The Dawg Pound

Halftime Notes - Browns vs Bills

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:25:20 -0500

Thanks to my brother-in-law for the pic from the stands

- Wow, is this weather nasty or what? I touched on the weather during today's show on Dawg Pound Radio, and it has only gotten worse. The wind is on a tear off the lake, and the snow continues to fall. The field is so snowy, that there was a minute-and-a-half delay while the referees tried to find the 50 yard line to spot the ball.

- Jamal Lewis is a stud in the snow. He's already broken off a couple big runs, and has 80 yards and is averaging 5.3 yards per carry at the half. During the Browns' last drive of the half, J-Lew went over the 1,000 yard mark for the 6th time in his career.

- The Browns have not been afraid to throw in the bad weather, and it's definitely paying off. Braylon Edwards has made a couple spectacular catches already, and is over 100 yards for the day. Meanwhile, the Bills haven't been able to throw the ball very much in the first half, and Trent Edwards has only thrown 9 times.

- The Browns' defense is not itself. It's actually stopping the Bills. There have already been several runs stuffed at or before the line of scrimmage, and Andra Davis has had a couple big plays in the backfield as well. The firm of Smith, Smith & Kelley has been getting a good push off the line, and have been able to produce some penetration when rushing just 3 or 4 guys.

- After this first half, I will slap the stupid out of anyone who continues to say that Phil Dawson shouldn't be in Cleveland. Not that I wouldn't have before, but Phil's cranked out two field goals, including an unbelievable 48-yarder into the wind. I know he's getting older, and his leg's not quite as strong as it used to be, but please, name 3 other kickers that would put that kick right down the middle? I'll wait...

More to come later. Enjoy the 2nd half!

Dawg Pound Radio - Browns vs Bills Sunday! EDIT

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:45:58 -0500

***DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, THIS SHOW HAS BEEN MOVED TO 12:30pm EDT. THE SHOW WILL ONLY BE 30 MINUTES TODAY. I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!***

This week, the Browns and Bills will face each other, and the elements, in a game loaded with playoff potential. Remember to stop by before the game to get the latest updates, speak your mind, and give your predictions LIVE on Dawg Pound Radio!

Again, we'll be giving you a game preview, injury updates, weather and more. It's supposed to be a COLD and downright nasty day - a perfect day for football!

Date: Sunday, December 13th, 2007
Time: 12:00 pm EDT
LIVE Call-in Number: (646) 595-2482

Browns Will Take Win Over Jets

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:16:10 -0500

It wasn't the prettiest of victories, but the Browns will take it as they remain in playoff contention and move past the Jets 24-18 yesterday at Giants' Stadium.

Despite a few hiccups, Cleveland's defense was able to bear down in clutch moments - including a heart (and Jet) stopping goal line stand to start the second quarter that was capped off by a Sean Jones interception in the end zone.

Jamal Lewis put the proverbial "nail in the coffin" with a 31-yard rumble, shedding several Jets defenders on his way to the end zone, and Joe Jurevicius was able to recover 2 of 3 onside kicks for the Browns to hang on.

That's all for now, but be sure to check in later, as I'll be posting my full review of the action this evening.

EDIT (12/11/07): I was unable to post my review last night. I'll get that taken care of this evening. Sorry!

Dawg Pound Radio - LIVE Today!

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 02:59:45 -0500

The first installment of Dawg Pound Radio will be today at noon!

Join me as I talk about today's game between the Browns and Jets. I'll be giving my game preview, injury reports for both teams, as well as taking your calls live on the air. Be sure to stop by so you don't miss our very first live show!

Date: Sunday, December 9th, 2007
Time: 12:00 pm
Call In: (646) 595-2482

Clicking image will take you to Dawg Pound Radio

UPDATE: Our first show went pretty well. Special thanks to Barry McBride at the Muni Lot for calling in! If you missed the show, you can see the archives at Dawg Pound Radio. Shows can be played off the site or downloaded to your computer or ipod!

Dawg Pound Review: Browns 21 - Cardinals 27

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:16:38 -0500

Now that I've wiped a bit of egg from my face in picking the Browns to handily (based on the score) beat the Cardinals, here's the game in review:

1st Quarter:

The game began with a miscue, when Derek Anderson - unpressured - threw the ball away to the left side. He was called for intentional grounding, and the Browns had already set off on the wrong foot. After what appeared to be the beginnings of a nice drive, Anderson threw a pick-6, and then aborted a snap shortly thereafter.

I couldn't find a pic of "the boot," so I guess a picture of Leigh Bodden getting burned will do.

On the Cardinals' ensuing drive, Kurt Warner threw an incomplete pass that would have brought up fourth down and four - that is, if Leigh Bodden didn't decide to do his best "Phil Dawson" and boot the ball into the bench. Bodden was called for Deglay of Game, and the five yards assessed were enough to give the Cards a first down. Warner and Edgerrin James continued to carry the Cards downfield and capped off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Pope.

Definitely a tough first ten minutes to watch...

Continue reading "Dawg Pound Review: Browns 21 - Cardinals 27"

Browns Fall to Cards 27-21

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 01:31:25 -0500

Penalties, turnovers and overall mistakes cost the Browns today, as they lost to the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz.

Special teams wasn't exactly a highlight this week, and Leigh Bodden is starting to make mistakes that can no longer be explained by an ailing back - or much else, for that matter. Anderson threw two picks (one returned for a TD) and mishandled a snap, but also threw for 300-plus yards and brought the Browns from their own 18 to within inches of victory - with the help of Jason Wright and Kellen Winslow.

Winslow made a great catch in the end zone during the last play, but was ruled out of bounds. The call was upheld after the replay assistant called for a review. I'll have more later!

Dawg Pound Radio - Coming Soon!

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 09:05:01 -0500

I know what you're thinking: "They'll just let any asshole on the airwaves now, won't they?"

Yes...Yes they will. As beautiful proof of this, I am very proud and excited to announce that the Dawg Pound will also be putting out a live radio show in Dawg Pound Radio.

I don't quite have a timetable on when the shows will start, but here's some of the scoop:

- Listen live, and call into the show - make your voice heard!
- With every show archived, you won't miss a single one!
- Live chat room to connect with myself, guests of the show, and other listeners

I'll bring you more updates as they come, so keep checking back!

Dawg Pound Preview: Browns at Cardinals

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 06:05:28 -0500

This week, the Cleveland Browns (7-4) head to Arizona this week to take on the Cardinals (5-6). Coming off a strong win at home, the Browns look to narrow the AFC North lead, held by the Steelers. Arizona is coming off a tough overtime loss to a bad 49er team. Despite their record, last weeks loss, and the team's injury problems, home field advantage gave them 1 point the last time I checked.

That must be one hell of a field. I'm not saying that the Browns are going to beat the Cards like rented mules, but that's a lot to overcome.

That being said, let's take a look at the matchups:

Continue reading "Dawg Pound Preview: Browns at Cardinals"

Shea & Couch's "Break In" Experience

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:13:35 -0500

I just figured this would put smiles on a few faces:

With the recent death of Buckeye/Brown legend Bill Willis and murder of Sean Taylor of the Redskins, we can all use a little chuckle. While on Munch's "Brownout" segment on WKNR yesterday, Aaron Shea recalled a more light-hearted story regarding break-ins.

Apparently, one night while he was still with the Browns, Tim Couch had called Shea saying that he had heard someone pick up another phone receiver in his home, and the "Extension in Use" light turned on. For fear of looking "like an idiot" if it was a false alarm, Couch decided to ask Aaron to come over and check it out instead of the police.

Shea obliged, and left his Westlake home to come to Tim's aid armed with a baseball bat. When he arrived at the house, he called from his cell phone and told Couch to come down the stairs and flip on the lights at the count of three. He would charge into the front door, and the intruder would have the surprise of two professional football players gunning for him.

He took a deep breath, counted to three, and burst in the door...No Couch.

"That chicken was still in his room," Aaron laughed.

Couch had stayed put in his bedroom, ready to ambush any would-be intruders, and later told Shea that he basically wasn't going to come out unless he knew there was no one in the home.

Now, Tim Couch may have had his problems in Cleveland, but just about all of us can attest to the fact that he is pretty much an all-around good guy. To picture him and Shea, two grown men - not just grown men, big grown men...professional football player grown men - sneaking around Tim's home and looking for bad guys like two teenagers at a slumber party made me laugh so hard I nearly pissed myself.

"Be vewwwy vewwwy quiet. I'm hunting intwooders...huhuhuhuh"

Browns Nominated for Week 12 Honors

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:46:04 -0500

Cleveland Browns' running back Jamal Lewis and rookie corner Brandon McDonald were both nominated for Week 12 awards.

Lewis' 134 yards and TD during the Browns victory over the Texans earned him a nomination for the FedEx Ground Player of the Week. Other nominees for the honor are Oakland's Justin Fargas (22 car, 139 yds, 1 TD) and San Fancisco's Frank Gore (21 car, 116 yds, 2 TD).

You can place your vote for Jamal by clicking here.

Brandon McDonald went from "who?" to "who is this guy?" in a three-hour period, and is up for Rookie of the Week. His step-up performance included 1 solo tackle, 4 pass defenses (effectively shutting down a Pro Bowl-calliber receiver) and 1 INT in the fourth quarter to help seal the deal against Houston.

Vote for Brandon McDonald Here.

Sean Taylor: 1983-2007

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:46:14 -0500

Image By: Bucktown Skins Fan

As I'm sure we've all heard, Redskins' Safety Sean Taylor died this morning from a gunshot wound he suffered early yesterday morning during what is being called a "home invasion".

Everyone at the Dawg Pound sends their thoughts and prayers to Sean's family, friends and teammates as they endure this tragic event. Here's what's been released in the media so far:
Continue reading "Sean Taylor: 1983-2007"

Note to Self: Don't Drink & Blog

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 06:45:00 -0500

A few things you might have learned about the Browns as well as myself during the 27-17 whooping the Browns handed to the Houston Texans:

#1 - Apparently, I cannot spell the word "recover" on a Treo to save my life. I was previously unaware, but the club section's bar doesn't have to stop serving until after the game is over...probably not a good idea to blog there in the future. Less Drinking, More Blogging - Check.

#2 - Give Jamal Lewis 25-plus carries, and in return, you will get 100-plus yards. This man is truly punishing defenders, and quieting those who said he no longer had what it takes to be a feature back in the NFL. His 134 yards places him just outside of the top ten backs in the league, and if he keeps running as hard as he has been the past couple weeks, he could finish with his sixth 1,000 yard season.

#3 - It seems not only does Brandon McDonald dance, he plays a little bit of Defense, too. The rookie cornerback was bumped up into the Browns' Nickel package after Eric Wright's knee injury, and man did he play well. McDonald finished the game with 4 pass defenses and an interception, his first as a pro. Good to see the young guys step up in a time of need. Good game, Brandon.
Continue reading "Note to Self: Don't Drink & Blog"

Browns vs Texans Live

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 12:15:25 -0500

I come to you live in the North club bar at Cleveland Browns Stadium. I'll be fighting through the buzz and the trouble of typing through my brother-in-law's Treo to bring you my observations as I see them.

Nothing too special to report at the end if the first. wide open TD for Houston. Offense is a little lackluster..DQ just intercepted a pass...brb

TD Edwards. Had single coverage and the safety didn't reciver in time. 7-7...

Anderson lobs one up for grabs. Underthrown toEdwards and INT'd. Is Nick Sorensen that bad that our depleted DBs are still better than having him on the field? At least they missed the FG. 10-7

It's to the point where I'm not too sure what we're doing ...but we did just reciver a fumble...Beyonce's pretty hot in that boomarang commercial

If I'.m not mistaken we won...and it was a pretty good game . We'll have real updates soon.

The Browns Know How to Crank Dat

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:56:21 -0500

I didn't believe it at first, but this is none other than Cleveland's Josh Cribbs crankin' dat. Thanks to Mevs at The Nosebleeds for digging that one up. I was looking around, and apparently Cribbs isn't the only one that can get down.

D-Back Brandon McDonald was caught from at least two angles (this being the better one) doing the Soulja Boy during pregame warm-ups.

What do Derek Anderson's friendly reminder, and Browns gettin' down on the field tell me? That this team is finally starting to have fun - one thing that is truly essential for a team to be successful. It's good to see the players smiling during interviews, laughing a little on the sidelines, and having a good time for once.

Pardon the Interruption

nospam@example.com (Ryan Hoover) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:38:46 -0500

Acquitted murderer returns an INT for a touchdown: 6 pts
Kicker kicks go-ahead field goal: 3 pts
Said kicker being told mid-interview by the other team's QB that the game's not over and seeing his reaction: freaking priceless...

By the way...something else I just find hilarious... Ya think Ozzie Newsome would like to take that little waiver from 2 years ago back? He pissed away the best QB on the team! Not saying anyone knew it at the time, but man, he's gotta be kicking himself in the ass about now.