The Browns season comes down to a single game Sunday. Win and the season comes down to a single game next week with the Raiders - both at home. It's a week to week thing now. That's where we are, there is no sugar coating it.
Earlier this week I stated that this huge game comes down to Coach Stefanski and his decisions, and I stand by that. (Read Here) In fact, I'll double down. Does he really and fully understand the importance of this game? I think so, but some of his comments this week are...concerning. I also understand that many times coaches know that the enemy is also listening to you on TV, and you don't want to tip your hand. So, there is that.
Here is the scenario. The Ravens have many injuries in areas of the defense where it would seem we could pass effectively. They are also good against the run. We have not passed well in weeks (even against the Lions at home), and this week we have injuries to tight ends and shaky pass protection. So, do you try to exploit their weaknesses? Or play to your strengths? I say, always play to your strengths first. We have the two best running backs in the league and a great offensive line, run the ball. If you can run well, then you can pass anytime you want, any way you want on Sunday - when you want.
But Stefanski, like many other newer coaches is an "offensive genius." That's not my term, that is what they are considered in NFL circles and in the media. If that is really the case, is he genius enough to do the correct things to win a must win game? The Steelers gave you a blueprint on how to win this game on national TV Sunday. Run till you win. And then the Patriots did the same thing Monday. Both teams outmanned in bad weather in games they had to win, just like us this week. It's December in Cleveland, it's a big game, for the love of all that is holy do what you do best. YOU have the NFL's best rushing attack. ONE team has that - YOURS!
Or will the temptation be too great? Will he ask a compromised QB, with limited mobility and limited gifted players at his disposal to try to shred an ailing defense? It's nerve racking. And will we invent a new trick play this week at a critical moment? Maybe we can snap the ball to another center and he can pitch it to a WR, who can throw it to a backup QB. It's been about that silly. I know it's boring running the ball with no theatrics or gadgetry plays. But I don't care. Quite frankly, I don't care if we win this game 3-2, I just want to win and move on.
A real genius would do what needs to be done and get the win. You would have your best players on the field at all times, and certainly when it mattered. This "rotation" stuff needs to stop this week. Have Chubb and Hunt on the field in some combination or solo and get them the ball as much as you can. I want the game decided with my BEST players making plays. And if that's not good enough to win, so be it, sleep well knowing you did all you can. But decide this game, and ALL games with your best players being their best. Get them the ball anyway you can and let's go to work.
Are we genius enough to dumb the game down to simply football and give your football team the chance to out-football the other team? If so, and we get this win that wouldn't be genius at all, it would simply be basic football.
Leave genius to brain or heart surgeons. Simply being smart here will do.
GO BROWNS~!!
Blake Shelton performed his latest single, "Come Back As A Country Boy" last night during the Top 8 Eliminations on The Voice.
Congratulations are also in order for Blake, he was named Country Artist of 2021 last night at the People's Choice Awards. In addition, The Voice won Competition Show of 2021.
Dan + Shay stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon yesterday to perform their new holiday single, "Officially Christmas":
You've heard me talk a lot about the 1990's here. And you've read the articles I've written about three pivotal years that led to the big 90's boom in Country, 1981, 1986, and 1989, (Click those to get caught up)
But why were the 1990's so big for country? I always felt the main reason was the absolute depth of talent we had in those wonderful years. Every era has its superstars that carry the freight as did the 1990's. Garth, Clint, Alan, George, Brooks And Dunn, Shania, McGraw, Faith, Vince, and Martina were the giants of the time. But you can't just play those stars, there have to be others that help drive the charts, playlists and ultimately the popularity.
There was also a definite, unspoken commitment from all artists that they wanted to be country singers first and foremost - and fans knew it and loved it. We also decided to put more thought into the quality of albums as opposed to two hit songs and eight filler songs that had kind of been the formula for many for decades. The music video did country a lot of good as it did for other formats earlier. And there was the advent of future stars getting thier starts - and other 80's superstars finishing up, it was a GREAT mix.
The 1990's were loaded with the absolute best stars just outside of superstar status, maybe ever. They recorded superstar style songs, and that meant for us was there was always - always, a great song on the air. That was the real strength of the 1990's. Let's look at these remarkable stars who deserve a whole lot of the credit. In many cases I've featured them already and I'll link you back to my original article on them. No order, no ranking - This will be a three part series and this is part one. Again, these are the stars just outside of the superstars of the decade that really helped make us great!
Mark Chesnutt - In many other era's, without the sheer amount of gigantic stars we had, he may have been the dominant star of the format. As it was, he still was a major player that really helped define the decade with eight number ones and a long line of very big hits.
Fantastic Debut Song
Terri Clark - She was so incredibly different than the rest of the women on the charts in the 1990's. She was refreshingly unique - a woman "Hat Act." I loved her image, very believable - Loved her music that included five number one songs. She was very good for us in many ways.
Terri Clark Is A Great Brand
Doug Stone - I will write an article on him soon, as he was an underrated star for most of the decade. He had a ton of big songs, including eight number ones, and some other really big hits. Some health issues slowed him down, but he was a great singer, great talent.
One Of The Most Powerful Songs Of The 1990's
Pam Tillis - I loved every hit song she had. An incredibly passionate voice and fantastic song choices, with 33 singles, most going top ten and she sold millions of albums. I worked with her a few times, and I loved seeing her perform. What a voice, she commanded a song.
You Always Knew Pam Tillis Was Singing
John Micheal Montgomery - Again in many eras, he may have been the number one act in country. 36 singles and seven number ones. A great balladeer and singer. There were a few years he couldn't do anything wrong musically.
Big, Big Song
Patty Loveless - She broke through in the 1980's, but in the 1990's she really hit her stride as a big time hit maker. She was universally loved in and out of country with her talent and song choices. 40 singles and 5 number ones.
What A Hit!
A YOUNG Kenny Chesney - Even though Chesney's run is still underway with his most recent number one (#34) of them now, he broke through in 1995. He built a great young following that has grown up with him and is still with him today.
There Was A Time When He Was An Up And Comer
Alabama - They were still making big songs well into the 1990's, even though they are generally remembered in the 1980's. They had a ton of hits in the 90's including six number ones.
Big Song 1990
Next week, part two of this series! Thanks for reading!
We all love French Onion Soup, but who makes it? I have at home and I love it. But I will admit, it has been a while!
But let's all try this one, because it looks delicious!
With no Browns game over the weekend we can now look forward to Sunday, and thanks to our new pals the Steelers and the Chargers, this game means something. Even with the help, this game is the entire season right here.
Some would say that the Browns have to win out, or 4 of 5 to get in the playoffs. In the long run, that may be true. But the way I see it, they must win A game - this one. This has been a problem with this team all year. Worrying about the season, or who we are playing in the Superbowl, what seed we will be and not being ready for the next game. If they can beat the Ravens at home Sunday, then the season is still viable. So Sunday, is all that matters.
Can we please stop with all the local and national media asking about if Baker Mayfield is healthy or not? Of course he's not. Where have you been? He's not going to "get better" this season. He'll need shoulder surgery, and time off to heal up at seasons end. And enough with his contract stuff too. It will or will not work itself out. Let's worry about how we get this done this Sunday. That's all that matters right now.
I think this game is resting squarely on the shoulders of Kevin Stefanski. Right now, the Browns are rested from the bye. The defense has played quite well the past month or so. And the performance last week in Baltimore lead me to believe they can play with the Ravens. I hope Stefanski watched the Steelers/Ravens game Sunday. The Steelers played the Ravens like the professional team they are, and got it done. They stuck to the running game, remembered their identity and had faith they were going to be successful being who and what they are. And in the second half, they were and won a big game saving their season. Love them or hate them, they are a great franchise, and have played Steeler football just like that for 50 years.
And just last night, the Patriots won the Monday Night Game by throwing 3 passes all night! The conditions were very bad and Bill Belichick was not going to ask a young QB to do things he was incapable of doing. So they ran the ball for 230 yards on the night. BTW - they are 9-4 and #1 seed in the AFC. And who are their running backs? Yeah, me either....
This game is completely in the hands of Stefanski. I feel the players will execute to the best of their ability what they will be asked to do, and they can hang with the favored Ravens. But does Stefanski want to win this important game, or does he want to be "right" or "the cerebral guy?" Will he kick field goals if they are there? Will he stop the beyond ill-advised "trick" plays at important moments? Will he have his team focused not have a bunch of needless penalties? Will he properly manage timeouts and the clock? And most of all, will he let Chubb, Hunt, his tight ends and the O line decide this game? Because if he asks a physically compromised Baker to throw the ball all day long, and abandons the running game identity again, the season will be over Sunday at 4PM. In short, will he understand how important this game really is?
So in the end the simple question is this. Do you want your team, fans and your players to be victorious? Or do you want to show us all, how you say we could, or should be victorious? Maybe we have we stockpiled enough senseless, silly losses already to do things differently this week. The Ravens are going to be who they are, maybe we should too. Let's lace 'em up, pull the chin straps tight and let's see who wins.
This game is in his hands.
GO BROWNS!
Box Office Results - Encanto (40 Million) (Gucci 3rd)
New This Week - Wimpy Kid (Disney Plus) National Champions
National Champions
Next Week - West Side Story / Being The Ricardos / Nightmare Alley
New Spiderman – Expected to bring in $135 to $185 million in North America during its opening weekend. (December 17)
Yes - There will be a Magic Mike Three (Story)
This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (link)
Zac Brown not only has the #1 song this week... but will play College Game Day and the SEC Championship this Saturday...
Tis the Season.
For me there is a time and a place for Christmas Music. (not a set time, you just know!)
I cheated this year and hung outside lights prior to Thanksgiving, when it was warm.
My family put up the tree... just lights... no decorations, yet!
As you can tell my Christmas Schedule is all out of whack...
But CMA Country Christmas was pretty good. If you missed it maybe add these to your playlist for the season.