The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

[joshrmlb]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

Great dynasty so far. I'm also a big fan of mogul. Keep up the good work.

[SKA]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

Cleveland Browns (6-8) at the Green Bay Packers (8-6)

Following two solid wins against playoff contending teams, the Browns had their toughest challenge yet, going on the road to Lambeau in Green Bay, as they took on an eight-and-six Packers team that was underachieving as of late, and were slipping out of the playoff picture, especially in their own division. A win against Cleveland was absolutely necessary to keep their hopes alive.

With rain drizzling for most of the game, with a wind chill at 31° F, 29-year old Brett Favre, who is second in the league in passing yards (at 4,257), and first in touchdowns with 34 thrown with two weeks to go, Cleveland's secondary were up against a very dangerous opponent. The Browns began the game with their first offensive possession, with resulted in a three-and-out, much to the pleasure of the Green Bay faithful in attendance. The Packers would come up with a touchdown on their first drive, thanks to a pass to Antonio Freeman on a flat, from which Freeman made his way into the end zone.

Down seven nothing early, the Browns were just as miserable on their second drive as they were on their first, while losing right guard Joe Andruzzi for the game and the rest of the season with a twisted right knee. As for the Packers, another touchdown pass from Favre, this time to Donald Driver from four yards out would give them the confident lead.

The Browns' drive heading through the beginning of the second quarter was much better for them, as proper adjustments and the flow of the game began to evolve, and Donovan McNabb was able to lead his team down for the impressive third-and-goal from the GB 10 touchdown pass to Leslie Shepherd. Now down by only one score, the defense was supposed to do their job and provide the stop, and would get halfway there by allowing Green Bay only three points. Next, Cleveland shocked the fans in attendance with a second quick touchdown, this one coming off the two-minute warning, as Terry Kirby was able to break a huge 53-yard run to put his team down by only a field goal with 1:42 left on the clock in the second.

Unfortunately, the defense for Cleveland, after taking one step forward, would take two steps back; allowing a picture perfect drive by Favre to tack on another seven for the Packers, this time from a 10-yard touchdown toss to receiver Bill Schroeder. With the disappointing breakdown, Cleveland head to the visiting locker room, down by 10 at 24-14.

The Packers started things off in the third quarter, and would successfully put up another TD after starting from their own 20-yard line. A nice mix of passing and running from back Dorsey Levens allowed Green Bay to get all the way into within ten-yards, where Favre would complete a third-and-five pass to Antonio Freeman for the score, Freeman's second of the day. One would expect the Browns to respond with at least a field goal, but they could do no better than an embarrassing three-and-out. This provided the Packers with the chance to absolutely dominate the third quarter, which they did, finishing off the rest of the twelve minutes, leading into the fourth with another touchdown, this one coming on the ground thanks to fullback William Henderson.

Cleveland, now down by an essentially, an insurmountable amount, took to the air, where midway through, their possession would be cut off by defensive end Vonnie Holliday, who was able to snatch a weak-McNabb throw out of the air. The Packers wouldn't do anything with their possession, while the Browns closed out their chance with a third and final touchdown on the day, this one a 14-yard pass to tight end Irv Smith. Green Bay would wind the clock down at the end of the game, as head coaches exchanged a few words in the middle of the field, while Favre shared some advice with the rookie, Donovan McNabb.

QUOTES OF THE GAME

"When you're watchin' him out there, you know, you can really pick up a lot. I mean he's having an incredible season so far, and you know, the Packers are really a great team, real tough ... real tough... It's tough playin' out there too, I mean those fans are really intense as well, they give it there all and really get their team going when the stadium is really rumbling. Honestly, I can't wait to come back here and give it a better shot." - Rookie quarterback of the Browns, Donovan McNabb

"Well, you know, we still got one game ahead of us, you know, gotta prepare like usual, keep your head in the season because I don't want any of these kids getting the idea that a seasons ends as soon as you're out of playoff contention, alright? The season is 16-games long, and every player should be focused completely on football during all of those 16-games. Everyone out there has a job to do, and in the process, still have a lot to work on themselves. Not just Donovan, you know, but our receivers still have a lot to prove, you know our offensive line has some younger guys that should be working on their technique, you know, uh, our defense, lot of young guys, you know, just stayed focused and it becomes a habit for the rest of your career. A great habit, because you never know when one game goes the other way, and your team is back in the hunt. " - Head Coach of the Browns, Chris Palmer

...

[SKA]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

Cleveland Browns (6-9) at the Tennessee Titans (8-6)

After a tough loss in Week 13 through the season against the Tennessee Titans, the Cleveland Browns finished off the season on the road in Nashville, where they faced off with the 8-6 Titans, who were fighting all odds for a playoff spot in order for a chance to defend their AFC Championship title. If Tennessee could walk away victorious, while Jacksonville ended up losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in their final game of the season, the Titans were in. For Neil O'Donnell, Eddie George, and the rest of the Titans, it was a must-win game.

Fans got a bit nervous when Tennessee's first possession resulted in a missed field goal from the 31-yard like by Al DelGreco, but after a Cleveland three-and-out on their first offensive possession, the Titans got in a flow they would have all game with a 12-yard touchdown pass from O'Donnell to receiver Yancey Thigpen, his number one option all season long. Two failed Cleveland possessions, and one punt from Tennessee, resulted in the Titans scoring on their first possession of the second quarter, as the Titans continued to stride down field with seemingly no one in their way, going up by two scores after a 21-yard touchdown pass to his second favorite target, Chris Sanders.

After another Cleveland three-and-out, Tennessee put up another TD off a touchdown throw from O'Donnell, and would go into halftime up by 24 points, with the Browns on the board with zero. By now, you'd expect me to be like, "omg here comes the greatest comeback ever." But no, the Browns literally did nothing else throughout the rest of the game, besides giving up another 14 points while scoring only one touchdown of their own, midway through the fourth after starting on their own 18-yard line, and driving all the way down into the end zone for the only time during all 60-minutes of play.

For Tennessee, it was a great win, as they would end up grabbing the final AFC Wild Card spot after the Jaguars lost to the Chiefs, 17-9, at home, in front of thousands of pissed off fans. For Cleveland, a long and very important off-season was ahead of them...

QUOTES OF THE GAME

"**** Neil O'Donnell." - Left tackle of the Browns, Lomas Brown

"I like cheese. I like cheese. I like cheese. I like, cheese. I like cheese. I like cheese. I, like cheese. Ahhhhhhhhhhiiiiii likkeeeeee cheese." - Rookie quarterback of the Browns, Donovan McNabb

...

[SKA]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

The Wild Card Round

With eight teams vying for the four open spots in the divisional round of the playoffs, the Wild Card round was underway on Saturday first in Minnesota, where the Vikings and their 11-5 record hosted the Carolina Panthers, who would finish the regular season with a 9-7 record. The Vikings entered as probably the hottest team heading into the post-season, having won their last six games to close out of the season. Carolina, on the other hand, wasn't nearly as talented as their opponents in this round, and the Panthers themselves were barely able to scrape their way into the playoffs. The Vikings, led by Randall Cunningham, completely blew away the Panthers, with 498 total offensive yards, 202 of them coming on the ground behind running back Robert Smith, who would finish as the league's lead rusher at 1,470 yards. Cris Carter led the receivers with 8 catches for 110 yards, as the Vikings coasted ahead to a 30-7 victory at home in front of a rabid fan base, who truly believed their Vikings had a great shot at this year's NFL Championship.

The second game on Saturday was a much closer affair, as the Kansas City Chiefs at 11-5 hosted the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, who were 10-6. The Broncos struggled through mid-season, but quarterback Chris Miller, was able to will his team towards a great closing out of the season, while Denver got some very important rest in Week 16 during their bye week. Of course, Denver was within its first season with franchise quarterback John Elway, who had called it quits during the off-season. Miller had done a fine job all season trying to emulate the success of the magical Elway, although things just didn't seem right with number seven on the field. Miller himself was an amazing story, a former NFL quarterback, now 34-years old, making his return to the league for the first time since 1995. Now he was the starting quarterback for a team returning almost every one of their Super Bowl champions, except their quarterback. Kansas City was also a good team, led by Elvis Grbac, who was having his breakout season, leading the Chiefs 6-1 finish on the season. Both teams collided head-on in the first quarter, and Grbac would suffer the consequences of this mayhem. Midway through the first, Grbac had to leave the game with a pulled quadracep, and it was now up to back-up quarterback, but 42-year old veteran and household name Warren Moon to do the deed. The Chiefs fanbase did all they could to give Moon the courage to do something that is seen perhaps once every decade. By the beginning of the second, the Broncos would be up by ten, but a big kick off return following Denver's first touchdown from Tamarick Vanover, would go for a touchdown, putting Kansas City right back in it. The second quarter was where all the action was... with four minutes left, the Chiefs slowly made their way out of their own territory, but a costly interception by safety Tyrone Braxton, would go all the way for a touchdown, as Denver took another ten point lead. But Warren Moon would respond in a miracle fashion, throwing both a 27-yard completion and a 30-yard touchdown pass to running back Bam Morris, setting Arrowhead Stadium on fire before the half.

The third quarter saw a Broncos field goal and another Warren Moon touchdown pass, which would put the Chiefs up 21-20 at the end of three. Another field goal put the Broncos down by four points, putting a game tying field goal out of reach. Thus, a big drive was needed, and with three minutes left, quarterback Chris Miller would lead his team down the field, eventually scoring the game winning touchdown off a 10-yard liner to tight end Shannon Sharpe. A decent return with a minute-and-a-half left gave Moon one last shot at getting in field goal range to at least send this one into overtime, but a toughened up Broncos defense would completely deny the Chiefs any shot, as the Broncos would advance after a 27-24 victory.

Sunday's games began in Nashville, as the Tennessee Titans began at home against the visiting Oakland Raiders. Throughout the whole game, the Raiders would fail to score one touchdown, settling with only two field goals, and a safety. Veteran Rich Gannon really looked like a lame duck, barely putting up 197 yards on the day, only getting his team in the Titans' red zone once. Tennessee's Neil O'Donnell looked a little better, with 257 yards and 2 touchdowns, while both had one interception. A poor performance from an underachieving Raiders squad is set to have some heads rolling this off-season, while the Titans face a tough up-hill battle against much more talented opponents.

The final wild card game to take place was between the visiting Detroit Lions, taking on Steve Young and his San Francisco 49ers. Young's team has looked like the better squad all season, just missing out on the bye week, taken by the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers in the last week of the season, taking the spot while both finished at 12-4. The Lions, probably the season's biggest surprise, have also looked well all season, with the effects of Barry Sanders' retirement having worn off, and a Gus Frerotte led-team tried to prove their doubters wrong. And they would continue to do so in this opening round of the playoffs, as the Lions would fend off a Super Bowl experienced 49ers squad, taking Vegas-spinning road victory 14-10. San Francisco could only get a field goal in the first, while the Lions got a touchdown as time expired in the same quarter. The second and third quarter saw no progress on the big board for either squad, while the fourth featured a Lawrence Phillips 1-yard slammer to put his team up by three, but the Lions would steal things with perhaps the play of the entire post-season, an 81-yard touchdown pass to tight end David Sloan, who found himself in stride, wide open near the middle of Lions territory, huffing-and-puffing his way to the end zone. San Francisco fans went home in awe, as the debate over a retirement of 37-year old Steve Young, and the end of an era in the bay area began...

...

The Divisional Round

And just like that, the playoffs were under way. Just the very next week, Saturday and Sunday hosted two games each, and the conference championship games were to be set in stone. A match-up in St. Louis between the Rams and the surprise Detroit Lions started off the divisional round. The Lions came in big underdogs, and things seemed absolutely doomed as the first quarter came to a close. Just a few plays before, the team's starting quarterback and offensive leader Gus Frerotte was forced to leave the game with what appeared to be a concussion suffered at the hands of Rams linebacker Charlie Clemons, despite throwing a 15-yard touchdown pass during the play. With seven on the board, and their starting QB out of action, in came 24-year old Charlie Batch, straight out of the renowned Eastern Michigan University. Batch had started 12 games last season, but this was one of the few times he was to see action his sophomore year. The Lions had a lot to ask out of the playoff rookie, unexpectedly thrown into the spotlight, who would try his best at defeating perhaps the most coveted offense in the league, on their home turf. As soon as Batch came in, the Rams would score a field goal, but after that, the entire second quarter was nothing but a sleeper. In fact, five three-and-outs would occur, before the Rams put up only a second field goal to close out the half, still down by one point ...

Whatever head coach Bobby Ross told, gave, or force fed Charlie Batch during the half time break, it worked well...Batch would open things up on the Lions first drive with three straight completions before connecting from six-yards out with tight end David Sloan for his first postseason touchdown, one putting the Lions ahead by eight. The Rams offense continued to stall like never imagined, as the Lions defense gave it their all to give their second-string quarterback the best chance he could have at achieving a victory. As the fourth quarter rolled around, it felt like the tide was taking a turn for the home team, as Warner was finally able to get his team in the end zone with a 20-yard touchdown to his tight end Ernie Conwell. Much of the game was at stake on the Rams two-point conversion attempt, which was a successful bootleg pass to the flat where Marshall Faulk caught the ball as he crossed the plane. Now tied 14-14, and after a Lions three-and-out, things appeared to finally be coming together for St. Louis. But on a second-and-six on the DET 26, cornerback J.B. Brown would seemingly come out of nowhere to snatch a pass intended for Isaac Brown, giving his team a shot at victory with exactly three-minutes left on the clock. Things started off poorly for Detroit, as Batch was sacked on their first play for a seven-yard loss. Their possession resulted in a disappointing punt, while Warner got one more shot with only 1:39 left. The Rams started their no-huddle offense, but another bootleg play would give the Lions an unthinkable opportunity after cornerback Bryant Westbrook was able to pick off a critically poor pass from Warner. Now on the St. Louis 38-yard line, Two complete passes from Batch, one for eight, and one for ten yards would set up a 37-yard field goal attempt for Russ Pacino. Everyone held their breath as the snap went as time expired. Pacino got a good kick in, and the ball sailed directly through the uprights, and the Detroit Lions began celebrating with an absolute fever. Meanwhile, everyone in St. Louis went home extremely disappointed with their teams efforts, as this year was certainly approached with a Super Bowl or bust mentality. As for the Detroit Lions fanbase, they were experiencing absolute sensationalism, as their Lions were finally a relevant team in the playoffs for the first time since the 1950's!

After an exhilarating start to the playoff round, the west coast finished things off with an AFC West match-up between the Denver Broncos, and the 12-4 San Diego Chargers led by quarterback Erik Kramer. And despite the regular season successes of the team from California, the experience of the Broncos team, with many players defending their Super Bowl rings. The first quarter was a slow start, with Denver only getting away with a field goal. They would score the first touchdown in the second, while San Diego responded with one of their own on their only possession of the quarter. The Broncos would run away with the contest in the third however, one off a 14-yard touchdown pass from Chris Miller to receiver Rod Smith, and the other, an exciting 49-yard run from running back Terrell Davis. Their kicker, Jason Elam would tack on another three in the fourth to put his team up 27-7. The Chargers made it 14 with a 9-yard touchdown run from running back Natrone Means, but right after, the San Diego fans went back to making their way out of the stadium, as cornerback Chris Watson made the last highlight of the day, with his kickoff returned for a touchdown. At the end of the day, the Broncos were back in the AFC Championship game, after a dominating 34-14 performance.

Sunday saw the New England Patriots, who earned their bye week with a 10-6 record, hosting the Tennessee Titans on a snowy day in Foxbrough. Drew Bledsoe played a great game with 3 touchdowns and only 1 interception, for 302 yards in the air. Throughout the entire affair the Patriots handled the Titans pretty well, going up 14-0 to start, then giving up ten before the half. The third quarter was all Patriots, with two more touchdowns, one from a sexy 26-yard touchdown pass to Terry Glenn; the other, a sexy punt return for a touchdown about 48-yards out by Troy Brown to knock some serious wind out of the visiting Titans. The rest of the game saw some more control of the game by both defenses, while the Patriots played a possession-focused offense for the last 15-minutes. The Titans would score another touchdown midway through the fourth, but by the end of the day, the Patriots were a step closer to taking an AFC Championship all to their self, and were to await the Denver Broncos in the cold city of Boston.

The NFL tried to save the best for last, a Sunday night match-up between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings. Two high-powered offenses, facing off on primetime television, with some of the biggest stars in the game. However, the game that ensued certainly didn't live up to its expected factor of excitement, as the Cowboys essentially did whatever they could to give one more shot at continuing their dynasty. The new kids were on the block, and they were the Minnesota Vikings, led by Randall Cunningham and exciting (and cocky) weapons such as Cris Carter, Randy Moss, and the league's leading rusher, Robert Smith, were perhaps the best match-up to take down an aging Cowboys team, but destiny had other plans. Experience would come out on top, as the Vikings' only points came off a field goal in the third quarter, while Dallas already entered the halftime by up 17. They would close out the competition at a final score of 28-3, as America's Team was once again in the spotlight, and they were to milk it for all its worth.

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The Conference Round

Now were the two most exciting games all season, two games, many say, are even better than what the Super Bowl usually presents, at least in terms of what happens on the field of play. It was the biggest Sunday yet, the one before the real big one, and it all began in Detroit, MI; where Lions fans packed the Pontiac Silverdome to something beyond standing room only. It was the biggest football game in Detroit Lions history, and it would certainly add to the lore of the cursed franchise that is Detroit Lions football. Although the team returned quarterback Gus Frerotte, who had to leave their last game with a concussion, his added effect was practically zero, the same number of points the Lions put up all night. The home crowd was nearly an angry mob by the end of the game, as years of frustrated Lions fans culminated on one night, where the team would essentially sum up the story of their franchise. The Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, were on the last limbs of a dynasty that everyone thought had come pretty much come to a close after their 1995 Super Bowl victory. But quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, wide receiver Michael Irvin, and the whole rest of the gang were making one last statement of their storied careers. Part of the statement would take play in the 1999 NFC Championship game, as they thoroughly dominated the Detroit Lions to a point of absolute submission. The final score would be 33-0, Dallas, while the Detroit police department had a tough night ahead of them.

The 1999 AFC Championship was at least a bit more entertaining, although not by much. Going up against the New England Patriots in Foxbrough, and the 32° F snow flurries that accompany the match-up, the Denver Broncos and their wonder-man quarterback Chris Miller, would continue their way towards a second-straight franchise championship, and hopefully their first in a post-John Elway era. The Patriots appeared to make things interesting right at the end of the second quarter, as Drew Bledsoewould find his receiver Vincent Brisby in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown to make it 17-10 at the half. As the second half rolled on, and into the games final quarter, the Patriots' offense continued to stall, while the Broncos tacked on two important field goals. The middle of the fourth saw another touchdown for New England, putting things at 23-17 with 6:19 left on the clock. The fans were trying to rally their team towards a great comeback and shot at another Super Bowl appearance since their last one, a failed effort against the Green Bay Packers in 1996. However, it was not to be, as New England's attempt to get out of their own territory on a final drive resulted in an interception by cornerback Ray Crockett, to seal the deal for Denver, and setting up one of the biggest Super Bowl match-ups in recent memory.

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Super Bowl XXXIV

Now was set a match-up to define a decade of professional football, the 34th Super Bowl in NFL history, pitting the two-time defending champions, now led by a completely different quarterback, the Denver Broncos, against a team that was already three-Super Bowl's deep. The Broncos were going for an unthinkable three-NFL Championships in a row, perhaps making a statement that they were the team of the 90's, while a fourth championship win for a Cowboys team under the helm of Troy Aikman, would certainly cement their spot as one of the greatest core of players to ever grace the field together.

The Georgia Dome in Atlanta was packed with approximately 72,625 fans split between both die hard and casual Cowboys fans and Broncos fans, the two biggest bandwagon teams of the 90's. The Broncos would start things off in the first with a failed possession, which led to Dallas taking up most of the rest of the first with their possession, resulting in the first touchdown of the night, a 2-yard touchdown toss from Aikman to his running back, Emmitt Smith. But with just one minute to go in the first 15-minutes, the Broncos immediately responded with seven-points of their own. It was all set-up by an amazing 74-yard play from Chris Miller to receiver Chris Doering, which was followed by a 13-yard touchdown from Miller to receiver*Ed McCaffrey. By now, the Super Bowl was fully underway, and fans were on their feet expecting a barn-burner. The Cowboys would come back with their second touchdown off the day after their first possession of the second quarter, this one, a 21-yard touchdown run by Emmitt Smith. The Broncos, however, would fail to come back with their second touchdown, instead opting for a poor offensive performance in the second quarter, and allowing the Cowboys to enter the half up a score.

The third quarter began with a Dallas punt, a Denver punt, and then another Dallas punt. The Broncos would finally get on the board again late in the third quarter, but could only provide for themselves a 27-yard field goal by Jason Elam to go down now by four. The Broncos defense continued to do its job next, and stopped the next Cowboys' possession. However, the Denver offense failed to convert on their first of the fourth quarter, while the Cowboys would end up kicking for a field goal of their own, this one from 50-yards out. The Broncos really needed a great offensive performance on their following drive in order to keep the game within reach, but a measly three-and-out would result, as the fans were now on their knees praying for the ghost of John Elway to enter the body of Chris Miller. Instead, the highly experienced Troy Aikman showed why he should be considered the best quarterback of the decade, as he would lead his team to another touchdown to seal the deal, a 1-yard goal line crossing by back-up running back Chris Warren, as Dallas milked the clock as much as they could. With a minute left, the Broncos heaved the ball a few times, but everyone knew Dallas was winning their fourth championship as the world said goodbye to the 1990's, and perhaps, most of those guys could retire once again, world champions.

...



...

FINAL PLAYOFF BRACKET

[joshrmlb]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

I've been really enjoying this dynasty so far. Keep it up man. Overall, it was a learning year for McNabb's first year. Hopefully you can rebound from it. It'll be interesting to see who you get via FA and the draft.

[SKA]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

I've been really enjoying this dynasty so far. Keep it up man. Overall, it was a learning year for McNabb's first year. Hopefully you can rebound from it. It'll be interesting to see who you get via FA and the draft.

Thanks man I appreciate you taking the time to comment and keep me going. So far I've been just re-posting what's been shared on the main forum I write this on, and I already have the off-season finished as well as the first game of next year. Hopefully you like the draft choices I made and some trades as well...

[BleedGreen710]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

wow.. this is really neat! great job!

[SKA]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

1999: A Year In Review

Despite the poor expectations, the 1999 Cleveland Browns squad certainly finished above where experts predicted them at. While many expected the Browns to have this year's upcoming number one draft pick, with the .375 PCT finish, the Browns finished with ninth worst record in the league, second worst in the AFC Central, but tied for second-to-last in the division. Certainly not what any fan wants out of the Browns every season, but everyone cuts an expansion team a break their first season. The Browns season began with many lessons to be learned by many of the team's young players in development. Only a 27-7 toppling of the town's biggest rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Week 2 would provide the Cleveland fans with an exciting victory. A 1-6 start was how the Browns began, but Donovan McNabb and his Browns team would end up finishing 5-4 in their last nine games. A tough win in Chicago and another victory over the Steelers would put the Browns at 3-6. After a loss to the Ravens, the Bengals were taken down in a close 35-31 shakedown, as the Browns successfully held the Bengals back from a fourth quarter comeback in Cleveland. After that, however, was an interestingly disappointing loss to the Titans, followed by two very surprising wins over the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Browns failed to close out the season in the final two games, losing to a very talented Green Bay Packers team, as well as the Titans for the second time in five weeks, in the final game of the regular season.

Final Record: 6-10
Final Streak: Loss 2
Final Three Games: 1-2
1999 Avg. Points For: 21.2
1999 Avg. Points Against: 25.9 (-4.7 diff.)

1999 Avg. Attendance: 61,245 (24th)

1999 Revenue: $81,053,532 (15th)
1999 Expenses: -$79,802,544 (17th)

Final Profit: +$1,200,000 (13th)

1999 Team Payroll: $53,900,000
Off-Season Cap Room: $4,800,000

Quarterbacks Grade:C+
Running Backs Grade:C
Tight Ends Grade:C+
Wide Receivers Grade:C+
Offensive Line Grade: C+

Defensive Line Grade:C-
Linebackers Grade:C-
Cornerbacks Grade:B-
Safeties: B

Kicking Grade: B-
Punting Grade: B-
Return Teams Grade: B-

Overall Offensive Grade:C+
Overall Defensive Grade:D+

...

Browns Most Valuable Player: Donovan McNabb, QB
1999 Performance: 313/502 ATT, 62.4% PCT, 3634 YDS, 7.24 YDS/ATT, 26 TD, 16 INT, 88.6 AVG QBR

In their first season back, the Cleveland Browns put on their chips in on one player: Donovan McNabb. With the first overall pick in the 1999 Draft, McNabb was selected among much resentment from Cleveland fans, who were not interested in a mobile, and perhaps, black quarterback; instead preferring the skill-set provided by the young Tim Couch out of Kentucky. However, McNabb took advantage of his position, and used his first season to prove his worth not only as a worthy number one overall pick selection, but as the team's face and leader on, and off the field. Given the weapons provided, and blocking in front of him, McNabb did remarkably well for his first season in the pros, finishing seventh overall in the AFC for passing yards, with 3,634 acquired on the year. Even more impressive is his touchdown/interception ratio, as McNabb was able to overcome any debt to the defenses he's faced this year by a dime. With an 88.6 average QB Rating, it's obvious to someone analyzing the stats that McNabb was going through the learning processes of a normal rookie QB, but showed signs of a bright future. With no injuries suffered all year, McNabb is ready to lead the Browns to their second season back in the NFL, and to a point where Cleveland is a Super Bowl contending team, year-in, and year-out.

Browns Least Valuable Player: Dave Wohlabaugh, C
1999 Performance: 2.50 Yds/Rush, 3.25 Sacks Allowed

Before we give the heat to Dave Wohlabaugh, it's important to note that he was the worst of a bunch of players that didn't particularly have super-disappointing seasons, especially considering the teams expectation for the year; but also, they didn't have great seasons to account for. Given Wohlabaugh's salary, a $3.97M contract with four years left, he is the second-highest played player on the team, but statistically, had the worst year out of all of his fellow linemen. Giving up the most sacks on the season, while producing the lowest yards per rush, Wohlabaugh certainly did not earn his steep contract this season, and at 27-years old, expect the Browns to do some shopping in order to clear out some cap space, and hopefully improve the offensive line.

Browns Surprise Player of the Year: Tyrone Rogers, DE
1999 Performance: 72 Tackles, 4.5 Tackles/Game, 18 Assists, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble

Defensive end Tyrone Rogers was a tough choice to make, with a few others players also vying for their chance to be called the Cleveland Browns "Surprise Player of the Year", including rookie wide receiver Kevin Johnson, who had 843 yards and 5 touchdowns off 72 receptions this season, and rookie linebacker Wali Rainer, who had 52 tackles while starting 12 games this season. But the award must be given to defensive end Tyrone Rogers, also one of the Browns draft picks heading into their first season back. Rogers proved that the Browns' draft could be declared a success so far, with all of their picks who had a chance to performing well, did just that. Rogers would end up starting all 16-games for the Browns, across from 27-year old John Thierry, who finished just four tackles ahead of Rogers, with 4.5 sacks on the year. But it was Rogers who was the surprise performer for the defense, who signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama State University. The Browns may have found themselves a nice little gem to brag about, as Rogers had many defensive coordinators wondering, "who the hell is this guy and why didn't we find him." All season Rogers had beat out veteran Derrick Anderson for the starting position at on the defensive line, and lived up to the expectation coaches had set out for him. Now a legitimate starter in the NFL, it'll be up to Rogers to stay motivated into becoming not just a starting player, but one included on an All-Pro ballot.

1999 NFL Awards

NFL Coach of the Year: Bobby Ross, DET
1999 Performance: 11-5 Final Record, Playoff Appearance, NFC Championship Appearance

Most people would agree with the Associated Press' choice of Bobby Ross as the 1999 NFL Coach of the Year. In Bobby's third season in Detroit, the team was able to overcome tough odds, as well as a tough NFC North division, in order to earn a lucrative wild card spot in the playoffs. Finishing at 11-5, the Lions looked great all season under Ross, who was coaching a team that had been forced to move on from the Barry Sanders-era, into the unknown...with a roster of unknowns... On offense, the team was led by quarterback Gus Frerotte, who had a great season under Ross with 3,883 years accumulated, along with an impressive 26 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions. Running back Greg Hill had been brought in to try to do what Barry did, and performed above expectations with 1,346 yards on the ground, and 12 touchdowns, the breakout season of his career. Wide receiver Herman Moore was able to satisfy as the team's main offensive weapon, finishing with 84 receptions for 1,098 yards and 6 touchdowns. But the team's biggest strength would be on the defensive-side, where the Detroit front office has successfully built one of the most dominating defensive lines in the league, if not the most terrifying... Under Ross, a team expected to finish below-.500 made their way through some tough opponents, and into the national spotlight by not only making it into the playoffs, but also getting all the way to the 1999 NFC Championship game, although the Lions would suffer an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the eventual champions, the Dallas Cowboys. Ross ability to lead a team that was still trying to find itself, into one game shy of a world championship opportunity, has earned him an award to be respected among coaches, as the most valuable head coach of that particular season. Many expect the Lions to offer Ross an extension before his contract expires after this upcoming season.

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Donovan McNabb, QB, CLE
1999 Performance: 313/502 ATT, 62.4% PCT, 3634 YDS, 7.24 YDS/ATT, 26 TD, 16 INT, 88.6 AVG QBR

It was no surprise to anyone when the number one overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft, quarterback Donovan McNabb, was named the league's offensive rookie of the year. As the only other starting quarterback besides Jack Delhomme out of New Orleans, McNabb was able to lead his squad to a 6-10 finish on the season, despite a very rough beginning of the year. After adapting to the NFL lifestyle and increased abilities of the play, McNabb settled down strong during the latter-half of the season, and eventually finished with ten more touchdowns than interceptions, perhaps his most impressive accomplishment, as well as an average QB Rating of 88.6 to go with his 62.4% completion percentage, and his 3,634 passing yards on the year. All on a team with four starting rookies (most in the league), one of them, Kevin Johnson, a receiver that McNabb clicked well with all year.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Joey Porter, LB, PIT
1999 Performance: 122 Tackles, 10.2 Tackles/Game, 42 Assists, 7.0 Sacks, 12 Games Played

Despite spending a fifth of the season sidelined with a separated shoulder, rookie linebacker Joey Porter, a third-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, exceeded the expectations for defensive players drafted much higher such as Champ Bailey, Chris Caliborne, and Anthony McFarland. Porter started the season off strong, and never slowed down, finishing third on the team in tackles, despite missing four games, and, despite starting on perhaps the best linebacking core in the league, playing alongside Jason Gildon (to be mentioned in a minute), Mike Vrabel, and Levon Kirkland. Although the Steelers had a really poor season, finishing last in their division, Porter was able to prove himself as the league's next best linebacker, finishing with a super-impressive stat line on the season, again, despite missing a good portion of it. Had Porter played those four games on an average basis, he would have been a strong contender for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award as well...

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Jason Gildon, LB, PIT
1999 Performance: 164 Tackles, 10.3 Tackles/Game, 44 Assists, 9.5 Sacks, 1 Interception

Fans in Pittsburgh should be extra-excited about their defense in coming years, especially after drafting the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, another Steelers linebacker was presented with the other defensive award for the season: Jason Gildon. Leading the league in tackles at 164, Gildon was a phantom all season, forcing every opponent their faced to prepare specifically for what he brings to the field. Specializing in run defense, Gildon was able to help hold the Steelers' rushing yards allowed per game to higher than the league average, although the wins didn't stack up in Pittsburgh. Although the 1999 season was the bust in Pennsylvania, there's no doubt the Steelers, with the right offensive moves made, are to become a perennial Super Bowl contender, with one of the best linebacking cores in the business. Expect Pittsburgh to focus on improving their secondary this season, as well as their defensive line, whose inability to tackle players at the line, perhaps added to the amount of tackles secured by the linebackers in Pittsburgh.

NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Brett Favre, QB, GB
NFL Most Valuable Player: Brett Favre, QB, GB
1999 Performance: 421/576 ATT, 73.1 PCT, 4,996 yards, 8.76 YDS/ATT, 42 TD, 23 INT, 106.8 AVG QBR

When talking about the performance of quarterback Brett Favre throughout 1999, a few things always seem to come up. "This guys is the best in the league." "Favre fears no defense." and "This team is underperforming." Despite leading the league in passing with an incredible 4,996 yards, four yards short of the coveted 5,000-yard mark, achieved by only one other man in NFL history, the great Dan Marino. Not only was he short of the 5,000 milestone, but Favre was only 89-yards away from breaking Marino's single-season passing yards record, set by the Dolphin in fabled 1984 season. But ask anybody who knows Brett, and they'll tell you Favre could care less about the awards when his team doesn't perform well. Although Brett and the Packers already have one Super Bowl ring, achieved against the New England Patriots, the Green Bay squad would lose the next season defending their title against the AFC Champion Denver Broncos, and eventually, would fail to make this playoffs this season. Favre's acceptance speech for both the offensive player of the year and the most valuable player of the year was less about his performance, and more about his hunger for another championship, and for the Packers to get back to playoff-standard football. Despite leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns, there was a bit of controversy over the decision of his achievement as the 1999 NFL MVP. Some experts and press felt that a few other players could have earned the award, considering they were pivotal to their teams actually making the playoffs, as Favre's team did not. Players included in that category were Minnesota running back Robert Smith (332 Rushes, 1,470 Yards, 16 TD), Oakland's running back Napolean Kaufman (340 Rushes, 1,485 Yards, 18 TD), and Denver running back Terrell Davis (327 Rushes, 1,437 Yards, 10 TD) (who was last season's MVP). But all the fuss following the award's announcement was nothing more than the typical debate following the award's presentation, and history will always support Favre's presentation as the NFL's MVP of the 1999 season, now, the fourth of his career.

...

[SKA]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

The 1999 Off-Season (Part I)

Welcome Back!

As the first off-season in Cleveland Browns history...well, at least since 1994, got underway, the Browns front office faced a few tough decisions to face, as well as hours upon hours awaiting them of work, scouting, research, interviewing, negotiating, and of course, traveling. It was going to be a challenge, as it is every season, but it's the time of the year that general managers live for...

First on every team's agenda, was to address their expiring contracts, and enter negotiations for re-signing those players with expiring contracts. The Browns were to deal with twelve of their own expiring contracts, most of them on the defensive side of the ball. A fourth of the players to deal with wouldn't make the cut, but in reality, the Browns were pretty friendly with returning some of their current talent, perhaps already sold on a few, or looking to feel out a few more players for another season or two.

The easier signing had to be that up linebacker Jamir Miller, who led the Browns in tackling, as well as finishing fifth in the league in solo tackles acquired. At 25-years old, Miller spent four years on the Cardinals before being traded to the Cleveland Browns, entering the reborn franchise during his contract-year. And Miller would perform better than anyone would have expected. Although the linebacking core is the weakest part of the Browns defense, Miller was able to outshine all of his co-workers with a phenomenal amount of tackles, as well as 9.6 per game, while helping out on 43 assists. The dumbest thing the Browns could have done would be to not sign Jamir Miller to a long-term contract. But Cleveland's front office wasn't blind to this as well, and would successfully negotiate a 5-year contract with Miller, earning him $1.51M per season. Miller is the kind of player the Browns hope to build their defense around in the coming years, and is already emerging as a defensive leader for a team still trying to find its identity.

The secondary was a point of much focus during this process, as four players, including three starters, were all to enter negotiations with the Browns. All four players would also receive new contracts; first, the team's starting cornerbacks: Ryan McNeil, and Antonio Langham. While neither are spectacular, the front office reportedly didn't like its chances of finding real, proven upgrades, and were impressed with both players this season, although McNeil has proven to be a bit better than Langham with around thirty more sacks, and six more pat-downs, though both finished with three interceptions on the season. The team's safeties also came under the spotlight, as star safety Marquez Pope, and back-up Earl Little, were due for negotiations. As Pope finished with 114 tackles and 3 interceptions, things wouldn't seem like a tough call, but Pope reportedly was to be turned down over wanting too much money, and quickly approaching the age of thirty on a franchise that was focusing on the development of young talents. But the input from veterans is necessary to building a great team, and Pope is one of the few proven veterans on the Browns roster. Thus, the team successfully offered him a 4-year/$1.91M contract, which he gracefully accepted. Little was also a subject to debate, as he appears to be one of the best young safeties in the game, and was still sitting behind both Pope and Corey Fuller on the depth-chart. The team was able to re-sign the 26-year old to a 3-year contract, for a hefty $1.11M contract, although expect Little to be the first name mentioned in trade negotiations with other teams.

The final player re-signed on the defense would be defensive end John Thierry, who had a decent year, despite finishing with a low sack count when all was said and done. Thierry appears to be the best defensive lineman on the team, even though that's not saying much. His agent negotiated for a minimal contract though, and it was an offer the front office couldn't say no to. Thierry would end up agreeing to a 4-year/$790k contract, allowing the 27-year old to plan for at least four more seasons in Cleveland.

On the offensive side of the roster, wide receiver Leslie Shephard was top priority for the Browns, but not just to re-sign. A good amount of time was spent debating his return to the team, as the receiver was already 29-years old, although he just finished having the best season of his career. By NFL standards, Shephard could be considered a young veteran, but a leader Cleveland needed in its first season, and perhaps as the years go on. The way the front office looked at it, Shephard was still McNabb's best go-to-receiver, and his presence was deemed necessary for the continued development of their quarterback. Shephard was offered a 3-year/$1.33M deal, which he accepted. His future after that, however, does not seem bright in Cleveland, especially since the front office considered dropping him this season.

Joe Andruzzi, who was acquired via trade during the season, would get a new contract offer from the Browns, which he accepted at 2yrs/$480k. Also re-signed would be back-up quarterback Ty Detmer, who would end up throwing 2 touchdowns from the bench in 1999, completing an impressive 15 of his 21 total attempts. Back-up quarterbacks can sometimes be an expensive necessity, as Detmer agreed to a 2-year/$955k contract.

So Long, Farewell, To You My Friend!

Who didn't make the cut? Not a big list at all, consisting of Hurvin McCormack, the previous season's starting defensive tackle for the Browns, as well as Darius Holland, a linebacker on the bench, and back-up tackle Chris Ruhan. The only one that was a real debate was that of McCormack, who didn't seem to produce at all for the Browns this season. Despite the thinness of Cleveland's defensive line, the Browns figured they could find someone who had a more positive effect on their defense, for a much cheaper price than the demand received from McCormack's agent...

To Re-Cap...

Re-Signed Players
Marquez Pope, S, (4yrs/1.91M)
Ryan McNeil, CB (3yrs/$1.55M)
Jamir Miller, LB (5yrs/1.51M)
Leslie Shephard, WR (3yrs/$1.33M)
Earl Little, S, (3yrs/$1.11M)
Ty Detmer, QB (2yrs/$955k)
Antonio Langham, CB (3yrs/$855k)
John Thierry, DE (4yrs/$790k)
Joe Andruzzi, G, (2yrs/$480k)

Released Players
Hurvin McCormack, DT
Darius Holland, LB
Chris Ruhman, T

[SKA]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

The 1999 Off-Season (Part II)

2000 Draft Prospect Big Board
1. John Abraham, LB (6-4, 254 lbs., South Carolina)
2. Darwin Walker, DT (6-3, 294 lbs., Tennessee)
3. Kabir Gbaja-Biamila, DE (6-4, 254 lbs., San Diego State)
4. Julian Peterson, LB (6-3, 235 lbs., Michigan State)
5. Brian Urlacher, LB (6-3, 250 lbs., New Mexico)
6. Tom Brady, QB (6-4, 224 lbs., Michigan)
7. Shaun Ellis, DE (6-5, 283 lbs., Tennessee)
8. Shaun Alexander, RB (5-11, 225 lbs., Alabama)
9. Greg Wesley, S (6-2, 206 lbs., Arkansas-Pine Bluff)
10. Darren Howard, DE 6-3, 280 lbs., Kansas State)
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Jamal Lewis, RB (Tennessee)
Darrell Jackson, WR (Florida)
Laveranues Coles, WR (Florida State)
Adalius Thomas, DE (Southern Mississippi)
Corey Simon, DT (Florida State)
Clark Haggans, LB (Colorado State)
LaVar Arrington, LB (Penn State)
Marc Washington, LB (Auburn)
Ray Thompson, LB (Tennessee)

In reality, the 2000 NFL Draft class is probably one of the greatest of all-time. Although in real life, quarterback Tom Brady would come off the bench as a sixth round pick, and eventually become one of the greatest quarterback the game has ever seen, the Cleveland/McNabb-alternate reality saw Tom Brady eventually take over as quarterback of the Michigan Wolverines, leading them to the 1999 National Championship, as Michigan would earn itself a second-national championship in three-years, and Brady became college's biggest quarterback. Embracing the spotlight, with his sense of professionalism, quality of play on the field, and good looks for the media, Brady is the consensus overall number one pick in this year's draft, although a few players in terms of their ability and potential, rank higher than him on the 2000 Draft Prospect Big Board. But the struggling Philadelphia Eagles, with their abysmal 1999 season, and firing of head coach and general manager, are expected to take Brady under their wings, and rebuild what is a storied franchise, under the young Wolverine's paw.

This year's draft finds itself stocked with tremendous defensive prospects, but two other players round out the few top players available. Quarterback Chad Pennington may not find himself within the top 10 on the big board, but he is almost as anticipated as Brady is out of Michigan. Pennington was a huge sensation out of Marshall, and seems to have caught a wave of hype among scouts throughout his time in the collegiate game. There is some concern over the arm strength of Pennington, but his accuracy is bar none some of the best to develop, as the 24-year old is a pure bred quarterback with huge hopes ahead of him. With Brad Johnson in Washington, which owns the second overall pick, there is a lot of anticipation that Pennington will go third overall to the Miami Dolphins, who are expecting the retirement of future Hall of Famer, Dan Marino. For Pennington, it could be an opportunity to acquire a throne built for, and by a king, in Dan Marino... a king, that has yet to achieve the ultimate victory, a Super Bowl victory...

The top running back prospect is undoubtedly Shaun Alexander out of Alabama. Although his team didn't field much success early on, Alexander would eventually be considered a finalist for the coveted Heisman award during his senior season, leading the Crimson Tide to a SEC Championship after defeating #3 Florida in a 34-7 romping. Alexander earned his legitimacy with his three-touchdown performance against Auburn in the annual Iron Bowl, as Alexander left the school with 15 records and over 3,500 career yards. Situation may find Alexander a bit further down than he may have hoped. Many of the teams between Washington and the tenth round pick Giants find themselves with solid franchise running backs already within the prime of their career. Some ideas are floating around that Alexander may go to the Dolphins instead of Pennington, or perhaps Chicago, but most conservative estimates have Alexander landing in the hands of the Cleveland Browns, a team that struggled immensely when it came to the rushing game.

Defensively, the linebackers are deeper than years have ever seen, with John Abraham ranking in as the top prospect available, and going number two to the Washington Redskins, a team that could really use the help behind a powerful defensive line. But also available, and not far behind the skills of Abraham, are that of Julian Peterson out of Michigan State and Brian Urlacher out of New Mexico, while the players below them are almost just as skilled as well. Defensive ends also come fully stocked, led by top prospect Kabir Gbaja-Biamila out of San Diego State. There's also Shaun Ellis, of Tennessee, and the big Darren Howard out of Kansas State. A young man by the name of Darwin Walker may be better than all of them, however, as he comes in number two on the 2000 Draft Prospect Big Board, but some rumors are floating around that his draft stock is steadily slipping after the NFL Draft Combine began.

Every single team should come out stronger than they were the season before when this one is all said and done. Years ahead, history shall look back on the 2000 NFL Draft as a dominating one, with players franchises will plan to build their rosters and future transactions around. Other great prospects available include safety Greg Wesley out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, expected to go eighth to Cincinnati, a team with a particularly weak secondary. Also available are defensive ends Adalius Thomas, James Hall, and Courtney Brown (the real life number one overall pick, ironically, of the Cleveland Browns. He was a ****ing bust.) The linebackers list has Marc Washington, LaVar Arrington, Rob Morris, Keith Bulluck, and many more... The options at cornerback and safety aren't very impressive, while the offensive line has perhaps the worst selection available out of any position.

The 2000 NFL Draft is building up to be one of historical proportions...

2000 Mock NFL Draft
1. PHI: Tom Brady, QB (6-4, 224 lbs., Michigan)
2. WAS: John Abraham, LB (6-4, 254 lbs., South Carolina)
3. MIA: Chad Pennington, QB (6-3, 226 lbs., Marshall)
4. ATL: Julian Peterson, LB (6-3, 235 lbs., Michigan State)
5. PIT: Kabir Gbaja-Biamila, DE (6-4, 254 lbs., San Diego State)
6. BUF: Brian Urlacher, LB (6-3, 250 lbs., New Mexico)
7. CHI: Darwin Walker, DT (6-3, 294 lbs., Tennessee)
8. CIN: Greg Wesley, S (6-2, 206 lbs., Arkansas-Pine Bluff)
9. CLE: Shaun Alexander, RB (5-11, 225 lbs., Alabama)
10. NYG: Shaun Ellis, DE (6-5, 283 lbs., Tennessee)

...

Cleveland has the NUMBER NINE overall pick.

Who should the Browns select?

[SKA]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)


Browns Trade for Another Guard, Say Goodbye to Palmer
Sometime before the NFL Draft...

The front office of the Cleveland Browns decided to make a minor change to their roster involving a trade with the New York Jets, just weeks ahead of this year's NFL Draft. With depth available at their tight end position, the Browns found the cost-benefit factors of getting rid of Randy Palmer for an upgrade at the guard position too much for them to hold onto Palmer. In exchange for the young 24-year old, the Browns received offensive guard Kerry Jenkins, a 26-year old entering his fourth season in the NFL, and perhaps, a position on the Browns starting line.

Along with Jenkins will be most likely be the offensive guard acquired just last season, Joe Andruzzi, who received a contract offer to stay with the Browns for another two years just a week ago. Along with Jenkins, the two are hardly a feared duo in between the tackles and center. The two are essentially the same in terms of skills, but the Browns make up for their mediocrity with the veteran presence of left tackle Lomas Brown (perhaps entering his final season in the league), tackle Orlando Brown (who played with the Browns before their move to Baltimore), and center Dave Wohlabaugh. In the end, both Andruzzi and the newly added Jenkins should be able to get the job done all season, with their number one objective being the protection of the team's number one player, their quarterback Donovan McNabb...

Jenkins joins the Browns entering a contract-year with one more season left at $344k. Palmer still has two-years left on his $225k deal, now with the Jets.

...

The 1999 Off-Season (Part III)

The 2000 NFL Draft took place on April 15th, and well as the 16th for later rounds, held in Madison Square Garden, NY, as is tradition... The media was all over this one, covering almost every inch of the highly anticipated draft. One of the reasons? Two teams out of the NFC East held the first two picks in this year's draft: Philadelphia, and Washington. Speculation was wild about who the Redskins were going to select at number two...would they stick to the number one player on the board, John Abraham, and continue to build an impressive defense? Or will they go the other way, selecting quarterback Chad Pennington to build their team around for the coming seasons? The number one overall pick was seemingly already decided, as the Eagles prepared to draft quarterback and national champion Tom Brady out of Michigan...

At noon, the draft was opened and absolute excitement filled the room. About the walk on stage were some of the NFL's best of the future, as well as the hopes of every single team in the league... And after a long five minutes, the camera slowly zoomed in towards the podium, as NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue took to the stage to announce Philadelphia's number one draft pick...

"With the, uh, first choice in the NFL Draft, 2000, the Philadelphia Eagles select ... Tom Brady, quarterback, the University of Michigan..."

His head held high, Brady received the natural mixed reaction from any crowd anticipating their number one overall pick. It was a decision to effect a franchise for perhaps the next decade to come, and Philadelphia fans were dying for their franchise to turn around, and make the right choices. Their hopes now lie on the 23-year old Brady, who many are expecting to turn into an all-out Hall of Fame quarterback, and whom Philadelphia puts all its weight on...

...

"With the second overall pick, in the 2000 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins select ... Chad Pennington, quarterback, from Marshall..."

While Eagles fans were mostly joyous over the future of their franchise, Redskins fans, were a little more pessimistic. Well...a lot more pessimistic. As soon as his name was announced, Chad Pennington stood to his feet, not only to the hugs and kisses from family, but to a roarous rejection by Redskins fans in attendance. Clearly, those in attendance were not happy with the selection of Pennington over defensive options available to them... Now plenty of questions were to begin circulating through the Washington media, including, what will happen to current QB Brad Johnson? When will Pennington start? Will he start the season? Will he play at all? Perhaps Washington's choice created more problems, than solutions...

...

"With the third pick in the NFL Draft, 2000, the Miami Dolphins select ... John Abraham, linebacker, South Carolina..."

For the Dolphins, the cards fell right into place, as sitting in their laps was the best defensive prospect in years, John Abraham, the team's future defensive leader and absolute dominator. Although the retirement of Dan Marino was most likely due after the upcoming season, the Dolphins had another year to worry about the future of their quarterback position, but until then, were able to savor the addition of a play-making linebacker to the team's already impressive defense. To them, Abraham is almost the final piece to the puzzel...

...

Up next, the Atlanta Falcons made a surprising, and controversial pick, electing to select safety Greg Wesley, despite the availability of a few players better than Wesley on the big board. But perhaps Atlanta's scouts saw more in Wesley than other teams, and were willing to pay the price for a future All-Pro safety... The Pittsburgh Steelers were up next, and considering the incredible talent of their linebacking core already, elected to go with the most touted defensive linemen available, Darwin Walker, out of Tennessee... After them, Buffalo produced another surprising and controversial pick, selecting the second defensive tackle of the draft, Corey Simon. Simon is perhaps all Buffalo needs to finish off their killer defensive line, as he joins the league's leading sacker, defensive end Bruce Smith, on the front lines...

Two more picks before the Cleveland Browns belonged to the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals. Whom Chicago was going to select was up for serious speculation among the Chicago and national media, however, they were happy to settle with selecting linebacker Julian Peterson, who was a top 5 prospect going into the draft, and was made available to them after the previous teams passed up... Cincinnati made a great choice in taking defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who joins the Bengals defense as perhaps their best player in between opposing quarterbacks and their end zone...

...

But finally, at number nine, the Cleveland Browns made their pick...

"With the ninth pick in the 2000 NFL Draft ... the Cleveland Browns select ... Brian Urlacher, linebacker, New Mexico..."

The few Cleveland fans in attendance were highlighted on television, and shown reacting with respect to the pick. Urlacher was one of the most impressive players available, and will have no trouble adjusting to the game at a professional level. On stage, Urlacher shook the hand of the commissioner, smiled for the cameras, and put on an ugly Browns hat to confirm his landing place. Perhaps there stood the next great Cleveland Brown since the franchise's rebirth just a year ago. Experts responded well to the pick, even though there was some disappointment the Browns decided to pass up on running back Shaun Alexander. Nevertheless, the Browns made an important addition to their team, as Urlacher can be expected to play with Cleveland for at least the five-years of his rookie contract...

...

As the draft continued on, the New York Giants selected defensive tackle Fred Robbins; Baltimore selected defensive end Shaun Ellis; New Orleans took linebacker Marcus Washington; and the Arizona Cardinals gratefully took the best running back prospect available, Shaun Alexander.

After the Cardinals were to be the Indianapolis Colts at number fourteen overall, with odds towards improving their defense after a below-average season from the Colts. However, they would make a tough decision, opting to take a huge risk in trading that number fourteen pick... to non-other than... the Cleveland Browns.

As the news broke through Madison Square Garden, fans were erupting after commissioner Tagliabue came out and made the announcement... The Colts had opted to trade their pick to the Browns for four players... a trade centered around star safety Marquez Pope, who would now be spending the next year with Indianapolis, along with his teammates: fullback Marc Edwards, tight end Mark Campbell, and center Jim Bundren...along with a $250k gift from the Browns to the Colts. With the transaction taking place, the experts on television doing their best to analyze the situation at hand, Tagliabue announced the Browns choice in who they were trading for...

"And with the number fourteen pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select ... Jamal Lewis, running back, Tennessee..."

Although he was expecting to go around this point of the draft, Lewis looked shocked that the Browns would go out of their way to acquire him, especially for four other players... But after realizing what was happening, Lewis began to get emotional with his family, and with pride, made his way to the stage to accept the Browns hat and shake the hand of the man who was running the whole show... Experts absolutely raved over the pick, complimenting the aggressiveness of the Cleveland front office to build a team with great young prospects. Although Alexander was touted as the best available, Lewis was without a doubt the second best running back available. Apparently, Cleveland had Lewis in mind, willing to take Urlacher at number nine, instead of Shaun Alexander, then putting together this trade in order to settle with a great addition to the offense. Now perhaps, instead of a hardly-durable 30-year old starting running back, in Terry Kirby, the Browns had acquired themselves their next franchise running back, a young 21-year old with a lot of heart, but still, a lot to learn and to prove...

...

By the second round, the Browns used their ninth pick in the round, 40th overall in the draft, and choose another linebacker to round out their depth chart: Ian Gold, an impressive 22-year old out of Michigan. In a year with such deep options at linebacker, Gold would most likely have been a first round pick had there been less options at his position. This was great happenstance for the Browns, who knew the opportunity existed, and seized the moment when it took place. Gold has a great amount of potential, but isn't as ready for dominating performances, as perhaps his fellow rookie, Brian Urlacher is...

After Gold, the Browns took a shot at selecting the best player available to them, and that would be defensive end Courtney Brown out of Penn State, who had fallen all the way to the third round (Brown was selected #1 Overall in the real 2000 NFL Draft, and was a complete bust.) The upside on Courtney Brown was too much for the Browns to pass up, while also adding some talent to an incredibly weak defensive-line. After selecting Brown, the team was forced to get some depth at the cornerback position, selecting William Bartee out of Oklahoma. After Bartee, the Browns had a skip out on round five, thanks to their trade during the previous season for guard Joe Andruzzi with Green Bay. The sixth round, saw the Browns select another CB, named Shad Criss, a 24-year old from Missouri, and finished off their draft with Kendrick Clancy, a defensive tackle from Mississippi...

As the draft closed out a total of 254 selections were made, and a total of 254 dreams were fulfilled. Now...it's time to see how history plays things out... Will the Eagles win a Super Bowl under their new franchise quarterback? Will Washington regret their choice to go with the second option? What will Miami do after Dan Marino? These questions will take years to figure out, but all teams are worried about now, is the year ahead of them...the 2000 NFL season...

2000 NFL Draft Results
1. PHI: Tom Brady, QB
2. WAS: Chad Pennington, QB
3. MIA: John Abraham, LB
4. ATL: Greg Wesley, S
5. PIT: Darwin Walker, DT
6. BUF: Corey Smith, DT
7. CHI: Julian Peterson, LB
8. CIN: Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, DE
9. CLE: Brian Urlacher, LB
10. NYG: Fred Robbins, DT
11. BAL: Shaun Ellis, DE
12. NO: Marcus Washington, LB
13. ARI: Shaun Alexander, RB
14. CLE: Jamal Lewis, RB
15: NYJ: Brian Young, DT
...
40. CLE: Ian Gold, LB
71. CLE: Courtney Brown, DE
102. CLE: William Bartee, CB
164. CLE: Shad Criss, CB
195. CLE: Kendrick Clancy, DT

[SKA]

Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)


Browns Make Two Free Agency Signings
Sometime after the NFL Draft...

The Cleveland Browns would make two free agent moves on the same day, picking up two players they hope will make an impact on this year's upcoming roster. The first and more notable name belongs to Bernard Whittington, a defensive tackle who spent last season, and all six previous with the Indianapolis Colts. Last year, however, Whittington found himself riding the bench the entire season, and did not wish to stay with the Colts. Putting himself on the free agent market, Whittington would end up agreeing to a 3-years/$1.35M contract with Cleveland, who comes in perhaps as the team's best option at defensive tackle.

The Browns seriously needed some improvements on their defensive line heading into the off-season, and believe the signing of a 29-year old Whittington will have a positive impact on not just the starting defense, but the younger guys as well, as coaches in Indianapolis always considered Whittington a leader, but just not good enough to start over the likes of Ellis Johnson and Tony McCoy.

The press conference also announced the signing of offensive tackle Anthony Clement to a 4-year/$385k contract. Clement is another former Arizona Cardinal taken-in by the Cleveland family. Clement will be perhaps the team's number one tackle off the bench, sitting behind Lomas Brown, a 37-year old veteran, and locker room leader, who isn't expected to stay in the league much longer, and his partner on the line, Orlando Brown.

The Clement move was reportedly made to add some depth to their bench at the tackle position, as he is expected to beat out second-season player Roger Chanoine, who doesn't seem to have developed much after his first season in the pros.

Rumors are circulating the team is working on a few other moves, and Cleveland's front office is looking at playing out as the most active front office this season.

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Browns Hand-Off Kirby, Acquire Another DT
Sometime after drafting Jamal Lewis...

With the drafting of rookie running back Jamal Lewis with the number fourteenth pick in the NFL Draft, done in dramatic fashion through a big trade to acquire the choice from Indianapolis, the clock on Terry Kirby immediately began ticking as soon as Lewis put on the draft-day hat.

Cleveland didn't wait long to make a move on Terry Kirby, who is eighth season in the league. His been a nomad ever since entering the NFL, first playing in Miami for three-years, then San Francisco for another three, and finally, his previous season spent in Cleveland. Now Kirby can call himself a member of the Atlanta Falcons organization, but will certainly not be their starting back anytime soon. He will now find himself on the bench, as he did for awhile in Cleveland due to injury, watching one of the league's top backs in Jamaal Anderson go to work. While Kirby rushed 769 yards last season, he also missed four games due to injury, leaving Cleveland to put all their chips on the arm of rookie quarterback Donovan McNabb.

In return for the 30-year old running back, the Browns acquired their second defensive tackle this off-season, a 27-year old by the name of Ed Jasper. Since his entry into the league, Jasper hasn't seen much time in real NFL games, coming in for a few plays, but having yet to earn a starting job, or make an impact on any team or game. But now, Cleveland is giving the defensive tackle his first, and perhaps only shot, at setting himself apart from his fellow defensive tackles, found sitting next to him on the bench these past three years.

Drafted out of Texas A&M in 1997, Jasper only made eight tackles last season, appearing in 14 games and starting none. At the press conference, however, head coach Chris Palmer cited their excitement for Jasper to join the squad, and talked up his ability to stop the run, joining a defense that is well-equipped to do so. Financially, though, the move made the most sense, as the Browns were able to trade Kirby's 1-year/$2.07M contract, which they weren't expected to pick up after it expired, for a younger Jasper's 1-year/$720k contract. Given the situation, common sense would have that Jasper is expecting to approach this season as a real contract year, for a lack of performance may see him out of the league in the next few years, while a great season could having him earning over a million a season, and then some...

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Browns Trade for New Tight End, Itula Miller
Sometime during the off-season...

The Cleveland Browns remain one of the most active teams his off-season, making yet another trade to hopefully improve their squad, this time focusing on the offensive side of the ball. Reports circulating some troubles with current starting tight end Irv Smith, are perhaps the truth, as the team looked to make a replacement for Smith, shifting him down to second-string on the depth chart. To replace Smith as the team's number one tight end will be 27-year old Itula Miller, heading east after finishing his second-season in Seattle with the Seahawks. Miller is a smart player, out of Brigham Young, at a height of 6-4, and weight of about 262 lbs.

Miller is an all-around fine tight end, who the Browns hope will blossom under their system, and help his new quarterback Donovan McNabb out of sticky situations. Big hands allow Miller to really pull in balls, while at the same time, he is a good enough blocker to get the job done. Last season Miller was Seattle's second-string tight end, appearing in every game, while recording 19 receptions for 254 years (a 13.4 average), with one touchdown coming in the only game he did start. As a Cleveland Brown, however, Itula can expect a bit more pressure as the team's number one option at tight end, a position he may have for a few seasons to come, as his contract of $365k runs all the way through 2003.

The price Cleveland paid, doesn't appear to be high at all. The Browns continue to clear up the cap space, as the rumor mill is circulating that the Browns organization is awaiting the next big free agent, and a big hire, to really spiff up this team with a real proven player and leader. Who that player might be, however, is a total unknown, perhaps only known by the front office itself. This move was also ready to happen after the Browns had to include second-string tight end Mark Campbell in the trade that got Cleveland the Colts' fourteenth overall pick in this year's draft.

This trade was also one shedding the Cleveland roster of four players, and $100k in cash to Seattle. In return for Miller, the Seahawks will be acquiring young defensive tackle Marcus Spriggs and safety Ray Jackson, both of whom essentially anchored the deal, as well as punter Janielle Allan (who has been riding the bench ever since arriving in Cleveland), and back-up linebacker Kendell Ogle (who the Browns will not be missing.)

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Both Teams Benefit in Cleveland/Buffalo Trade
Sometime before the start of the season...

In perhaps their final move of the off-season, the Cleveland Browns have quietly announced a minor trade with the Buffalo Bills, which will send offensive guard Tom Myslinski to the Buffalo Bills for center Ethan Albright. With their roster lacking another back-up center, and filled with enough guards, the Browns found it in their best interest to prepare for the worst, and pick up Albright from the Bills. By no means will Albright earn himself the starting center position, currently held by five-year veteran Dave Wohlabaugh, but Albright's addition is deemed a necessary one. The good news for Albright, is he will have a good shot at beating out current back-up Ryan Kuehl during training camp for second-string on the depth chart.

Albright's contract is for 3-years/$344k, expiring after the 2002 season, and is known as the biggest ginger in the NFL...

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Cleveland Makes Final Roster Adjustments
Sometime before training camp...

Just a week before training camp, the Cleveland Browns decided to let go two of the players making up their depth chart, both on the defensive side of the bench. Browns fans will have to say goodbye to linebacker*James Williams and safety*Marlon Forbes. Both were financial moves, although the Browns have reportedly the biggest cap space in the entire league. Despite that, the Cleveland staff continues to show no remorse for players just filling up their rosters, especially those on the bench earning over a million. Although Cleveland will take a hit towards paying off Williams' salary, no longer will they be chained to the three-years left on his $1.58M contract. The 31-year old barely made his way onto the field last season, despite being brought in with the big contract. There's no doubt at this point, that his signing was nothing more than a mistake that front office must learn from, and hopefully not make again.

The other player who will not be joining his former team at their training camp for the 2000 season will be safety Marlon Forbes, who like Williams, didn't see much playing time last season either. Although the team traded their former starting safety*Marquez Pope to the Colts during the draft, safety*Earl Little*will certainly be filling his spot, while Forbes found himself lost among three other back-up safeties. Deciding to make some room on the depth chart, and focus on both*Marquis Smith and*Tim McTyer, although the latter of which may find himself in a similar situation as Forbes has been in.