MIJB#19's 1st FOFCentral Dynasty Report

[MIJB#19]

The rules:

1. I start with the Cleveland Browns, including an expansion draft (no empty cupborad though.)
2. Only 1 FA Period signing each year.
3. Only 1 draft choice each year (unnneeded picks will be traded.)
4. All other players will be signed when they are undrafted rookie.
5. Every player will be signed to the minimum salary, only the Signing bonus will make the difference. This will make the hit of releasing very hard.
6. Any players either unhappy or demanding a trade will be traded as soon as possible.
7. Releasing players is allowed, as are 7-year minimum deals.
8. Moving the franchise is allowed, but only to either within 50 miles or over 250 miles.
9. Franchise Player option is not allowed.
10. An all-time standing game plan.

[MIJB#19]

First I set the game plan, including:
more running to the right then to the left,
no Bump&Run and 2-Deep,
very low nickel package, dime pacckage or prevent package,
ver low all out pass and all out run,
no Weak I or Strong I,
no 1 WR, 4 WR or 5WR,
maximized use of goalline formations, blitzing and 3 WR.

We signed the youngest lead scout available:
Shane Treftz is 35 years old.
qb FAIR _dl FAIR
rb GOOD _lb FAIR
rc GOOD _2y GOOD
ol GOOD _yt GOOD
k_ V_GD

We also sign the cheapest and second youngest head coach available:
Melvin Gradner is 36 years old.
qb FAIR _k_ GOOD
rb FAIR _yt GOOD
rc V_GD _mt V_GD
ol V_GD _ds V_GD
dl GOOD _of GOOD
lb GOOD _df POOR
2y FAIR _in GOOD

[MIJB#19]

Pre-Season 1999:

The expansion draft was not very useful.
The free agent signing was Jason Sehorn.
The draft choice at #1 overall was RB Morris Jills.
The exhibition season was not very succesful: 0-4 record.
Biggest surprise were the 130 yards rushing by Devin Tuman in the fourth game at Philadelphia Eagles.
Also Jeff Lewis' passing (10/15, 156yd, 2 TD, 0 int.) was good that day.
We will have to start the regular season with our draft choice Morris Jells benched, he still suffers from a concussion.
Our supposed starting quarterback Pat Anagnostis will be backup to Jeff Lewis as Anagnosits broke his finger a few weeks ago.
Kickoff returner Frank Bruce will be inactive due to his broken ribs, as will Grady Ruth be because this defensive end has a broken foot.

Expectations are little, we hope to win at least one game, and then we'll see what will hapen.
For now, whe can only hope Morris Jells will have a great rookie season and will lead us to some surprising results...

[MIJB#19]

Regular Season:
Pittsburgh (0-0) @ Cleveland (0-0)
An exciting game for the fans. The Steelers took an half time 10-0 lead, but within 5 minuntes in the second half the score was even again. Then Pittsburgh scored 10 point in the next 10 minutes. We came back to 20-17, but just after the 2 minute warning Matt Hatchette sealed the Steelers' win.
The running game was awful as we only made 28 yards (only 13 on 7 carries by Morris Jells). Jeff Lewis saw a decent passing game: 15/26 for 172yd, 1 TD, 1 int.
The offensive line allowed 6 sacks and made 0(!) key run blocks.

Cleveland (0-1) @ Tennessee (1-0)
A big upset for the Titans. We went into hlaf time with a 21-3 lead. With only 3½ minutes left, we lead 28-6. Morris Jells ran for 109yd, 0 TD, Jeff Lewis passed 15/25 for 188yd, 3 TD, 0 int. Antonio Edwards made 2.0 sacks, but MVP was free safety Darnell Campana with 12 tackles, 4 assists and 1 interception (14yd TD.) This score takes us to the second place in the division!

Cleveland (1-1) @ Baltimore (0-2)
A sad loss. We lead the game until the 2 minute warning. Just after that, Priest Holmes ran for his game high 13yd TD (of a 33yd total) to take Baltimore to a 15-0 4th quarter score for the 28-24 win.
Our Morris Jells was excellent again: 126yd, 1 TD (with 4 KRBs by RT Donnie Sanders). Jeff Leiws fell a littel back with his 16/30 for 185yd, 1 TD, 2 int performance.

New England (1-2) @ Cleveland (1-2)
New England scored 17 points in the 4th quarter to seal a 37-10 win.
Morris Jells 56yd look awful, but had only 9 carries. Jeff Lewis passed 22/44 for 193yd, 0 TD, 2 int. Backup Anagnostis passes for the first time in his career and saw the pass ending in a 46yd TD interception return.

Cincinanti (3-1) @ Cleveland (1-3)
A big upset in the 4th Quarter, as Cleveland scored doubled it's season total of points scored in the 4th quarter, 14 to 28.
Morris Jells had a big day again with 89yd on 15 carries including a 24yd and a 18yd TD run. Jeff Lewis passed better then ever with 20/29 for 225yd, 1 TD, 0 int. But weak cornerback's Tony Griggs 79yd int return TD changed the 14-13 lead into a 20-13 lead. Kirk Berggren kicked for 21-13.

Cleveland (2-3) @ Jacksonville (3-2)
Jacksonville was favord to win by 17 points. But Fred Taylor (187yd) and co. made it a 41-10 victory. Four (4!) of Jacksonville's offensive linemen made 5 or 6 KRBs without allowing a single sack.
Our Morris Jells ran for 102yd on 11 carries, including a career high 49yd TD run.
Jeff Lewis had his second set back, with 14/34 for 159yd and 2 int.

Cleveland (2-4) @ St. Louis (3-2)
A great defensive game. Both teams allowed zero touchdowns together until 2½ minutes before the end of the game. At that point, the Browns lead 12-0, thanks to 4 FGs by Kirk Berggren. But, Tony Banks and Ricky Proehl did a fine job in making 2 TDs together.
Morris Jells was outstanding again: 137yd on 20 carries without scoring any points. Center Olin Kreutz had a big deal here with 5 KRBs.
Jeff Lewis day was so-so: 21/41 171yd, 1 int.
The loss was very dissapointing as we were so close to a 3-4 record...

Cleveland (2-5) @ New Orleans (3-3)
27-28 loss, unbelievable!
Morris Jells was hot again, going 100+ yards for his fifth time in six games: 125yd on 19 carries, including a 35yd TD run.
Jeff Lewis was also good today with 23/38 for 264yd, 2 TD and 0 int. But 139yd of those went to Vincent Brisby on only 6 recpetions.

So, the season is halfway.
Our record is 2-6, but none of our wins was a close game, while our losses included two 1-point losses, and also a 4-point loss.
Morris Jells is our absolute star player with 754yd (5th) on 130 carries for 5 TD and a 5.8 (2nd) average.
Vincent Brisby's 43 receptions (4th) were enough for 586yd (3rd) and 2 TD.
Ken Walter made 20 in20 (2nd) of 46 punts.
Darnell Campana is the most tackling defensive back with 56 tackles (5th overall).
Our schedule includes 5 home games, so maybe?

[MIJB#19]

Regular Season 1999 (second half):

Baltimore (3-4) @ Cleveland (2-6)
Baltiomre 41, Cleveland 14, enough said.
Morris Jells did it again: 107yd and 1 TD. (4 KRBs by Dale Hellestrae.)
Jeff Lewis threw 16/25 for 209yd, 1 TD and 2 int.

Cleveland (2-7) @ Pittsburgh (4-4)
Pittsburgh showed again they have the best running defense in the league, allowing only 54yd. The win of 28-14 wasn't a big surprise though.
Morris Jells had 23yd on 11 carries (inlcuding a 11yd longest.)
Jeff Lewis had problems too: 14/31 for 167yd, 2 TD and 1 int.
Defensive tackle Perry Horton made 2.0 sacks.

Carolina (3-6) @ Cleveland (2-8)
41-0, Fred Lane http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/frown.gif made 2 TDs.
Morris Jells? 61yd on 11 carries.
Jeff Lewis? 11/27 for 134yd and 5 interceptions.
MLB Keith Burns 12 tackles.

Tennessee (3-7) @ Cleveland (2-9)
We win, we win, we win, 40-7!
Morris Jills was fine with 82yd and 1 TD. (Sanders 4 KRB.)
Jeff Lewis' 22/38 for 287yd, 3 TD, 1 int was a career game, I think...
WR Robert Wilson had a career game with 8 recpetions for 113yd.
CB Toby Griggs made 2 interceptions (1 TD.)
Backup DE Willie Patterson made 2.0 sacks.

Cleveland (3-9) @ San Diego (5-6)
Highlights: A beautiful kickoff returtn by Adrian Gregory for 105 yards and a touchdown. But, San Diego won 24-10.
Morris Jells is beeing looked at now by whole America, being a little nervous about it, he ran for only 51yd on 19 carries.
Jew Lewis? 13/30 for 171yd, no TD, no int.

Cleveland (3-10) @ Cincinnati (8-5)
0-45.
Morris Jells 29yd on 10 carries.
Jeff Lewis 6/26 for 57yd and 2 int.
DE Keith Washington 2.0 sacks.
MLB Keith Burns 11 tackles.
OL total: 1 KRB.

Jacksonville (8-5) @ Cleveland (3-11)
Jacksonville 17-14 Cleveland.
Morris Jells 60yd on 17 carries.
Jeff Lewis 21/36 for 181yd and 1 TD (no int!)

Indianapolis (8-6) @ Cleveland (3-12)
Peyton Manning tossed for 507yd and 4 TDs for a 40-24 win.
Morris Jells ran 11 times for 60 yards (5.4 yards per carry.)
Jeff Lewis completed 20 of 35 passes for 272 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions.

That was the end of the season.
We finished last in the division with a league low 3-13 record, allowing 27.9 points per game.
Our total yards and yards per run/pass:
Rush off 1561yd(27th) 4.4(8th)
Pass off 3130yd(27th) 5.7(29th)
Rush def 2677yd(31st) 4.5(29th)
Pass def 3693yd(25th) 7.2(27th)
3rd Down off 26%(31st)
3rd Down def 40%(30th)

Jeff Lewis passed 269/515 (52%) for 3035yd (190yd/game), 17 TD, 19 int and a 65.8 rating.
Morris Jells ran 245 times for 1227yd (5.0 avg) and 7 TD.
Vincent made 75 recepetions for 925yd and 3 TD.
Adrian Gregory returned 21 punts for 214yd (10.1 avg.)and returned 40 kickoffs for 1098yd (27.4 avg) and 1 TD.
Cornerback Jason Sehorn made 73 tackles and 5 interceptions.
Safety Darnell Campana made 102 tackles and 3 interceptions (1 TD.)
Mid linebacker Keith Burns made 100 tackles.

The players signed via the expansion draft woh performed well enough adn have ending contracts get new contracts:
quarterback Jeff Lewis was signed for 1 more year,
left tackel Dale Hellestrae was signed for 2 more years,
safety Bennie Thompson for 1 more year,
mid linebacker Kieth Burns for 1 more year.

The Detroit Lions surprised with a 20-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the Bowl game.
All League 1st Team running back Barry Sanders took the League Championship MVP Award.
Carolina Panthers' Tim Biakabutuka was chosen Solecismic League MVP.

Jason Sehorn was selcted in the All League 1st Team.
Morris Jells was selected as Offensive Rookie if the Year.
Darnell Campana was selcted Defensive Rookie of the Year.

[MIJB#19]

Pre Season 2000:

only 19 players are still under contract, so a huge rebuilt of our 3-13 dynasty will be going on.

I stepped right on to the FA Period, in wich I will sign only 1 player.
The options are:
Jeff Smith, center, age 27, was a backup at Kansas City.
Antonio Freeman, flanker, age 28, was all-league 1st team at Green Bay.
Lawyer Milloy, free safety, age 27, was all-league 2nd team at Dallas.
Ruben Brown, right guard, age 28, started 13 games at Buffalo.

At the defensive backs line, we already have Jason Sehorn.
At split end, we have a decent receiver with Vincent Brisby and we also have an excellent running back (Morris Jells.)
So, an offensive lineman seemed to be the best addition. Looking at our squad we have still Olin Kreutz (center) signed and no guards.
I set our goal for Ruben Brown!
I offered him a 7-year contract worth the minimum salary, but also a $49M signing bonus!

Ruben Brown had no moment of doubt, he signed right away.

Now up to the draft...
As my team has the #1 draft pick already, I could easily trade all the other picks to other teams (inlcuding #17 and #32 overall.)

Looking at the options, these were the major ones:
Todd Wright, quarterback, age 21, should be amongst the top 5 passers in the future.
Kurt Krieger, tight end, age 22, by far the most talented tight end available and 8.0 future rated by the league scouts.
Anthony Gable, wide receiver, age 22, the only wide receiver with a good prospect for the future.
Steve Richardson, center, age 22, should be one of the best center in the league in no-time.
Corwin Guillen, tackle, age 21, 6'6" 300 lbs. with excellent potentials and a huge endurance.
Ernie Chechetts, linebacker, age 22, by the combined scouts assessments rated at 8.0 future.

I decided not to select Wright, as we still have Jeff Lewis.
Also, the receivers Krieger and Gable are not prior, because of Brisby and Jells.
If I would select an offensive linemen, Guillen is the man, not Richardson.
Chechetts should add a lot of skill to the defense, but I think Jason Sehorh did that al ready last season.
I decide to select Chechetts, as out team al ready has 3 tackles signed.

I signed a lot of undrafted rookies, only to find out my roster now has 70 players, including 35 unsigned players.
That means I have to go to the training camp without a kicker, and without enough defensive players!

[MIJB#19]

2000 Starting Line Ups:

QB Lewis, Jeff _/accuracy=POOR power=POOR\_
FB Strong, Mack _/runblk=FAIR shortyd=FAIR\_
HB Jells, Morris _/shortyd=EXCL ydcarry=EXCL\_
FL http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifMcClurcken, O.J. _/catch=FAIR ydcatch=FAIR\_
TE Rutledge, Rod _/runblk=GOOD catch=GOOD\_
LT Hoffman, Kurt _/runblk=FAIR pasblk=FAIR\_
LG http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifHildebrandt, Ronnie _/runblk=POOR pasblk=POOR\_
C_ Kreutz, Olin _/runblk=FAIR pasblk=FAIR\_
RG Brown, Ruben _/runblk=EXCL pasblk=VRGD\_
RT Sanders, Donnie _/runblk=GOOD pasblk=POOR\_
SE Brisby, Vincent _/catch=GOOD ydcatch=VRGD\_

P_ http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifZorn, Mo _/power=FAIR in20=POOR\_
K_ http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifGriffin, Perry _/accuracy=POOR power=FAIR\_
PR Gregory, Adrian _/puntret=EXCL endure=FAIR\_
KR Gregory, Adrian _/kickret=EXCL endure=FAIR\_

LE Patterson, Willie _/rundef=FAIR pasrush=fair\_
LT http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifBensen, Terrell _/rundef=POOR pasrush=POOR\_
RT Horton, Perry _/rundef=POOR pasrush=POOR\_
RE http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifMitkov, Sherman _/rundef=POOR pasrush=POOR\_
WL Roiger, Ronald _/rundef=POOR pasrush=FAIR\_
ML http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifChechetts, Ernie _/rundef=GOOD pasrush=GOOD\_
SL Harnisch, Robbie _/rundef=POOR pasdef=POOR\_
WC Sehorn, Jason _/pasdef=VRGD inter=EXCL\_
FS Campana, Darnell _/rundef=FAIR pasdef=FAIR\_
SS Thompson, Bennie _/rundef=FAIR inter=FAIR\_
SC Griggs, Toby _/pasdef=FAIR inter=VRGD\_

[MIJB#19]

Exhibition 2000:
Cleveland @ Seattle
Seahawks win 34-20 thanks to 24 points in first half.
Morris Jells showed some glimps of his excellence: 6 runs for 31 yards (5.1 average)
Returner Gregory saved the day with a 96yd kickoff return.
Rookie Ernie Chechetts recorded 10 tackles and 3 assists.

Chicago @ Cleveland
Chicago won 34-17.
Highlight of the game was Willie Patterson's blocked field goal he ran back for 77yd and a touchdown.
Jeff Lewis passed not bad: 14/24 for 124yd and 1 TD, no int.
Tight end Rod Rutledge recorded 70yd receiving on 5 receptions.

Cleveland @ Minnesota
Vikings win easy: 38-10
Bad news: rookie Ernie Chechetts left the game very early with a turf toe, he will miss the last exhibition game.

Carolina @ Cleveland
Panthers beat us 28-21
Rookie quarterback Bennewith might have conquered the starting job with a 8/16 for 171yd, 2 TD, 0 int. performance, as Lewis was 8/17 for 80yd, 1 TD, 2 int.
Wide receiver Fitzgerald scored 2 touchdowns.
Willie Patterson made 2.5 sacks.

We are on to the Regular Season!

[MIJB#19]

Regular Season 2000 (first half)

Cleveland ('99: 3-13) @ Arizona ('99: 6-10)
With Lewis wearing the helmet, we prepared for a hot day.
We went into the break with a 7-3 lead, as Lewis completed for a touchdown to O.J.McClurken. but after the 7-0 lead, the Cardinals got wild and scored 35 points in the second half to win with a hughe margin 7-38
Morris Jells showed some nice numbers with 92yd on 15 carries (6.1 average) with special thanks to Ruben Brown's 5 KRBs.
Ernie Chechetts was forced to make 10 tackles and 2 assists.
By the way, Lewis saw 4 passes completed to people wearing jersey with the wrong color.
Chechetts will miss the next game, as he still suffers of a turf toe.

Cleveland (0-1) @ Baltimore (0-1)
Only 3 points we scored in this humiliating 3-28 defit.
Morris Jells did fine again with 90yd on 16 carries, Again helped by 5 KRBs by Ruben Brown.
But Brown also showed his weakness: 4 sacks allowed.
Edgar Bennewith took over control of Lewis after some bad throws, ending the game with 16/34 for 141yd, 0 TD, 1 int.

Jacksonville (1-1) @ Cleveland (0-2)
Our offense ran for over 100yd in the first half in a little dissapointing 7-10 lead for the Jaguars. In the second half the Jaguars scored another FG for the 7-13 final score, our 3rd straight loss. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/frown.gif
Jeff Lewis, still wearing the helmet passed 12/27 for 247yd, 1 TD, 0 int.
O.J. McClurken took 4 recpetions for 98yd and a TD.
Morris Jells ran only 8 times for a total of 71yd (8.8 average!) as Olin Kreutz had 4 KRBs. Jells suffered from an hyperextended elbow, forcing him to leave the game early, he will start next week though.
Last seasons Defensive Rookie of the Year, Darnell Campana made 10 tackles and 5 assist.

Cleveland (0-3) @ Tennessee (1-2)
Steve McNair had a happy day, as he lead the Titans with 4 TD passes to an overwhelming 7-45 score.
Vincent Brisby still managed to catch 6 balls for a total of 99 yards.
Ronnie Harnisch made 9 tackles, 2 assists and 1 50yd interception return TD.

Pittsburgh (1-2) @ Cleveland (0-4)
Another humiliating result, as the Steelers went home after a 0-26 victory.
The Browns have scored only 2 offensive touchdowns in 5 games (both were Jeww Lewis to O.J.McClurken.)
Jason Sehorn was our MVP with 6 tackles, 2 assists, 1.0 sacks, 1 interception.

Cleveland (0-5) @ Cincinnati (4-1)
Cincinnati beat us easily with 14-35.
Our MVP has to be Morris Jells, recovering from an injury, ran for 136 yards on only 16 carries. Again with special thanks to Ruben Brown, 6 KRBs this time.
Ernie Chechetts' injury got worse again, he will miss the next couple of games.

Cleveland (0-6) @ Pittsburgh (3-2)
Our best reuslt of the season, as we only lost 17-23.
Morris Jells was big again, 99 yards on 14 carries. He's on his way to break the season yards per carry average. Olin Kreutz 5 KRBs helped a lot though.
WOLB Ronald Roiger picked up 2.0 sacks, as did LE Sherman Mitkov too and did backup DE Graham Lichter.
Jeff Lewis convinced ne today for benching him the next game with only 3 yards per pass.

Miami (3-3) @ Cleveland (0-7)
Our last chance to turn the season around a little bit.
Miami destroyed our hopes: 0-24.
Morris Jells ran for another 94 yards.
Chechetts replacement Upshaw made 12 tackles today.

So we are 0-8 halfway.
Lewis has a 43.1 passing rating, Bennewith 37.5.
Morris Jells totalled 635 yards rushing for a 5.9 average.
Right guard Ruben Brown made 24 KRBs (51%!) already, only 1 less then his 1999 total.
Olin Kreutz made 14 KRBs (48%).
Kicker Perry Griffin is really bad, he made only 2 of 7 field goal attempts, with a 45yd longest.
Jason Sehorn already made 3 interceptions.
Darnell Campana made 44 tackles.

[ozias]

MIJB#19 Just wanted to let you know that at least someone is reading your posts. I see your doing worse this year...0-8 ouch! http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/frown.gif
You may just be able to get the first overall pick next year, which I think your going to need.

[MIJB#19]

Regular Season 2000 second half:

Cleveland (0-8) @ Buffalo (0-7)
It was clear, one of the teams had to lose it always-beaten record.
It turned out that we were the team to keep the streak alive... 28-31.
We were extreme close to our first win in a long time (12 straight losses, 16 including exhibiiton games!)
Morris Jells was great with 119yd and a TD rushing and also a 14yd TD reception.
Edgar Bennewith was a big surpirse today: 24/40, 310yd, 2 TD, 0 int.
Receiver Fitzgerald totaled 94yd receiving on 6 receptions.

Baltimore (3-5) @ Cleveland (0-9)
after the first half we totalled -6 netto passing yards for a 0-24 Ravens lead.
Baltimore gave us the chance to come back a little to a 13-31 final score.
Morris Jells was good agian, 114yd rushing and also a 4yd TD reception.
Ronald Roiger made 10 tackles and 1.0 sacks.
Jason Sehorn made 2 interceptions.
Edgar Bennewith went out with a Hip Ointer on his first play, he will be 3rd choice next game.
Vincent Brisby will be replaced at split end by Skip Fitzgerald, because Brisby is questionable for the next game.

Cleveland (0-10) @ NY Giants (1-8)
Again, one team had to win.
After 30 minutes it was clear it would be the Giants, as the scored 31 points.
A final score of 7-38 showed we are the worst team by far...
Morris Jells ran only 4 times, for a total of 25yd (6.2 average.)
Third quarterback Darrin Joseph performed not bad with 11/14 (78%) 113yd (8.1 avg) 1 TD (7%) but also 2 int. (14%).
Ronnie Harnisch totalled 10 tackles and 4 assists.
Good news: Ernie Chechetts is fully recovered and will be back next weekend!

Tennessee (4-6) @ Cleveland (0-11)
Can you say big upset?
Yes: 13-10!
Our first win after 15 straight losses in regular season games.
Mo Zorn (punter) saved the day with a 37yd field goal.
Morris Jells was MVP though with 148yd and 1 TD rushing, together with 7 receptions for 82yd.
Darrin Joseph surpirsed again, starting as a back, but going 23/38 for 194yd, 0 TD and 1 int. He hereby made himself starting quarterback.

Washington (4-7) @ Cleveland (1-11)
Washington was favored by only 3 points.
Going into the second half with a 17-14 lead, we never gave away the lead anymore, for a second straight win: 24-20.
Morris Jells was outragegous: 164yd and 2 TD on 25 carries (6.5yd average), helped by 6 KRBs by Ruben Brown.
Joseph passed his worst game so far: 13/29 for 119yd and 3 int.
Ernie Chechetts was chosen MVP after making 11 tackles, 1.0 sacks and 1 interception.

Cleveland (2-11) @ Jacksonville (7-6)
The Jaguars really needed to win this one, while our #1 draft choice seems to be clinched. Not that we wnat to finish as worst team, but #1 overall could make a difference.
Going into the second half with a 14-0 lead, we were close to a 3-win streak, but...
The Jaguars revived in the last quarter for a 17-21 score, our 12th loss of the season.
Darrin Joseph looked nice again, with 24/40 (60%), 237yd (5.9 avg), 1 TD, 2 int.
Next game Bennewith will start again though.Ronnie Harnisch was this game's tackle taker with 10 tackles.

Cincinnati (7-6) @ Cleveland (2-12)
Again, a playoff contender.
Bengals beat us 15-33.
Morris Jells keeps on going wild with 114yd (7.1yd avg) and 1 TD.
Bennewith was bad with 3 interceptions, Jospeh will be the starter again next week.
Ernie Chechetts played his last game of the season, as he suffers from a bruised ribcage.

Seattle (5-10) @ Cleveland (2-13)
It was no good, 7-28.
Darrin Joseph had a day as he used to have with 23/39 for 227yd, 1 TD, 2 int.
Ronald Roiger made 12 tackles, 1 assist and 0.5 sacks.

The end of the season!
We finish dead last, as they call it, in the AFC Central with a 2-14 record.
Darrin Joseph lead or quarterback's with a 49.9 rating, 1094 yards, 54% completed passes and also 107 completions.
Morris Jells totalled 1,409yd and 2 TD on 246 carries. He leads the NFL in yards per carry with 5.7yd.
Jason Sehorn again grabbed 5 interceptions, together with 58 tackles, 16 assists and 1.0 sacks.
Robbie Harnisch totalled 89 tackles, 32 assists and 1 interception (TD.)
Ronald Roiger totalled 86 tackles, 35 assists and 7.0 sacks.
Darnell Campana totalled 81 tackles, 34 assists and 3 interceptions.
Ruben Brown finished second in the NFL with 39 KRBs with a 44%, but he also allowed 12 sacks.

A lot of players will be FA next season.
So I decide to negotiate contracts of some players:
Olin Kreuzt was signed for 3 more years.
Vincent Brisby for 2 more years.
Ronald Roiger for 2 more years.
Bennie Thompson for 1 more year.
15 players will get no new contract, including QB Jeff Lewis, P Mo Zorn, K Perry Griffin, LG Ronnie Hildebrandt and QB Edgar Bennewith.

Jason Sehorn was selcted into All League 2nd Team.
Mo Zorn was chosen All League 2nd Tream punter. (don't ask why, I just don't know.)

[This message has been edited by MIJB#19 (edited 10-25-2000).]

[MIJB#19]

Pre Season 2001

Dale Hellestrae is unhappy, so I'll try to trade him.
Also, KR/PR Adrian Gregory is unhappy too, don't ask why, as he get's a lot of playing time at those two positions.

Well, I promissed to trade unhapy players so...
There was no interest for Hellestrae so I released him before the FA period.
Adrian Gregory was wanted by Jacksonville and Tennessee, but those two teams play in the same division as us, so the Arizona Cardinals seemed to be his new home.
A huge trade, involving 3 of our draft choices and 2 of Arizona's draft choices brought Gregory to his new team.

Looking to the FA pool, the following players were optional for my team:
Tony Hutson, left tackle, age 27, played only 1 game last season for the Jaguars.
Marcellus Wiley, idolized, defensive end, age 27, made 14.5 sacks at Buffalo last year.
Eric Moulds, fan favorite, wide receiver/return specialist, age 28, made 1924yd and 10 TD at Buffalo in last two years.

After a short period of thought, I decieded Marcellus Wiley was the man to sign.
We offered him a 7-year deal including a $49M siging bonus.
After a month, Wiley decided ho would gfo for the money and leave the Buffalo Bills (who finished last in the AFC East that last two seasons.)

On to the draft!
The draft has no future super stars at all, no player has a future of more than 7.7, this might be the worst draft class I have ever seen!

These were the options:
Quarterback Dean Sellers, 7.5 future, age 22, should be the strongest QB of the NFL soon, his passes lack some accuracy though.
Richie Shepherd, 7.3 future, age 21, has an outstanding future potential, but is sad to have a nose for fumbles.
Brock Hardy, 6.8 future, age 22, 6'10" 270 lbs. tackle, has no endurance, but is a talented blocker.
Wade Lomax, 7.5 future, age 21, should make a good run for the NFL's best strong outside linebacker.

After adding Wiley, we now have three anchoring defenders at every line (Chechetts, Sehorn, Wiley).
Also, on offense we still have only 1 talented lineman (Brown) and only 1 scoring player (Jells.)
So, Lomax is out.
Leaves us Sellers, Shepherd and Hardy.
Shepherd might miss the body to get a star player at 6'0" and 170 lbs.
Sellers is an excellent future potetntial player, but I think the OL is even more important and I also think 2002 will bring in an even better QB.
So the Cleveland Browns select:
Brock Hardy from North Carolina.
Hardy will make a good addition for Left tackle.
BTW the highest rated player (CB) got drafted in the 4th round.

The new starting 26 players:
QB Joseph Darrin _/accuracy=FAIR power=FAIR\_
FB Strong, Mack _/runblk=FAIR shortyd=FAIR\_
HB Jells, Morris _/shortyd=EXCL ydcarry=EXCL\_
FL McClurcken, O.J. _/catch=FAIR ydcatch=FAIR\_
TE Rutledge, Rod _/runblk=GOOD catch=GOOD\_
LT http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifHardy, Brock _/runblk=FAIR pasblk=FAIR\_
LG Misner, Jeremy_/runblk=FAIR pasblk=FAIR\_
C_ Kreutz, Olin _/runblk=FAIR pasblk=FAIR\_
RG Brown, Ruben _/runblk=EXCL pasblk=VRGD\_
RT Sanders, Donnie _/runblk=GOOD pasblk=POOR\_
SE Brisby, Vincent _/catch=FAIR ydcatch=GOOD\_

P_ http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifGerman, Jon _/power=FAIR in20=POOR\_
K_ http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifMilner, Dwight _/accuracy=POOR power=VRGD\_
PR http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifDonovan, Peter _/puntret=EXCL endure=VRGD\_
KR http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifDonovan, Peter _/kickret=EXCL endure=VRGD\_

LE Wiley, Marcellus _/rundef=EXCL pasrush=EXCL\_
LT Bensen, Terrell _/rundef=FAIR pasrush=POOR\_
RT Horton, Perry _/rundef=FAIR pasrush=FAIR\_
RE Patterson, Willie _/rundef=FAIR pasrush=FAIR\_
WL Harnisch, Robbie _/rundef=POOR pasdef=POOR\_
ML Chechetts, Ernie _/rundef=VRGD pasrush=VRGD\_
SL http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gifWest, Tim _/rundef=FAIR passdef=FAIR\_
WC Sehorn, Jason _/pasdef=VRGD inter=EXCL\_
FS Campana, Darnell _/rundef=GOOD pasdef=POOR\_
SS Thompson, Bennie _/rundef=FAIR inter=FAIR\_
SC Griggs, Toby _/pasdef=FAIR inter=VRGD\_

[MIJB#19]

Exhibition 2001:

Seattle (2000: 6-10) @ Cleveland (2000: 2-14)
Seahawks win 3-13.
Only one player of my team surprizes positively:
bakup QB Marc Feenstra, 6/8 for 48yd, 1 int.

Cleveland (2000: 2-14) @ New Orleans (2000: 6-10)
both teams were 0-1 in exhibition 2001.
Saints win 0-34.
no good performances to tell about.

San Francisco (2000: 9-7) @ Cleveland (2000: 2-14)
Both teams go into this game with a 0-2 exhibition record.
49ers win in a wild game: 28-31.
Darrin Joseph passes well with 13/23 for 230yd, 1 int. (83.2 pass rating.)
But Marc Feenstra out played him with a 145.0 pass rating: 8/13 for 153yd and 2 TD. (61%, 11.7yd/pass, 15% TD, 0% int.)
Tim West made 10 tackles and an assists.
Feenstra will be the starter next game.

Cleveland (2000: 2-14) @ Philadelphia (2000: 6-10)
Philadelphia is 2-1 in exhibition, we are 0-3.
A miracle game!
Going into the 4th quarter, the score was 17-7 Eagles, this score was still there with 12:09 minutes to go.
After a wild period of 9 minutes and 5 seconds, the score was 31-28 Eagles.
THen our kicker Dwight Milner kicked a 41yd FG in: 31-31.
But with 33 seconds to go, Marc Edwards ran for 19yd and a TD: Eagles take a 38-31 lead.
With only 6 seconds to go, Darrin Jospeph completed a pass to... Bobby Taylor, Eagles' defensive back running the ball back for 48yd and a TD.
Final score, Eagles win 31-45.
Morris Jells had his first good appearance in the exhibition season: 81yd on 16 carries.
Feenstra completed only 9 of 23 passes (39%), for 146yd (6.3 avg) 1 TD and 1 int.
Darrin Joseph was weird with 7/18 (39%), 160yd (8.8 avg), 3 TD (17%) and 3 int. (17%.)
Peter Donovan made 3 kickoffreturns for a 113yd total, 37½ average, he also. made an interception and two punt returns (for -6 yards total.)

Bad news:
Marcellus Wiley has a stretched knee ligament and will miss the first few games.
his replacement Sherman Mitkov is also injured, and will take place on the bench.
Wesley Irwin will have the honor of starting next weekend, last season he started 4 games, but only managed to make 2 tackles.


Regular Season 2001:
Chicago (2000: 7-9) @ Cleveland (2000: 2-14)
With Marc Feenstra's first start ever in an official NFL game, our team lost 14-22.
It was Bears' kicker Jackie Dern, who scored 5 FGs and was honored MVP.
Morris Jells ran for 89yd on 15 carries making 1 TD.
Marc Feenstra passed 18/32 for 167yd, 1 TD, and 3 int (42.0 pass rating.)
MLB Ernie Chechetts made 10 tackles, 3 assist and 0.5 sacks.
Strong LB Tim West made 10 tackles and 2 assists.

Tennessee (1-0) @ Cleveland (0-1)
Our defense allowed it's first offense TD of the season: Kevin Henry passed to Yancey Thigpen.
Titans final score win was 6-10.
Morris Jells ran wild: 157yd on 22 carries (7.1 avg.), with special thanks to Ruben Brown's 5 KRB.
Marc Feenstra lost the starting job, completing only 2 of 13 passes for 1 yard and 1 interception. (7.8 passer rating.)
Darrin Joseph will take over.

Cleveland (0-2) @ Jacksonville (2-0)
After two close losses, we feared the worst.
And with reason, Jacksonville rushed into a 28-0 lead, before we finally scored our first points of the game.
The Jaguars rested it's star players in the second half, so we managed to rack up our socre to a 21-34 final score.
Vincent Brisby caught 5 passes for 108yd.
Darrin Joseph completed 15/37 for 281yd, 3 TD, 1 int.
Ernie Chechetts made 12 tackles ans 7 assists.
BTW, our former quarteback Anagnostis passes for Jacksonville know, his stats: 9/11 for 94yd.
More bad news: Jason Sehorn suffered a turf toe, but he will be sitting on the bench next game.

Baltimore (1-2) @ Cleveland (0-3)
Ravens beat us 10-17.
Morris Jells lead the game in rushing yards: 110yd on 19 carries. (Ruben Brown: 4 KRB.)
Our starting QB Joseph left the game with a concussion before he even threw the ball a single time, Feenstra sprained his ankle after passing the ball 9 times.
Morris Cochrane passed ont well, but will start next game.
Backup WR Skip Fitzgerald caugth 4 passes for 102yd.
Backup DE Wesley Irwin made 3.0 sacks.
Good news: Marcellus Wiley and Jason Sehorn will start again next game.

Cleveland (0-4) @ Pittsburgh (0-3)
Clearly one team had to end their losing streak.
The Steelers did it gladly: 3-30.
Morris Jells ran for 86yd (7.1 average!)
The other Morris, Cochrane passed for 205yd, but didn't do anything else good enough today (3 int vs 0 TD).
Darrin Joseph will threw the ball again next weekend.

Cincinnati (3-2) @ Cleveland (0-5)
It's time to turn around after our 31st loss in 37 games, the Bengals want to take their 25th win in the same period.
An early 73yd TD run by Morris Jells seemed to introduce our first win of the year.
At the end of the game, Morris Jells looked back on his best game ever: 179yd and 4 TD on 22 attempts.
Donnie Sanders made 5 KRB for him.
Marc Feenstra had to step forward after Joseph left the game after the first play.
Feenstra passed 28/42 for 266yd and 4 int.
113yd went to Skip Fitzgerlad.
Defensive tackle Terrell Benson will miss some months thanks to torn calf muscle.
Kelly Connell will replace him.

Pittsburgh (1-4) @ Cleveland (0-6)
The game was noted as even.
Steelers take the win 19-21, again a close game?
No, we allowed Jerome Bettis to run for 219yd.
Morris Jells got only 37yd back for that.
Marc Feenstra was interception-free: 23/40 for 243yd and 2 TD.
Both TD passes went to Vincent Brisby.
Ruben Brown suffered a bruised shoulder, but will start, as usual.

Cleveland (0-7) @ Miami (4-2)
Going into the second half we lead 9-0.
Dwight Milner (our kicker) finished the game with 4 FGs kicked in for a 12-3 upset win!
Ernie Chechetts earned MVP with 12 tackles and 3 assists.
Marcellus Wiley made 2.0 sacks.
O.J. McClurken received for 109yd.
Morris Jells ran for 79yd (4.1 averege).
Marc Feenstra passed 19/33 for 232yd and 1 int.
He remainds at the helmet.

Well, the season is halfway, but there really is nothing new to report.
We just keep on playing as we used to do in 2000.

Buffalo (4-3) @ Cleveland (1-7)
Again a game named as even.
Another close game, but no win: 16-21.
Morris Jellse ran for only 77yd but still 5.1 per carry.
Darrin Joseph had an almost perfect game: 7/9 for 98yd, 1 TD and 0 int. (153.2 pass rating.)
Joseph will start again next week, moreover because Feenstra broke a finger.
Weak LB Robbie Harnisch totalled 2.0 sacks.
Kicker Dwight Milner will miss the next game too, with a broken foot. Norm Conquergood was signed to replace him for some weeks, and maybe even longer(?).

Cleveland (1-8) @ Tennessee (5-3)
At Tennessee we are tied 1-1, thanks to the 1999 win. Last season, Steve McNair lead the Titans to an overwhelming 45-7 victory.
This year, the score was a bit closer 14-24.
Morris Jells totalled only 31yd (1.9yd/carry.)
Ernie Chechetts tackled 10 opponents by him self and also assists twice and made 1.0 sacks.
O.J. McClurken will be benched next game after suffering an injury.

Tampa Bay (5-4) @ Cleveland (1-9)
Tampa Bay's defense is in the NFL's top 3 in both rush yd/game and pass yd/pass.
Thus it seemed to be a though game for us.
How pre-game stats can betray you!
The Buccanneers needed an overtime FG to clinch a 20-23 road win.
Morris Jells totalled 62yd on 13 carries including a 76yd TD run (so the other 12 carries he ran for -14yd).
Darrin Jopseph completed 19 of 42 passes, but still scored well with 220yd, 1 TD and no int.
Strong LB Tim West's 10 tackles, 4 assists and 1.0 sacks did a fine job.
As did free safety Darnell Campana's 7 tackles, 2 assists, 2.0 sacks.
And Left end Marcellus Wiley with 5 tackles, 3 assists and 2.0 sacks.

Cleveland (1-10) @ Baltimore (6-4)
Peter Donovan made the game start excellent, as he ran the kickoff back for 93yd and a TD!
But the Ravens had no mercy and went on to win 13-31.
Morris Jells' 68yd was not one of his best games ever.
Darrin Joseph's 16/30 for 224yd and nothing else wasn't big either.
WR Ellard totalled 106yd in 5 receptions.
MLB Ernie Chechetts totalled 12 tackles, 4 assists and 1.0 sacks.
McClurken will start again next game.

Cleveland (1-11) @ Detroit (5-6)
Morris Jells was named Offensive Player of the Week after running for 227yd and 3 TD and receiving once for a 30yd TD and leading us to a 35-14 surprise!
Darrin Joseph's decent 14/22 for 168yd, 2 TD and 1 int. was nothing compared to Jells' performance.
Marcellus Wiley was close to a defesive honor with 4.0 sacks, his fellow DE Patterson made 2.0 sacks.
Ruben Brown had a hand in Jell's 227yd with 4 KRB.
Bad news: DT Perry Horton will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder tendonitis, Terrell Bensen seems to be healed just in time.

Jacksonville (8-5) @ Cleveland (2-11)
The Jaguars still need a win to clinch the playoff berth.
We decided not to give them a win that easy, losing very close with 34-37.
Morris Jells noticed it's impossible to be big every week, 91yd and 1 TD this week.
Darrin Joseph had a crazy game with 24/39 for 355yd, 3 TD and 3 int.
Flanker O.J. McClurken racked up 133yd and 1 TD.

Cleveland (2-12) @ Cincinnati (7-6)
Agian, we won't give it away easy.
But this time, we did give it away easily.
10-36.
Vincent Brisby broke his foot and will miss next game.
Ernie Checketts: 10 tackles, 2 assist.
Marcellus Wiley: 2.0 sacks.

Cleveland (2-13) @ Seattle (5-10)
Both teams had nothing to win or lose anymore, so we decided to start our best players and go for a win.
We were playing well until the 4th quarter, in which the Seahawks scored 25 points.
17-45.
Morris Jells' 68yd and 1 TD was very bad.
WR Stan Ellard's 122yd receiving were a big surprise.

----------------------
End of the season.
Division: AFC Central.
Ranking: 6th.
record: 2-14.
stats:
Darrin Joseph (QB), 52%, 1834yd, 11 TD, 11 int, 69.7 rate.
Marc Feenstra (QB), 55%, 1023yd, 3 TD, 10 int, 53.3 rate.
Morris Jells (RB), 1430yd-5.1yd avg-11 TD rushing, 28 receptions for 258yf and 1 TD.
Ruben Brown (RG), 27 KRB (33%), 4 sacks.
Marcellus Wiley (LDE), 12 games, 14.5 sacks.
Ernie Chechetts (MLB), 130 tackles, 60 assists, 3.5 sacks.
Tim West (strong LB), 92 tackles.
Jason Sehorn (WCB), 64 tackles, 3 interceptions.
Peter Donovan (CB/PR/KR), 34 kickoff returns, 909yd, 26.7 average, 1 TD.
Darnell Campana (free S), 95 tackles, 27 assists, 3.0 sacks, 3 interceptions.

Morris Jells was awarded!
Offesive Player of the Year
All League 1st Team Running Back

Ernie Chechetts was awarded!
Defensive Player of the Year
All League 1st Team Linebacker

The contracts of the following players were extended:
free S - Darnell Campana by 3 years,
left DT - Perry Horton by 2 years,
right DE - Willie Patterson by 4 years,
TE - Rod Rudlegde by 2 years.

The following players got no new contract:
Weak LB Robbie Harnisch, FB Mack Strong, SS Bennie Thompson, 2000 starting LT Kurt Hoffman.

Next season, we will finally sign a franchise QB, either a draft choice or a FA signing.
The other addition will be a WR or a DT.
Our goal for next season should be 5-8 wins.

[MIJB#19]

Exhibition 2001:

Seattle (2000: 6-10) @ Cleveland (2000: 2-14)
Seahawks win 3-13.
Only one player of my team surprizes positively:
bakup QB Marc Feenstra, 6/8 for 48yd, 1 int.

Cleveland (2000: 2-14) @ New Orleans (2000: 6-10)
both teams were 0-1 in exhibition 2001.
Saints win 0-34.
no good performances to tell about.

San Francisco (2000: 9-7) @ Cleveland (2000: 2-14)
Both teams go into this game with a 0-2 exhibition record.
49ers win in a wild game: 28-31.
Darrin Joseph passes well with 13/23 for 230yd, 1 int. (83.2 pass rating.)
But Marc Feenstra out played him with a 145.0 pass rating: 8/13 for 153yd and 2 TD. (61%, 11.7yd/pass, 15% TD, 0% int.)
Tim West made 10 tackles and an assists.
Feenstra will be the starter next game.

Cleveland (2000: 2-14) @ Philadelphia (2000: 6-10)
Philadelphia is 2-1 in exhibition, we are 0-3.
A miracle game!
Going into the 4th quarter, the score was 17-7 Eagles, this score was still there with 12:09 minutes to go.
After a wild period of 9 minutes and 5 seconds, the score was 31-28 Eagles.
THen our kicker Dwight Milner kicked a 41yd FG in: 31-31.
But with 33 seconds to go, Marc Edwards ran for 19yd and a TD: Eagles take a 38-31 lead.
With only 6 seconds to go, Darrin Jospeph completed a pass to... Bobby Taylor, Eagles' defensive back running the ball back for 48yd and a TD.
Final score, Eagles win 31-45.
Morris Jells had his first good appearance in the exhibition season: 81yd on 16 carries.
Feenstra completed only 9 of 23 passes (39%), for 146yd (6.3 avg) 1 TD and 1 int.
Darrin Joseph was weird with 7/18 (39%), 160yd (8.8 avg), 3 TD (17%) and 3 int. (17%.)
Peter Donovan made 3 kickoffreturns for a 113yd total, 37½ average, he also. made an interception and two punt returns (for -6 yards total.)

Bad news:
Marcellus Wiley has a stretched knee ligament and will miss the first few games.
his replacement Sherman Mitkov is also injured, and will take place on the bench.
Wesley Irwin will have the honor of starting next weekend, last season he started 4 games, but only managed to make 2 tackles.


Regular Season 2001:
Chicago (2000: 7-9) @ Cleveland (2000: 2-14)
With Marc Feenstra's first start ever in an official NFL game, our team lost 14-22.
It was Bears' kicker Jackie Dern, who scored 5 FGs and was honored MVP.
Morris Jells ran for 89yd on 15 carries making 1 TD.
Marc Feenstra passed 18/32 for 167yd, 1 TD, and 3 int (42.0 pass rating.)
MLB Ernie Chechetts made 10 tackles, 3 assist and 0.5 sacks.
Strong LB Tim West made 10 tackles and 2 assists.

Tennessee (1-0) @ Cleveland (0-1)
Our defense allowed it's first offense TD of the season: Kevin Henry passed to Yancey Thigpen.
Titans final score win was 6-10.
Morris Jells ran wild: 157yd on 22 carries (7.1 avg.), with special thanks to Ruben Brown's 5 KRB.
Marc Feenstra lost the starting job, completing only 2 of 13 passes for 1 yard and 1 interception. (7.8 passer rating.)
Darrin Joseph will take over.

Cleveland (0-2) @ Jacksonville (2-0)
After two close losses, we feared the worst.
And with reason, Jacksonville rushed into a 28-0 lead, before we finally scored our first points of the game.
The Jaguars rested it's star players in the second half, so we managed to rack up our socre to a 21-34 final score.
Vincent Brisby caught 5 passes for 108yd.
Darrin Joseph completed 15/37 for 281yd, 3 TD, 1 int.
Ernie Chechetts made 12 tackles ans 7 assists.
BTW, our former quarteback Anagnostis passes for Jacksonville know, his stats: 9/11 for 94yd.
More bad news: Jason Sehorn suffered a turf toe, but he will be sitting on the bench next game.

Baltimore (1-2) @ Cleveland (0-3)
Ravens beat us 10-17.
Morris Jells lead the game in rushing yards: 110yd on 19 carries. (Ruben Brown: 4 KRB.)
Our starting QB Joseph left the game with a concussion before he even threw the ball a single time, Feenstra sprained his ankle after passing the ball 9 times.
Morris Cochrane passed ont well, but will start next game.
Backup WR Skip Fitzgerald caugth 4 passes for 102yd.
Backup DE Wesley Irwin made 3.0 sacks.
Good news: Marcellus Wiley and Jason Sehorn will start again next game.

Cleveland (0-4) @ Pittsburgh (0-3)
Clearly one team had to end their losing streak.
The Steelers did it gladly: 3-30.
Morris Jells ran for 86yd (7.1 average!)
The other Morris, Cochrane passed for 205yd, but didn't do anything else good enough today (3 int vs 0 TD).
Darrin Joseph will threw the ball again next weekend.

Cincinnati (3-2) @ Cleveland (0-5)
It's time to turn around after our 31st loss in 37 games, the Bengals want to take their 25th win in the same period.
An early 73yd TD run by Morris Jells seemed to introduce our first win of the year.
At the end of the game, Morris Jells looked back on his best game ever: 179yd and 4 TD on 22 attempts.
Donnie Sanders made 5 KRB for him.
Marc Feenstra had to step forward after Joseph left the game after the first play.
Feenstra passed 28/42 for 266yd and 4 int.
113yd went to Skip Fitzgerlad.
Defensive tackle Terrell Benson will miss some months thanks to torn calf muscle.
Kelly Connell will replace him.

Pittsburgh (1-4) @ Cleveland (0-6)
The game was noted as even.
Steelers take the win 19-21, again a close game?
No, we allowed Jerome Bettis to run for 219yd.
Morris Jells got only 37yd back for that.
Marc Feenstra was interception-free: 23/40 for 243yd and 2 TD.
Both TD passes went to Vincent Brisby.
Ruben Brown suffered a bruised shoulder, but will start, as usual.

Cleveland (0-7) @ Miami (4-2)
Going into the second half we lead 9-0.
Dwight Milner (our kicker) finished the game with 4 FGs kicked in for a 12-3 upset win!
Ernie Chechetts earned MVP with 12 tackles and 3 assists.
Marcellus Wiley made 2.0 sacks.
O.J. McClurken received for 109yd.
Morris Jells ran for 79yd (4.1 averege).
Marc Feenstra passed 19/33 for 232yd and 1 int.
He remainds at the helmet.

Well, the season is halfway, but there really is nothing new to report.
We just keep on playing as we used to do in 2000.

Buffalo (4-3) @ Cleveland (1-7)
Again a game named as even.
Another close game, but no win: 16-21.
Morris Jellse ran for only 77yd but still 5.1 per carry.
Darrin Joseph had an almost perfect game: 7/9 for 98yd, 1 TD and 0 int. (153.2 pass rating.)
Joseph will start again next week, moreover because Feenstra broke a finger.
Weak LB Robbie Harnisch totalled 2.0 sacks.
Kicker Dwight Milner will miss the next game too, with a broken foot. Norm Conquergood was signed to replace him for some weeks, and maybe even longer(?).

Cleveland (1-8) @ Tennessee (5-3)
At Tennessee we are tied 1-1, thanks to the 1999 win. Last season, Steve McNair lead the Titans to an overwhelming 45-7 victory.
This year, the score was a bit closer 14-24.
Morris Jells totalled only 31yd (1.9yd/carry.)
Ernie Chechetts tackled 10 opponents by him self and also assists twice and made 1.0 sacks.
O.J. McClurken will be benched next game after suffering an injury.

Tampa Bay (5-4) @ Cleveland (1-9)
Tampa Bay's defense is in the NFL's top 3 in both rush yd/game and pass yd/pass.
Thus it seemed to be a though game for us.
How pre-game stats can betray you!
The Buccanneers needed an overtime FG to clinch a 20-23 road win.
Morris Jells totalled 62yd on 13 carries including a 76yd TD run (so the other 12 carries he ran for -14yd).
Darrin Jopseph completed 19 of 42 passes, but still scored well with 220yd, 1 TD and no int.
Strong LB Tim West's 10 tackles, 4 assists and 1.0 sacks did a fine job.
As did free safety Darnell Campana's 7 tackles, 2 assists, 2.0 sacks.
And Left end Marcellus Wiley with 5 tackles, 3 assists and 2.0 sacks.

Cleveland (1-10) @ Baltimore (6-4)
Peter Donovan made the game start excellent, as he ran the kickoff back for 93yd and a TD!
But the Ravens had no mercy and went on to win 13-31.
Morris Jells' 68yd was not one of his best games ever.
Darrin Joseph's 16/30 for 224yd and nothing else wasn't big either.
WR Ellard totalled 106yd in 5 receptions.
MLB Ernie Chechetts totalled 12 tackles, 4 assists and 1.0 sacks.
McClurken will start again next game.

Cleveland (1-11) @ Detroit (5-6)
Morris Jells was named Offensive Player of the Week after running for 227yd and 3 TD and receiving once for a 30yd TD and leading us to a 35-14 surprise!
Darrin Joseph's decent 14/22 for 168yd, 2 TD and 1 int. was nothing compared to Jells' performance.
Marcellus Wiley was close to a defesive honor with 4.0 sacks, his fellow DE Patterson made 2.0 sacks.
Ruben Brown had a hand in Jell's 227yd with 4 KRB.
Bad news: DT Perry Horton will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder tendonitis, Terrell Bensen seems to be healed just in time.

Jacksonville (8-5) @ Cleveland (2-11)
The Jaguars still need a win to clinch the playoff berth.
We decided not to give them a win that easy, losing very close with 34-37.
Morris Jells noticed it's impossible to be big every week, 91yd and 1 TD this week.
Darrin Joseph had a crazy game with 24/39 for 355yd, 3 TD and 3 int.
Flanker O.J. McClurken racked up 133yd and 1 TD.

Cleveland (2-12) @ Cincinnati (7-6)
Agian, we won't give it away easy.
But this time, we did give it away easily.
10-36.
Vincent Brisby broke his foot and will miss next game.
Ernie Checketts: 10 tackles, 2 assist.
Marcellus Wiley: 2.0 sacks.

Cleveland (2-13) @ Seattle (5-10)
Both teams had nothing to win or lose anymore, so we decided to start our best players and go for a win.
We were playing well until the 4th quarter, in which the Seahawks scored 25 points.
17-45.
Morris Jells' 68yd and 1 TD was very bad.
WR Stan Ellard's 122yd receiving were a big surprise.

----------------------
End of the season.
Division: AFC Central.
Ranking: 6th.
record: 2-14.
stats:
Darrin Joseph (QB), 52%, 1834yd, 11 TD, 11 int, 69.7 rate.
Marc Feenstra (QB), 55%, 1023yd, 3 TD, 10 int, 53.3 rate.
Morris Jells (RB), 1430yd-5.1yd avg-11 TD rushing, 28 receptions for 258yf and 1 TD.
Ruben Brown (RG), 27 KRB (33%), 4 sacks.
Marcellus Wiley (LDE), 12 games, 14.5 sacks.
Ernie Chechetts (MLB), 130 tackles, 60 assists, 3.5 sacks.
Tim West (strong LB), 92 tackles.
Jason Sehorn (WCB), 64 tackles, 3 interceptions.
Peter Donovan (CB/PR/KR), 34 kickoff returns, 909yd, 26.7 average, 1 TD.
Darnell Campana (free S), 95 tackles, 27 assists, 3.0 sacks, 3 interceptions.

Morris Jells was awarded!
Offesive Player of the Year
All League 1st Team Running Back

Ernie Chechetts was awarded!
Defensive Player of the Year
All League 1st Team Linebacker

The contracts of the following players were extended:
free S - Darnell Campana by 3 years,
left DT - Perry Horton by 2 years,
right DE - Willie Patterson by 4 years,
TE - Rod Rudlegde by 2 years.

The following players got no new contract:
Weak LB Robbie Harnisch, FB Mack Strong, SS Bennie Thompson, 2000 starting LT Kurt Hoffman.

Next season, we will finally sign a franchise QB, either a draft choice or a FA signing.
The other addition will be a WR or a DT.
Our goal for next season should be 5-8 wins.

[MIJB#19]

2002 Pre Season:

Bennie Thompson retired.

We increased all ticket prices by 50% (it's a lot, but we didn't increase them the last 3 years, these prices will stay for another 3-4 years.)

The Detroit Lions offered us their 6th rouind draft choice for Darrin Jospeh, but we declined.

Free Agency:
The options:
Trevor Pryce, DT, age 27, well liked, better in run defense then pass rushing, his enduarnce is a bit low.
Kenny Mixon, DE, age 27, idolized, excellent run defender, All League 1st Team in 2000 (18.5 sacks), has no good endurance.
Charlie Batch, QB, age 28, still has great potentials, is no good on third downs.
Vince Amey, DT, age 27, excellent pass rusher, lacks run defense talent, also his endurance is a little too low.
Germane Crowell, WR, age 26, extremly talented receiver, has problems with carrying the ball and fails a lot on third downs.
Tarik Glenn, LG, age 26, solid, would make an excellent team with Brock Hardy and Ruben Brown.

Batch seems NOT to be the franchise QB we search for, we will meet that guy in the next draft (I hope.)
Germane Crowell is the only talented WR available, but his nose for fumbles and bad plays on 3rd downs cancels him out too.
Leaves the options Pryce/Mixon/Amey/Glenn.
Mixon is a nice addition, but DE isn't out worst position, no Mixon.
Pryce or Amey?
Trevor Pryce seems to be the better one, Amey out.
Since we already have 4 guards signed Glenn is cancelled out too.
An other look on our tackle Hardy Brock tells us he should be playing at RT and not at LT.
So we could actually use a great LT. (our OL allowed 40 sacks last season.)
So another option is named:
Flozell Adams, LT, age 27, made All League 1st Team last two years.

We go for Flozell Adams!
First we had to trade all our draft choices except for the #1 overall.
Then we offer Flozell a 7-year deal, worth $52.57M.
He didn't have to think about it and signed right away!

On to the draft!
Detroit comes back and tells us they really want Darrin Joseph...
In the mean while, San Diego offers us Wesley Walls and pick #58 for Morris Jells. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/biggrin.gif Get out of here!
Back on the Joseph offer, Feenstra recorded a better rookie year then Joseph, Feenstra seems to be the better guy.
But I decline the offer again, a backup QB who started 13 games here should be more cohessive (if that's good English http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/wink.gif) then a rookie backup.

Looking to the draft class I'm shocked.
The best QB option is:
Cedric Lancaster, age 24, has no greater potentials then Jospeh or Feenstra. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/frown.gif
So no QB this year!

The new options:
Bryce Shapiro, WR, age 22, excellent potentials in all aspects of a WR (except for PR/KR.)
Lamar Crawford, DE, age 21, 6'2" 269 lbs, outstanding pass rusher with excellent endurance. Is able to stop almost every running back.
Shannon Mandalari, DT, age 21, 6'5" 305 lbs http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/ubb/smile.gif, same skills as Lamar Crawford.
Herb Sheldon, S, age 24, should be the best safety within a year. Al ready is better then 90% of the starting safeties in the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns select: Shannon Madalari from Baylor.
Due to cap problems, we signed him to a 5 year deal.

The first releases ever:
4th G Swift (since we signed a rookie with a very good future, according to my scout.)
8th LB Earnest Rivers (we signed a better rookie.)

We're on to the training camp!