Sunday the Browns beat the Bucs in overtime, 23-17 and it was a nice win.  Also at the end of the game it marked the end of the Jacoby Brissett era in Cleveland.  There is no doubt he played quite well in his role here.  But with this coaching staffs decisions, and a very questionable defense the Browns went 4-7 with him at the controls. 

There are those that say he should have been 7-4, but I disagree.  You are what your record is.  Granted, the Browns blew a few, but we are all in this together, decisions, defense, missed kicks and all.  History -  and a long one says that Brissett wins one and loses two over the course of his entire career, and that's what he did here.  His skill set is fine, but fine gets you average results, we've learned that over many years here. He is a first class backup, but I feel after this season his time is done here, as he will never see the field again once the new QB hits the field.  But, this season without his darn good play, we are not 2-9.   He has earned a chance to play full-time somwhere else next season.

The Browns Sunday did many of the same things they do every week.  They ran the ball well, and for some amazing reason the head coach sort of stuck with it - but only when he needed too.  Although there was about 70% of the game between the first drive and last couple where he forgot about Nick Chubb again.  The Browns also protected the football, and that is impressive for a mediocre team. They have for the most part all season.  They made a few big plays like always, but got the really insane play they generally don't make when Njoku made possibly the seasons best catch to tie the game. It may be the single best, most important catch for the Browns since they returned in 1999.  It kept the Browns slim post-season hopes on life support

But the reason the Browns beat Brady and the Bucs were because of the things they generally DON'T do, as they were the absolute keys to this win.  No order, but they finally got some big plays from Myles Garrett -  when it mattered -  late in the game.  They didn't get gashed in the running game as has been the rule all season long.  In fairness, the Bucs were missing their best 240 pound veteran running back, but injuries are a part of it, and the Browns got a break there.  Plus, the Bucs seemed disinterested in the running game which was I feel a big mistake.  Some youngsters played very well for the Browns on defense, and Brady had a bad game. They also got a TD from a high draft pick from 2 years ago, his second ever.  Add it up and it's a Browns win.

You see good things can happen for this team when it gets out of its own way.  Stefansky kept the bozoic in game decisions to a minimum and that helped.  Chubb, when called on was great as he's the key to any offensive success.  Badly timed penalties were few and the Browns maybe for the first time all season seemed to play with a sense of togetherness that has been lacking for 10 weeks.  I think the players affection for Brissett was a big deal too.  He played well for the Browns all season long, and there was a pride thing in that, and that was good to see.  But conversely, we gotta stop missing easy field goals, which is becoming all to frequent.

So where do the Browns go from here?  It's a new day with an expensive QB who has not played in over 700 days. They are 4-7 with 6 to go.  They lose the Wild Card Tie Breaker with 5 teams right now and are three games behind in the division, with three division games to go.  They pretty much have to win out to think about the playoffs.  But I hope that's not on their minds right now today. What they need to think about is Houston Sunday.  The Texans are terrible, and this should be a bunny for the Browns.

But hold the phone...This is a game that we learn a whole lot about the Browns.  We all know they have lost to a number of playoff contending teams this season, and the Texans are not.  But what Texans are - they are at home, they are due for a win, and they have no love loss for our new dripping money QB that once was theirs and that of course ended badly sending that franchise into a tailspin they are still trying to steer out of.  But they are getting a huge boost from a ton of our first round draft picks. In short, they are motivated.

The Browns should win this easily, just like the Jets.....oh wait...the Falcons.....um OK....the Patriots... Fine!!   Remember too how we were going to blow out Baker and the Panthers week one and sack him 6 times?  Miracle win.  This is a layup too, but the Texans will be ready but more than likely do not have the horses.  Stefansky to me will have to coach his smartest game this season, and not be all giddy with the new QB and be stupid within the game and take defeat from the jaws of victory.

And remember, the Texans, this is their Superbowl, they are motivated,  and they get paid too.

Sunday The Beautiful Windy and I were putting up the pre-strung artificial Christmas Tree at the house and some of the lights were not working. We were bummed. 

So Windy went online and found this thing. I ran to Lowes and picked it up and it worked!  It fixes stings of lights that are damaged.  It's called the Lightkeeper Pro.  You follow the directions and it fixes the issues.

In fairness, it didn't fix EVERYTHING, but it did repair the lights we wanted fixed and we are good to go!  It did NOT fix all the lights, but it did a great job!

You saw the game Sunday like I did, and it looked like a lot of other Browns games this season.  I can't say it's disappointing. They are who they are. I am far more disappointed in the many decisions made in the off season and summer camp. Those are the ones that are here to roost.  Players too yes, but the organization has to shoulder a lot of the blame.

Sunday's Bills game was no surprise. The one very NICE surprise was they didn't totally give up and showed some rare heart near the end which has been lacking.  The score ended up as an eight point loss, but it wasn't really even close to that close, but they made it respectable for history's sake. The Browns are 3-7 and there is one more game until the new QB gets here and many are expecting big changes then.  Possible sure, but the current QB has played well, he's just limited by a skill set.  The new QB does have a much higher ceiling, but has not played in a NFL game in over 700 days.

Think about this, the Bills are a good team with a good QB (that we could have had easily a few years ago BTW).  But in the end we were manhandled by a team that lost two in a row, that did NOT practice at all last week and faced challenges that effected their entire lives outside of football.  They arrived in Detroit at 730pm Saturday night and teed it up with us at 1PM Sunday.  They held Nick Chubb at 19 yards rushing on 14 carries, while gashing our run defense for almost 200 yards of their own. Even though it was 8 points in the end, this was pretty embarrassing when you really think about it.

The issue Sunday was a team that is built properly played a team that was built arrogantly. To think that the Browns were only a high end QB away from being a Superbowl contender this year is and was preposterous.  But that was the Ivy League thinking from the people in charge.  They felt they were so close they mortgaged the future for an unavailable QB.  Now that is going to change,  but I feel their arrogance was also that he'd miss 4 games or so, and they were dead wrong.  Their arrogance also completely miscalculated the fan backlash against the trade and character of its centerpiece.  This is a working mans town, and this leadership has zero concept of that.  Fans here don't really care about analytics, your Harvard or Penn education, they care about football, as this is its birthplace.

I've had major question marks about this team since last summer and I have had a ton of fans climb all over me about it.  I want them to win too, but the fact is the run defense is about as horrible as can be.  Think about this  -  the running backs that are gashing the Browns at will, every week, can you name any of them really?  Yeah, me either.  And a few of the teams that have, have NO real interest in running the ball at all, until we show up!  Then they have to, because it's just too darn easy.  Tampa is one of those teams this week, we will see what they do.

We continue to make a remarkable amount of terrible in game decisions by Stefansky, (From Penn of the Ivy League) and his sheer football arrogance is shocking.  We also don't like using our new kicker for some reason when points are there for the taking.  Then when we do, the special teams are anything but special, maybe the leagues worst.  The games first drive always looks great then reality sets in. 

For the second week in a row this was a scrimmage against us.  A far better built team doing pretty much anything they wanted.  Although, because of the Buffalo weather, it took the Bills a quarter to warm up.  And being fair, it's not ALL the Browns players fault. The front office Ivy League Browns have simply drafted, chosen, signed and kept many of the wrong players. The Browns have a long road ahead of them this year and in the off season.

What happens right now is this. The first quarter the Browns are very competitive. Then as their small defensive players start to get winded, the bigger men on the opposition just go to work and wear them down. Big men, running over little men in a football sense and we can't stop them, the run, or anything.  While they snicker, it's a shame.

In the off season I was hearing all these sports "experts" telling us the Browns defense was the best we've had in 20 years.  I had no idea what they were seeing then and I certainly don't now.  On the local level many still think this is fixable, it's not until next year and the front office wakes up to the fact that football is first a physical game as well as a cerebral one.

This is an example of off season arrogance really catching up to us.  NFL teams understand that winning is a week to week thing. The really good teams understand that winning is also a thing that's earned that day, by what you do that day, that play.  Thinking you were so good that just one more player would make you elite wasn't clear thinking by supposedly smart people.

GO BROWNS!

Alright, it's Thanksgiving week and we are spending a ton of time in the kitchen.  So this a GREAT article to read for when the holiday is over. 

After Thanksgiving all of our kitchens are going to need a real cleaning and there are places we sometimes don't think to clean. Well, here you go!

Forgotten Areas Of The Kitchen To CLEAN!!!

Box Office Results - Wakanda Forever  -  (180 Million)  -   (330 Million World Wide)

New This Week - The Menu / She Said

Disney Plus - Sequel  - Disenchanted

New NEXT Week - Strange World - (Disney)

John Wick 4 - Trailer is out and will be in theaters March 2023

John Aniston - Jennifer's dad and Days of Our Lives actor died at the age of 89  (Victor)   (Story)

Magic Mike - Last Dance - In theaters in February 10 

Princess Diaries 3  -  Is in the planning stages right now  (Story)

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (Alan Jackson) 

Jenny asked me when it would be Alan Jackson's turn, and today is the day.  He's one of the biggest stars in country music history and that's not hyperbole.  Alan Jackson without question enjoyed every element for massive popularity. He recorded incredible music, was a giant on the radio and the charts, sold a ton, packed arenas, and never varied from his roots recording music was true to the genre, and himself which endeared him forever to his fans.  He's in the same breath as Garth, George Strait, Clint Black, Alabama, Reba, Shania, Randy Travis and a few select others.

First Single  - No Success

Jackson was from the vaunted class of 1989 that further advanced the mantel that Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam had started a few years earlier and advanced it even further.  But the start for Jackson was not this seamless transition you may be thinking.  His first single was called Blue Blooded Woman  (that I loved) , but it fell flat on its face getting only up to #45 on the charts.  But Jackson was a seasoned songwriter and there was of course great success up the road.  The next single, Here In The Real World (album same name) was a huge hit, going to #3, and the rest is history. As many times as I have seen him in concert, he always says this about that song, "Here's the song that saved my life."  It was his springboard to insane heights ahead.

First Big Hit - Changed Everything

The first time I saw Alan Jackson was on his Here In The Real World video.  After seeing about half of it, I was convinced we were seeing the dawn of a major new star. The song was great, it was right on time with its sound - and so was he with his good looks, hat, his image, and overall "every guy" demeanor.  That persona served him incredibly well for the next 25 years or so, that was seemingly patterned after George Strait.  His ascension was perfectly timed as country was on the launching pad and ready for a huge take-off.  He is a GREAT example of being influenced by Hank Williams Jr and John Anderson of the early 1980's. Both were extremely influential musically to many at that time, as they really energized a whole new generation. 

Huge Hit! - Big Time Springboard

The numbers on AJ are legendary with about 80 million albums sold, 66 singles, 35 #1 songs and a long list of awards and accolades.  But his commitment to country music and keeping it country is one of the really great gifts he has given us over the decades.  He has been outspoken about keeping country - country.  He recorded the song Murder On Music Row with George Strait that directly criticizes Nashville's move to a more pop sound. He protested on the CMA award show live his disdain for not letting George Jones sing a full song on their telecast, by cutting his own time short and singing a Jones song, and got a huge standing ovation for it live.  Then he simply finished and walked off the stage.  He also was asked to sing at Jones' funeral later.

CMA - Jones Song - Done Live  - Caused A Stir

His performance on the 2001 CMA awards live when he sang Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning after the 911 attacks is legendary and is one of the best moments in our history.  I think these things endeared Jackson to millions of fans.  Not only was he a beyond gifted songwriter, and recording artist he was committed to his craft and the genre in general.  His songs were incredibly believable, and that's the key to any real success. Jackson seemed to grasp what was happening around him as well as any. 

This Was A Huge Moment  -  And A Vince Gill Intro  - Giants!

He never really strayed from his own center and that both served him well and not so well.  Jackson recorded great albums for 25 years and fans knew what they were getting from him and it was lucrative.  But over time, the industry does change and it demands change, and in time everyone's chart run comes to an end.  Jackson's just lasted way longer than most, he was blessed in that regard.  He proved to have George Strait longevity and that's a tough in any format.  His quiet demeanor was overshadowed by big personality stars like Garth, Shania and others. But his outspokenness at select times -  and his chart success ran on far longer than almost everyone of his time.  Or any time.

Gone Country  - Huge Hit - Loved Still Today

After his chart success, he pivoted to recording highly successful Gospel albums including the wildly popular Precious Memories 1 and 2.  Also a bluegrass album, and other specialty projects.  He's done it all and every time he records music, people love it, and buy it.   He's won ACM's, CMA's, AMA's, Grammy's and about every other kind of award you can. He's in the Country Music Hall Of Fame, the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and has an interstate named after him in his native Georgia.  He's done everything.  Jackson has had some health issues over the past number of years making stage performing tough with balance issues.  But he continues to record with an album out as late as 2021.

Huge Song, Huge Video

His success reminds me of George Straits career. Great music for decades, and fans knowing what they were going to get. Neither one ever really had the one GIGANTIC song that was hard to follow up.  They never seemed to get bored with their music and venture off on some new and risky musical path.   I feel he is worthy of a country music Mount Rushmore of the past 40 years.  He not only was a star, but a advocate for our music and our format.  There is no star in our history that is in a category higher than him.  He is in the same breath as any country star -  from any era -  you can think of.

Powerful Song - Look At The Views

Alan Jackson - A Mega Star.

Let me see if I have this straight.  Beef, Broccoli, olive oil on a sheet in the oven in cold weather?   It's so good I could eat things like this everyday! 

We did it, you have to try this!

This Just Looks Ridiculously Good!

A few days ago I wrote a comment on one of the Browns social media outlets online, and a bunch of people jumped on me stating various lousy things about my fandom.  My comment was benign enough, as I said that Kevin Stefanski is not the passionate leader this team needs.  I stand by it.  Many climbed on me.  That's fine, I don't respond, it's simply an opinion and I feel no need to be "right" 

When I write here, I just write what I see honestly.  I love the Browns and I want them to win, but reality is tough sometimes, especially after Sundays absolute travesty on the field.  I will stand by this too, they just aren't that good from top to bottom.  True, the Bengal and Raven games were both a step in the right direction, it was a split.  But you know those teams well, and it's hard not to get up for those games.  The Bengal game was a must win, on National TV, Monday Night Football, with a huge crowd, and the fear of being very embarrassed on nationwide TV I feel was a big factor.  And they got it done.  But also there was a law of averages thing too. We had lost 4 in a row and they had won 4 of 5.  Streaks end.

What happened in Miami Sunday, was nothing short of a disaster.  Miami is really good, BUT, that's not an excuse.  To be out manned on every single play of the game essentially after the first three minutes speaks volumes about the Browns. The Browns gave up on the run early, they put the game in a backup QB's hands and continued to make incredibly dumb game time and offensive decisions that I am sure has opposing sidelines snickering.  It has me snickering.... When we went down 10 points I (and you) knew the game was over. 

Defense.  Oh my.  I keep hearing and reading that "Joe Wood's Defense" is awful and fans say he should be fired.  I have a slightly different take.  As an organization, they decide who to keep and who to cut.  They have a very good offensive mind at head coach and that is a HUGE problem in this situation overall.  This organization decided to be small, fast and nimble on defense and to sock a bunch of money into guys who supposedly can cover the pass.  The BROWNS never considered that other teams would do - that day  - what is required to win -  that game -  because WE DON'T. We know one way to play.  The Falcons decided to run the ball right down our throats in week four and push our young defensive lineman and our 215 pound linbackers down the field with their 350 pound lineman. And every team since then has done the exact same thing.

The Browns have themselves to blame for the defensive woes, not just Joe Woods.  You have who you have.  And what you have are inferior interior linemen, with small linebackers and safety's who are being dominated weekly by very big, very motivated men who also get paid.  Then guys in the secondary that are hurt a lot and who are not near as good as the media thinks they are.  You also have put your faith in two very expensive defensive ends who week in and week out do not make big plays that matter in games that matter. It's a mess.  And it's more than likely not going to get much better.  Yes, they have had injuries but so has everyone else.

These running backs for Miami were pretty much untouched all day long.  They could have made some of these runs without a helmet on it was that awful. And keep in mind, Miami is a team that really doesn't want to run the ball, but you have to against the Browns, that's how bad things are here on defense.  This is the defense the BROWNS organization bet on with poor decisions and analytics, so this is who they are.  Maybe in the draft next year....oh wait, we don't have a big draft pick next year, or the next, my bad.

Stefanski's offense has been livable, the QB has played quite well, and the offensive line and Chubb are great. The scheme, patience, play calling and in game decision making is not.  But more than that is this. This teams demeanor is his professional demeanor.  Laid back, lifeless, uninspired and quite frankly, submissive.  They constantly allow other teams to dictate everything about the game instead of the other way around.  And have you ever noticed during games when the TV camera is on Stefanski, he's always alone, by himself with no one within 10 yards of him?  I think that's strange.  Ever see him really bark at an official?  Yeah, me either...

Hey I get it, many say that things are the best they've been in 20 years here and I'll listen to that.  But where is that bar set? Stefanski as of this writing is 23-21, and 11-15 since his first year.  Granted, way better than the coaches before him, but that is literally saying nothing.  What do you want as fans?  This?  Or better?  I will never say any coach should be fired because it is all a collaborative effort, coaches can be the fall guy,  but I will say this.  The Browns have problems from the top guy and gal to the 53rd player on the roster.  You are not this troubled by a single weak area. 

They need to get big, be tougher, stronger, angrier, smarter, hit harder and be far more motivated going forward, and I am not sure you get there with this bunch in control.  Yes, your quarter of a billion dollar QB is on the way, and that in time only solves that area.

I hope he can play linebacker, safety, or defensive tackle too.

Go Browns!!

We all run around every day eating pasta and deciding what shape of pasta we are going to make or order at our favorite eatery.  We all seem to have our favorites, like linguini, or angle hair, wagon wheels, bow ties, rigatoni and the list goes on and on.

But why do we have these shapes anyway?  Well, let's find out!

Man-jah

How Pasta Shapes Came To Be

Box Office Results - Black Adam  -  (18 Million  3 weeks #1)

New This Week - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

                      (45 Million in advance tix sales and 175 Million expected this weekend)

New NEXT Week - The Menu / She Said

Disney Plus - Sequel  - Disenchanted

The Crown - Is back on after a two year wait

Don't Worry Darling - It's now available for streaming on HBO Max

Jimmy Kimmel - Will host the Oscars in 2023 

Disney - Is looking to develop an Indiana Jones TV show for Disney Plus  (Story) 

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane    (link)