Kardiac Kicker: Don Cockroft Discusses the 1980 Season and Cleveland Fans

 By Brett Crow

Don Cockroft, both a punter and kicker for the Cleveland Browns from 1968 to 1980, was on the Sports Fix this past week to discuss his new book “The 1980 Kardiac Kids, Our Untold Stories: A Season of Destiny, A Moment of Despair, and a Lifetime of Memories.”

Don almost immediately went into how he felt about the Cleveland fanbase, saying “Cleveland is one of the greatest cities in the world and especially the sports fans. When I started my book, I knew exactly who I would dedicate this too, and that would be the Cleveland fans. It’s just great to be part of the sports history of Cleveland.”

Throughout the night, Don was always quick to talk about the love affair between the Browns and the fans:  “Let’s put it this way, the Cleveland Browns fans who are listening, you deserve a winner. I’m hoping and praying that you guys get this winner, you deserve it... The fans connected to us, and we connected to the fans... Unlike anytime else in the history of the Cleveland Browns.”

The placekicker was also quick to lament that today’s athletes didn’t seem to have that kind of connection with the fans, stating that “It’s unfortunate today that our players don’t understand Cleveland fans... We’d go and have lunch, people learned we were there and people just came and we talked. It’ll never be that again.”

Despite having many personal accomplishments, such as being elected to the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, becoming a Cleveland Browns Legend in 2007, and his many accomplishments in leading the team in scoring for twelve of his thirteen seasons, and having the record longest kick in franchise history, Cockroft shied away from talking about his personal accomplishments to highlight the success and meaningfulness of the 1980 Cleveland Browns.

Of course, it was only a matter of time before they talked about the infamous “Red Right 88,” the pass play thrown by Cleveland Browns Quarterback Brian Sipe in the closing moments of the 1980 AFC Divisional Championship game. The pass was intercepted and sealed the fate of the Browns, allowing the Raiders to advance to the AFC Championship game, where they would lose to the San Diego Chargers.

“I should just tell you to read the book,” joked Don, “But no, I probably understood [Coach] Sam’s decision more than most. It was horrendous conditions. Brian Sipe had something like 13 out of 44 passes completed that day. My feeling was, it wasn’t ‘Can we make the field goal,’ it was ‘Can we get the ball in the air?’”

As a member of the Cleveland Browns, Don Cockroft took up the mantle of placekicker after Lou Groza retired from playing. Don is placed 3rd all time in field goals made and in all-time scoring in the entire franchise behind only Lou Groza and Phil Dawson.

With his final words in the interview, Cockroft was also quick to praise the current Cleveland Browns front office: “I’ve got that same hope that people are carrying. You’ve got to have hope... I heard both Holmgren and Shurmer speak in the last month and I was impressed. I’m just hoping and praying that they can get things going, they can start winning and let it become a habit, Lord knows the Brown’s fans deserve it.”

For anyone interested in checking out the Don Cockroft’s new book, you can check out his web page at www.thekardiackids.com You can listen to the whole interview by going to the Sports Fix Facebook page or by clicking on the audio players below. And don’t forget you can also listen to the Sports Fix every Saturday Night at 10pm on Newstalk 1420 on an AM radio or by listening online at www.whkradio.com

XMas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa all in one for you CLEVELAND BROWNS FANS!!!

By: Jerry "J-Rocc" Mires

Cleveland Browns fans everywhere, if you haven't yet done so, you really should be busy right now firing off cards and letters in thanks to one Daniel Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins. Thanks to his organization, Browns fans everywhere wont find themselves even MORE miserable for the next 5-7 years... and in no thanks at all to 95% of the local media here in Cleveland.

Usually, I refrain from referencing other broadcasters or stations, unless its in a positive way (such as bringing to the forefront a great book, or column written by a local author/columnist). However, the majority of the Cleveland sports media should be ashamed of themselves for the way they fawned all over RG3, and attempted to steamroll Browns fans and followers everywhere into lemming-like agreement with their chosen target of todays' affection (not to mention tomorrows regret!).

The FM station in town should have just renamed themselves RG.3(s) BIG FAN, as I mean it, goofs on all day parts of that station (minus a select few) COULDN'T THROW THEMSELVES AT THE RG3 ALTAR FAST ENOUGH!  

I heard host after host around town (and read blog after blog, and tweet after tweet, blah blah blah) rail against the Browns if they had any notion of taking anyone not named RG3, and some even after the Skins-Rams trade, blasting the Browns for not trumping Washington to get the almighty RG3... 

They were willing to trade any and all that it took to get what some of the local "media" claimed as the once in a lifetime talent that is RG3.. He is NOT ONCE IN ANY LIFETIME first off, he is a good college quarterback who took center stage after the real QB jewel of the draft not named Andrew Luck (Read that: Matt Barkley) decided not to join in on the fun...

He is also a good quarterback who lived in an offense unlike most of the NFL and has never taken snaps behind center, and the list of all world college QBs who threw for 1 million college yards, but who didn't translate to the NFL is long enough that you don't risk your draft for the next 3 years, and smart teams let other teams make that move... 

[That's what most teams allow us to do in the draft every year, Cleveland takes Mel Kipers' picks who flop, while Pittsburgh takes the great players ESPN doesn't mention at all late in the 1st rd who always become All-Pro talents!]

They hung up on any caller who didn't want him, said anyone who didn't agree with them knew nothing about football, proceeded to make themselves sound like newbie fan boys with the loudest microphone, as if the more often and the louder they say it, the more true it becomes...

As I said on the show over and over the last month, however good RG3 pans out to be next year and beyond in the NFL... that is not how good he would have been if his path went through Cleveland. This team is in no position to make that move, and by the sheer luck that someone out there dumber than people wanted us to be made the Rams a "Herschel Walker" deal, we are spared finding this out first hand!

The Browns are now spared (for once) making the chowder head moves of the draft, and can focus on using the entire spectrum of our draft picks/options on filling the multiple holes remaining on our team.

We can now add starters on the offensive and defensive lines, bring in some more pieces on defense (perhaps Clairborne from MSU at 4, if Kalil goes at 3? Or how about Melvin Ingram if he falls to us at 22? Mike Adams and/or Devier Posey in Rds 2 or 3?), grab a WR prospect to pair along with a free agent WR or 2... With perhaps as many as 10 picks once the compensatory picks are dished out, the Browns have a chance to add youth, depth and talent.. NOT TO MENTION AT LEAST 3-5 STARTERS to a young team, and really kick start this rebuild right in the ass!

If the Browns get RG3... none of these options are on the table, nor the 1st round draft pick for the next 3 seasons...

Let that sink in...

If you think things are bad now, imagine what happens if everybody touting RG3 just happened to be wrong about our 2012 draft, you know, because its not like that has ever happened to us here in Cleveland before right? We've never been wrong in the top 5 of the draft, have we?

We have? Oh, well in that case...

This week Cleveland, don't fret, and don't moan about RG3.. Trust me, in the immortal words of Rick James and Dave Chappelle: "It's a celebration Cleveland, Enjoy yourselves!" (Wish I had more hands, so I can give Dan Snyder 4 thumps up!!!)

Thoughts on the Quarterback Quandary

By Brett Crow

1. This year in the NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams have arguably the most enviable spot. With the franchise quarterback (Sam Bradford) already in hand, they have no use for Robert Griffin III, clearly the player who will go at number two in this year’s draft.

This allows the Rams to trade the second pick in this year’s draft and receive a treasure trove of picks. It’s highly rumored that the Redskins are looking to give up their first round pick this year (#6), their second and third round picks this year, and a first round next year. This has them slotted as the favorite to make the trade at this point.

2.  Rams are at least looking for a deal similar to the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers deal that happened for Phillip Rivers and Eli Manning. The Chargers got two first round picks, a third, and a fifth rounder for Eli.

The Giants have won two Super Bowls with the quarterback they traded for, and is considered an elite talent in the league, despite that talk being almost non-existent before his second Super Bowl championship.

The Cleveland Browns have the most to give to the Rams, but may not be the most willing. The Browns could easily eclipse an offer that the Washington Redskins make, simply with the fact that they have two first rounders this year that they could offer, as the known value of a pick is always greater than the perceived value of next year’s pick. However, the Browns may not be the most willing.

3.  Personally, I think drafting Robert Griffin is a win-win situation.

Once drafted, I think the Browns have secured a true franchise quarterback. Even if we have a bad season in the 2012 - 2013 campaign, the Browns will have a high value draft pick in next year’s draft, which is one of the more anticipated quarterback heavy drafts in recent years.

And can the value of a franchise quarterback really be figured out? The quarterback is the most important position in all sports for a reason.

4.  In regards to free agency quarterbacks, the best Browns could hope for is Matt Flynn, currently of the Green Bay Packers. There are some who believe that the Packers will use the franchise tag on him, and then trade him to the most willing suitor.

However, this isn’t likely to happen. The Packers have better use for the franchise tag then a back up quarterback, and tagging him would severely hurt their chances at trading him. The Browns have gone on the record of saying that there was a limit to what they would spend on Flynn, along with Packers GM Ted Thompson allegedly acknowledging the ‘bad business’ of tagging a quarterback they mean to trade away.


5.  The only thing that troubles me with Cleveland and it’s quarterbacks, is that the Browns have no clue how to treat them or evaluate them. And for an organization that features quarterback molders such as Pat Shurmur (Sam Bradford, Kevin Kolb), Mike Holmgren (Brett Favre, Matt Hasselbeck ), Tom Heckert (Kevin Kolb), and Mark Whipple (Ben Roethlisberger), that’s a frightening prospect.

The saying “too many cooks spoil the broth” comes to mind.

Now that we’re bringing the ‘Kick Ass Offense’ of Brad Childress, what should we expect now in the development in our quarterbacks?

6.  The staff wasn’t willing to pay to keep Jake Delhomme around, a presence to mentor a young quarterback and left Colt McCoy with Seneca Wallace. Seneca has gone on record of saying he isn’t willing to mentor, that it isn’t his job.

So knowing this, why would Holmgren bring Seneca into the organization in the first place? If I had to guess it was because he thought he was a good veteran quarterback who could start if need be. Or possibly even someone he could mold the way he did in Seattle with Matt Hasselbeck.
 

7.  So my bottom line for the ‘Quarterback Quandry?’ I prefer we draft Robert Griffin. However, I am scared for his development in Cleveland, and I’m not sure he will develop properly here in this system. I think he has all of the skills and intangibles, and has a bright future in the league. 


8.  Matt Flynn is what I secretly hope for, but am not seeing happen. Especially if you can get him at a fraction of the price that you would have to pay for Griffin. Flynn is very gifted and has been privileged to get to learn under Aaron Rodgers. The only risk is that he only has two starts throughout his career.

Getting Flynn also won’t cost us our whole draft. It leaves available to draft other needs. Which is why the Dolphins will be going hard for him aswell, if not the Redskins too. Joe Philbin is the current head coach for the Miami Dolphins and was the Packer’s offensive coordinator.

9.  Quarterback can not go unaddressed this year. Either we need a big free agent signing or to draft a quarterback. The fanbase of Cleveland has been less supportive year after year and that’s reflected in the falling attendance.

From being in 7th in average stadium attendance in 2006 and 2007 (72,334 and 73,000 respectively), the Browns have since fallen to 18th for this past year with an attendance of 65,859. And that’s at home. The Browns do even worse on the road with attendance, not being a marquee team that draws an audience to see them when they play opposing teams in their house.

RG3? Give me MK Ultra! How the Browns should roll...

By: Jerry "J-Rocc" Mires

USCs' Matt Kahlil

Brett Crow, I love you man but no way I can agree with you on the RG3 thing, but that is a discussion for another day. I personally have stated on and off the air, I think the Browns should surprise everyone and take USC lineman Matt Kahlil to anchor the opposite side of the line with Joe Thomas. With your O-Line anchored by Thomas-Mack-Kahlil, you have now protected whatever QB you put behind center, and can end the we need more time to evaluate gimmick.

Colt, Griffin, Kolb, Flynn, Tannehill, Manning... whoever your choice for "The Guy" at QB for the Brownies, it doesn't matter who the QB is, they all look like the same on their backs. We need to set the offensive line in place for the next 7-10 years, and allow the powers to be to do what they do best, and build the rest of the team free of a crappy offensive line sabotaging themselves from the inside. Every great GM or front office will tell you, the one place you cant build through free agency is the offensive line, you have to build that through the draft. The word of the day all over Cleveland radio, TV and fan chats is "Playmakers"... well, for what he does, Kahlil is the definition of a playmaker. If you're willing to draft all kinds of potential and reach for guys high in the draft that never work out, why not just reward your bad season by taking the one guy that everyone agrees will be an NFL top quality talent for years... No projections, no we think this guy will do blank... Just draft the one sure thing, because we need some sure things around here!

That stated, the other glaring issue the Browns plan on addressing is the WR position. I again will kindly object to anyone touting Blackmon, although I like the kid, but not at the top of the draft. The NFL is filled with teams who have eschewed the easy fix attempt of the flashy high receiver pick, and found gold in them there hills of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds of the NFL Draft. Just look up the top 25 WR of the past NFL season, and look at their paths to the NFL, and the point becomes even more valid, and glaring. its almost like the "Moneyball" concept in baseball, when you see it explained in front of you, its almost a case of "How does nobody else see what I'm seeing here?" While I would like us to draft a WR to develop (perhaps they could trade up a few slots from the 22 and grab the 6'3" Floyd from ND, but I wouldn't give up much to do so) or maybe he falls to them at 22... if not, I wouldn't reach for anything more than that in the first rd. I would set my sights on snagging perhaps Nick Toon in the 3rd round (son of great NYJ WR Al Toon), or 6'4" Miami WR Tommy Streeter.

Former Mt. Union WR Pierre Garcon

The real WRs the Browns should and I think will go after, is in free agency. Wideout is easily the deepest position in the FA pool this year, and the Browns should be able to acquire both a young explosive receiver, as well as that veteran WR presence they so badly need, all the while not having to overspend, due to the glut in the marketplace. Why not bring in local college standout turned NFL playmaker Pierre Garcon (IND)? Dwayne Bowe (KC) or Stevie Johnson (BUF) would make a nice addition to any WR corps, but especially ours! Even lesser known names like Domenik Hixon (NYG), Legedu Naanee (CAR), Stevie or Roscoe Parrish (BUF) would help out here next season and beyond. The list goes on and on, as a matter of fact, here's the entire WR free agent class of 2012 listed below... All in all, just food for thought for Browns fans everywhere as we inch closer to the start of free agency and the NFL Draft.

Vincent Jackson (SD) - Partially due to his actions and injuries in the past, the Chargers have been reluctant to sign Vincent Jackson to a long-term extension. However, after a third 1000-yard season with the Chargers, GM AJ Smith and Head Coach Norv Turner have expressed interest in keeping Jackson in San Diego for the long haul. If the Chargers don't have him locked up prior to the start of free agency, he may very easily leave on a tempting offer elsewhere.
Wes Welker (NE) - Welker has averaged 111 receptions and 1221 yards over the last 5 seasons, since joining New England. It's safe to call Welker the best slot receiver in the league and one of the most valuable pieces to the Patriots' offense. During Super Bowl week he brushed off questions regarding his impending free agency, but it's a foregone conclusion that he'll remain in Foxborough.
Reggie Wayne (IND) - After missing the 1000-yard mark for the first time since 2003, Wayne finds himself a free agent. All of the talk out of Indy has been on Peyton Manning and his costly option The Colts have been an organization takes care of their own over the last decade, but for a team expected to enter rebuilding, it'll be interesting to see if that philosophy changes for in the transition. Many expect Wayne to be playing elsewhere next season.
DeSean Jackson (PHI) - Jackson is a great weapon for the Eagles offense that relies upon big plays. Unfortunately, Jackson's ego and sense of self-worth appears to have created a rift in negotiations thus far. Jackson will probably want to be paid as a top wide receiver, which he may not get from the organization after some his comments and actions of several months ago. To be fair, his play doesn't warrant it either.
Dwayne Bowe (KC) - One subpar season aside, Dwayne Bowe has emerged into the number one receiver the offense needs. He's a big body and a good route runner with a large catching radius. His most impressive attribute is his body of work around the goal line. He's a complete mismatch with the fade, slant, and back shoulder passes and has shown the propensity to make the acrobatic catches on numerous occasions. If he can't be re-signed prior to free agency, he's probably the frontrunner ahead of Brandon Carr for the franchise tag.
Marques Colston (NO) - When healthy, Colston is a match-up nightmare for any corner. He's an incredibly physical, sure-handed receiver and a polished route runner. When he's available, he brings another dimension to the Saints offense that none of their other talented weapons possess. Though Brees has proven capable of running the offense without him, they're even more dangerous with him. He'll most likely remain with the Saints.
Steve Johnson (BUF) - Still working on his meager rookie salary, Johnson figures to be a big part of the Bills' long term plans. On a team with few superstars, the Bills can afford to lock up Johnson long term and maintain an effective passing attack. Though the sides don't appear to have begun extension talks, the Bills also have the option of using the franchise tag on him if they can't reach a deal before free agency.
Brandon Lloyd (STL) - Lloyd quickly established himself as the Rams' top receiver after a trade landed him in St. Louis midway through the year. His explosive downfield ability and large catching radius make him a legitimate target to help Sam Bradford. The Rams will make a strong play to retain him and Lloyd has expressed interest in playing for coach Jeff Fisher.
Robert Meachem (NO) - Meachem is one of the younger receivers that could be a nice pick-up for an offense with a larger workload to offer. He's a good downfield threat and has nice instincts in the red zone. For a team with Drew Brees, Marques Colston, and Carl Nicks as free agents, the organization has some work to do to bring back all of their key guys.
Mario Manningham (NYG) - With Manningham behind breakout star Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, the Giants have found a nice threesome. Though the Giants have done a great job of developing players at the position, they would like to see some continuity for Manning. Unfortunately for them, other teams may look to give Manningham a promotion into the starting lineup and a bigger contract that goes along with it.
Laurent Robinson (DAL) - After spending some time in Atlanta, St. Louis, and San Diego, it didn't take Robinson a lot of time to find chemistry with Tony Romo in Dallas in his fifth year as a pro. He exploded on the scene replacing and playing behind Dez Bryant and Miles Austin in the lineup at various points throughout the season, accumulating 858 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. Though Robinson has reaffirmed that he wants to remain in Dallas, it may be hard for the Cowboys to pay him as a third receiver if he receives serious attention on the open market.
Mike Wallace (PIT) - Restricted - No receiver in the league forces safeties back like Wallace. His deep speed is second to none on the perimeter and he capitalizes on it with the ability to run those vertical routes proficiently. He's improving in other areas of his game and is an extremely valuable piece to the Steelers' offense. Keep in mind the highest Restricted tender would only net the Steelers a first round pick, which Wallace is certainly worth.

Plaxico Burress (NYJ) TJ Houshmandzadeh (OAK) Derek Hagan (OAK) Chaz Schilens (OAK) Steve Smith (PHI) Jerricho Cotchery (PIT) Patrick Crayton (SD) Ted Ginn (SF) Josh Morgan (SF) Mark Clayton (STL) Mike Sims-Walker (STL) Micheal Spurlock (TB) Donnie Avery (TEN) Kevin Curtis (TEN) Lavelle Hawkins (TEN) David Anderson (WAS) Donte' Stallworth (WAS) Stephen Williams (ARZ) - Exclusive Rights Jordan Norwood (CLE) - Exclusive Rights Jesse Holley (DAL) - Exclusive Rights Kevin Ogletree (DAL) - Restricted Stefan Logan (DET) - Restricted Matt Willis (DEN) - Restricted Danny Amendola (STL) - Restricted Dominique Curry (STL) - Exclusive Rights Preston Parker (TB) - Exclusive Rights

The Rest:
Early Doucet (ARZ)
Harry Douglas (ATL)
Eric Weems (ATL)
Ruvell Martin (BUF)
Roscoe Parrish (BUF)
Legedu Naanee (CAR)
Roy Williams (CHI)
Andre Caldwell (CIN)
Jerome Simpson (CIN)
Eddie Royal (DEN)
Rashied Davis (DET)
Maurice Stovall (DET)
Braylon Edwards (FA)
Bryant Johnson (HOU)
Pierre Garcon (IND)
Anthony Gonzalez (IND)
Jerheme Urban (KC)
Devin Aromashodu (MIN)
Bernard Berrian (MIN)
Greg Camarillo (MIN)
Deion Branch (NE)
Matt Slater (NE)
Courtney Roby (NO)
Domenik Hixon (NYG)
Devin Thomas (NYG)