where are the veteran leaders on the team to grab these two by the throat and let them know they are in the National Football League? As I have stated before, this team cannot afford to blow first round draft picks. First rounders on a team like the Browns should be contributors in their first year, particularly one taken as high as Gilbert. Once again, General Manager Ray Farmer will have two first round draft picks in the upcoming draft and he needs to cash in on both of them. 

* My thoughts on the Browns quarterback situation going into next season has been all over the map. At the end of the day, I think it would be in the team's best interest to re-sign Brian Hoyer, bring in another quarterback and move Johnny Manziel out of Cleveland. I'm convinced that Manziel will not be a starting QB in the NFL. He's too small and he does not have the mind set needed to compensate for that.  

* My initial reaction to the acquisition of Nathan Eovaldi, Domingo German and Garrett Jones from the Miami Marlins for Martin Prado and David Phelps was negative. But thinking about it more, the Yankees acquire two strong arm pitchers who are both under the age of 25 and a legitimate back up first baseman in Jones. By moving Prado, it would appear that the Yankees may be willing to go with either Jose Pirrela or Rob Refsnyder at second base. An infusion of youth into the lineup is fine by me as the Yankees are a few years away from being a legitimate World Series contender. 

* The Toronto Maple Leafs snapped their three game losing streak with a 4-0 road win against the Dallas Stars. Jonathan Bernier was outstanding in goal making 43 saves for the shut out. Dion Phaneuf may have had his best game of his Maple Leaf career as he was all over the ice which included a bone crushing hit on Jason Spezza and a fight with Antoine Roussel. The Captain was also a threat offensively and did have an assist. With the win the Leafs head into the Christmas break with an important two points as they will embark on a six game road trip beginning Sunday December 28th at Florida to take on the Panthers. 

* With last night's victory, Toronto will have won 20 games before Christmas for the first time since the 2003-04 season and only the fifth time since the 1977-78 season. 

* In spite of his Super Bowl win, I am not a big believer in Joe Flacco. Last Sunday he was terrible against the Houston Texans as the Ravens were beaten 25-13. The loss was devastating for Baltimore's playoff chances as they need to win against Cleveland and hope for a San Diego loss

* I'm going on record to say that there is no way the Detroit Lions will defeat Green Bay at Lambeau Field. 

* Denver's loss to Cincinnati probably ensures that New England will have home field advantage throughout the AFC Playoffs. I honestly believed that this Broncos team was better than the one that went to the Super Bowl last year. However, in order to go back to the big game, they will need to win in Foxboro where Peyton Manning has had difficulties throughout his career. 

* The Bills loss to the lowly Oakland Raiders should not be a surprise to anyone. Buffalo's defense has been outstanding but at the end of the day inconsistent play at the quarterback position is what doomed their playoff hopes. Kyle Orton is a nice back-up but he is not going to take you to the Promise Land. You also have to wonder whether CJ Spiller will be in a Bills uniform next season. In my opinion, Spiller has never been the running back that Buffalo envisioned when he was drafted. The challenge for the Bills will be to try to improve their offense so as to not waste the defensive unit that has been put together. 

* When you look at the quarterback situation for a number of teams, you have to wonder whether there is enough talent out there for 32 teams. A big problem is kids leaving school early and not being mentally and physically prepared. 

* Kudos to Rangers forward Rick Nash as he scored his 21st and 22nd goals last night leading New York to a 4-2 win over the Capitals. Nash was criticized big time in the New York media last season but he has come back with a vengeance. 

* And finally, I got a peek at the Christmas list sent to Santa and here is what I found:
- Browns fans are asking for a quarterback they can believe in.
- Maple Leaf fans are asking for a spot in the playoffs with at least a first round win.
- Yankee fans are asking for the fountain of youth.
- Jets fans are asking for a competent GM.
- Bills fans are asking for a playoff appearance in 2015.
- Bears fans are asking to find Rex Ryan or Jim Harbaugh on their team's sideline as their head coach in 2015
- Raptors fans are asking for continued success this season and an extended playoff stay in 2015.
- Michigan fans are asking for Jim Harbaugh to be on their team's sideline as their head coach in 2015.
- 49ers management is asking for Jim Harbaugh to not be on their sideline as their head coach in 2015.
- Cubs fans are hoping that their young talent will continue to grow and along with Jon Lester lead them to a spot in the playoffs.
- Knick fans are asking for a miracle.
- Edmonton Oiler fans are asking for a miracle.
- Multiple NHL teams are asking for Connor MacDavid to be on their roster next season. 

Merry Christmas!!!!!

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