North Coast Posse and the Browns March on Baltimore

                          All Browns fans should follow the NCP @northcoastposse

Q:  All things considered, not a bad way to start the season. What did you think about Kizer's debut and the rest of the offense?

Big$: I'm sure he would love to have the interception back, and he definitely held on to the ball a bit too long on occasion, but a lil film study will iron those wrinkles. Outside of that he showed off an NFL ready cannon and was putting the ball on the money. Plus, he looked like the statuesque AFC north behemoth QB behind center. I think Hue is all in on him which is key, if he can mitigate the hits he was taking (not playing a bunch of degenerate yinzers will help) it should be a fun year.

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  Despite Kizer’s promise, if this offense is going to click, it needs to get the running game going.  Isaiah Crowell had just 33 yards in the opener, averaging less than 2 yards per carry, and the team had just 57 yards total.  The game only gets harder when Kenny Britt, the purported replacement for Terrelle Pryor, is dropping passes, like he did on a key third down last week.  Rookie David Njoku did snag a couple passes, and fellow tight end Seth DeValve emerged as trusted target for Kizer, but the receiving core really needs to step up and aid in Kizer’s development.  

Q:  Thoughts on the D holding the Steelers to 14 points?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  I hate to play the “yeah, but” game, but if not for truly scrumtrulescent Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh was doing nothing on offense.  If you take away his numbers, the Steelers had just 81 yards passing.  And Le’Veon Bell was a nonfactor.  The D also held tough on a couple of key short-yard situations and picked off Big Ben on the goal line.  I truly believe this is the beginning of a defense that will get Browns fans barking again.
     
Big$:  My thoughts can be summed up in 2 words: Carl Nassib. Dude gets after it, I'm expecting more improvement from him over the next couple of weeks and then the big 9 and 1/2 sack game against the Bungles.

Q:  Vegas still isn't impressed. Browns were 9 point dogs last week and now 8 points against the Ravens? Do they cover? Could they win?

Big$:  Several times a year I sit in wonder at just how accurate the odds-makers out west are. The 8 point spread is about right especially if you're looking to lure the easily excitable Browns faithful into laying their mortgage on the Brown and Orange. With that said, anybody know a bookie????

K-Dubs, the Soldier: Take the points.  The Ravens defense forced 5 turnovers and registered 5 sacks in a 20-0 shutout of the hapless Bengals in the opener, and they will be taking on a rookie QB in Kizer.  No doubt, the offense will have some tough sledding on Sunday.  Baltimore’s offense, though, gained just 268 total yards, with only 111 yards in the air.  If the Browns could play the Steelers offense as strong as they did last week, I like their chances of bottling up a Ravens team that has Cleveland-reject Terrance West as its featured back.   

Q: Final question: Who is going to be missed more this season Terrelle Pryor or Kyrie Irving?

Big$:  Oh man, this rips me to the core. I can't imagine how beneficial TP would’ve been to Kizer's development, but he is outta site outta mind in "R word" football purgatory. Kyrie, on the other hand, will be in our face on the regular as a member of our closest conference rival. Therefore, the reluctant answer I must give is Uncle Drew. 

Return of the North Coast Posse. Browns v Steelers

@Northcoastposse are considered a Top 5 twitter follow by the real Cleveland Browns.

Q:  Before diving into the upcoming Browns season, everybody is talking about the big beef between you guys and Bomani Jones in the off season. What happened there?

Big$: Well, it appears I was just peripheral damage in the Bomani Jones scandal. The real beef began on a trip Mr. Jones made to Columbus. He encountered an "over saturated" Ben Galli at the 4 String taproom and they engaged in a heated two-and-a-half hour debate over who is better: Avery Bradley or Kentavious Caldwell Pope (we at Pencilstorm sports all support KCP). The argument ended with B. Galli reminding Bo that he was replaced on air in Big 10 country by an SEC talk show. Since then he has had an online axe to grind with p.storm.

Q:  So it looks like we are starting the Kizer era. What are your expectations on this offense?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  I think Kizer was a steal as a third-round pick in this year’s draft.  He has a strong arm and moves well in the pocket.  At least in the preseason, he did not show the happy-footed tendency of many young quarterbacks to tuck the ball and run when the first or second option is not open.  He keeps his eyes down field, but he still has the mobility to make a play with his legs when needed.  The two most promising things about him so far are his ability to deliver the ball on the money and throw receivers open, and, according to all reports, he is putting in the study time outside of practice to master Coach Jackson’s offense.   

The Browns also made solid investments in the line, signing center JC Tretter and right guard Kevin Zeitler to help protect Kizer.  Like with any young QB, the Browns will likely focus on running the ball and the new additions to the front five should help with that, as well.   

Big$:  My expectations for the offense would be much higher if TP was here to act as a playmaking crutch for Deshone.  I think the aggressive defense will be exciting, however it's also going to make some mistakes which will leave the O playing catch up. Im not sure this group is ready for that.

Q:  Since we money-balled T Pryor out of town, does this team have the necessary wide outs to help the rookie quarterback?

Big$:  As I've already mentioned, I'm mourning the TP loss. I think Corey Coleman has some playmaking ability, but between Ricardo Louis and Sammie Coates there are some serious hands issues. Last time I checked, catching is kind of important as a receiver. I’m concerned about this current crop and am already penciling in that monster we just saw from Indiana University (Simmie Cobbs) in as a Browns draft pick in the near future.

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  This is the biggest question mark for the team as a whole.  The receiver unit has yet to show the ability to separate from coverage consistently.  Coach Jackson is going to have to scheme hard to open up the offense.  

Q: What should we expect from the 2017 Browns defense led by new psychotic DC Gregg Williams?

Big$: Well, expectations have to change with the news that Myles Garrett is out for about four weeks with a high ankle sprain. However, I believe that will give them a chance to highlight the secret weapon, aka Carl Nassib. I really expect him to shine, as well as his other Big 10 brethren, Joe Schobert, who is now starting at middle linebacker. As a group, I expect to see tenacity which will be fun to watch, but I also expect the aggressive exuberance to lead to mistakes and missed assignments. Growing pains, but exciting growing pains.

K-Dubs, the Soldier: Expect a lot of improvement on the defensive side of the ball.  Williams is known for his aggressive, attacking style of defense.  In the preseason, the most promising result I saw from Williams’ influence was that the defensive backs are making tackles at, and sometimes behind, the line of scrimmage.  Better support from the corners and safeties against the run should lessen the times the Browns get gashed outside the tackles, which has plagued them in the last few years.  With last week’s releases of fan-favorite Joe Haden (for financial reasons) and offseason acquisition Calvin Pryor (for fighting a teammate), though, they are thin at DB.  So hopefully Williams’ scheme won’t subject that unit to fatigue and injury.  Also, the Browns have built more quality depth on the defensive front.  Once Myles Garrett and Danny Shelton return from injury, I think the sack numbers will go up and the opponent’s third-down conversion rate will drop.

Is Jabrill Peppers already the best player on this defense?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  Not even.  He is a nice addition, and he has ball-hawking skills a la Troy Palomalu or the Honey Badger, but his biggest impact this year should be on special teams.  The Browns have been hurting in the return game since Josh Cribbs left town.  The inability to flip field position on a big return, or even field a punt consistently, has certainly contributed to some of the many losses the Browns have suffered in the last few years.  Peppers has an explosiveness that should improve the average starting field position for this young offense.  That said, he should be a solid, regular presence in the defensive backfield, but he still ranks behind Shelton and Garrett, and linebackers Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey.

Big$:  I don't think Peppers has unseated Collins as the best player on the D......yet. He has definitely shown the propensity for electric playmaking already and I can't wait to see him get after it.

Q:  Is Myles Garrett ready to live up to his #1 overall hype?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  Yep … so long as he stays healthy.  Garrett is a physical freak born to smash QBs and he has shown he can play the run down the line of scrimmage.  No matter what happens with other top-5 draft picks from this year’s draft, the Browns could not pass on this dude.  He is already starting and was making plays in the preseason.

Q:  Who else on this team do you expect to have an impact?

Big$:  I literally believe that new center JC Tretter will be the most impactful player on the team. It's not a sexy pick but all you have to do is track Alex Mack's last few years for how important JC may be. I also think Cam Erving's absence will be quite impactful.

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  I think this roster simply has more impact players overall compared to the last few years, but I expect breakout seasons from Schobert, who is a playmaker at middle linebacker, and Emmanuel Ogbah at defensive end.  

Q:  If the Browns could upset the Steelers in week one, would that make the season a success?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  In Trump-anese, “It would be yooouuuuuugggeee.”    That would really set the momentum in the right direction and could precipitate more early wins, but a single victory against Pittsburgh wouldn’t make the season a success in and of itself.  

Q:  Vegas has the Browns at 4.5 wins. Do you like the over or under?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  The NCP has nailed this question the last few years.  With games against the Jets, Jags, Bears, Chargers, and a Week 3 game against the Colts, which will likely still be missing Andrew Luck, I am feeling the over in 2017.

Big$:  I'm a Browns fan, I always take the under.

LET THE MANZIEL ERA BEGIN (AND END SOON)

The NCP tackles Pencil Storm’s Questions Following Browns’ Week One Disaster. follow@northcoastposse

1. You said last week that this could be the worst two QB's an NFL team has brought into the regular season in league history. After week one, this painful reality is already upon us. How in the hell did Ray Farmer let this happen? With quarterback play this poor, I pity the rest of the team. There is nothing they can do to overcome 4 turnovers. Is there any hope?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  I honestly thought Josh McCown looked good in the first drive.  In complete control of the offense, he led the Browns 91-yards on an opening drive of approximately 10-minutes.  Of course, that was before he got ear-holed as he dove for the end zone, fumbled the ball, and left the game with a concussion.  McCown has not been cleared to play yet, and the Browns officially named Johnny Manziel the starter on Friday.  If he continues to start, I think the season will be even more of a dud than previously expected.  The NCP’s take on Manziel has always been that he is just not an NFL quarterback, and Farmer’s thought process in drafting him remains material for an episode of NBC Dateline.  It deserves a two-hour special creepily narrated by Keith Morrison. 

I would love to see a Johnny-led squad lineup in the sandlot against Brett Favre’s team in a Wranglers commercial, but he does not have the arm strength to QB the Browns.  Outside of the 54-yard bomb he threw to Travis Benjamin, Manziel struggled to get the ball downfield, particularly on out routes.  With a running game that was anemic in Game 1, opposing defenses will likely stack the box and force three-and-outs ad infinitum if Johnny cannot stretch them by going over the top.  To your question, there is little any team can do to overcome four turnovers (five, if you count safety Tashaun Gipson’s fumble after his second-quarter interception), let alone a team whose starting QB is on the sidelines.  Throw in 109 yards in penalties, and you are not going to win, even against league dregs like the Jets.

That said, there is hope.  There is always hope.  The defense played toothlessly last week.  They had no pass rush, did not control the line of scrimmage on running plays, and got beat in the defensive backfield.  This week they play at home against the Titans, who were one of the worst teams in the league last year and are starting a rookie quarterback in Heisman-trophy winner, and national-championship loser, Marcus Mariota.  There is no more prime opportunity for redemption.  If the Browns can also avoid turnovers and run the ball with some effectiveness, they can be competitive, at least.   I am expecting a big turnaround.  Browns win in a tight one.

2. Who should LeBron replace in this week's starting line up?

Big $: Due to my well documented disdain for ole Johnny, it would be too easy to throw LBJ in as signal caller. In all honesty, I’d probably prefer a 2 man system of K. Love (for his sweet touch) and Kyrie (read option ball skills and elusiveness) if I was going to summon a C-Town cager to lead the offense. With that said, it almost becomes comical when you use the names Gary Barnidge and LeBron James anywhere near each other in a paragraph relating to athletics. I would without question, trot The King out at T.E. (you’re welcome, Johnny).

3. Vegas had the Browns preseason over/under win total at 6.5. After week one, if you had to bet all your gold chains on the over or under now, where would you put the line?  What is a realistic win total for this group of dawgs?

K-Dubs, the Soldier:  Granddad used to say, “Vegas was not built by losers.”  The handicappers in the desert certainly know the game better the alleged experts that flap their gums on TV each week.  What surprises me though is that the magic number is too high.  Last year, Vegas had the same over-under for the Browns, but the schedule was much more favorable.  This year, the NFC South teams have been replaced on the schedule by the NFC West, which has a chance to produce four teams with winning records.  Throw in games against an improved AFC West, as well, and the season looks kind of bleak.  The first three games are against teams that finished at the bottom of the league last year—the Jets, Titans, and Raiders.  These all appeared winnable on paper at around 12:59 p.m. last Sunday, but if the Browns lose the next two, it is hard to see many other wins down the line.  I think an over-under of 4.5 is more realistic.

4. If he were still on the squad, would you prefer T. Pryor starting over Johnny Football this week?

Big $: To be fair, I’d start Richard Pryor over Manziel (disturbing self-awareness is a trait more beneficial than anything in JFF’s repertoire). At this point, first-round Jonathan has failed to beat out two UDFA’s on the wrong side of 30. If Josh McCown didn’t attempt to live out his wildest Elway Super Bowl helicopter ride daydream, JFF would still be chilling on the sideline thinking of clunky one-liners about Merril Hoge’s formal wear. T.P. isn’t here but A.D. is, and he took some 1st team reps this week. In a perfect world, Austin Davis’s NFL resume would have earned him the right to start over Johnny, but alas Berea may be the antithesis of said perfect world. So let it be noted that I have officially put in for transfer from #hoyerswarriors to #AustinsArmy. Big $ loves ya A.D.!!!!

5. Something positive to take away from this loss right? Right?

K-Dubs, the Soldier: After a loss as disheartening as last week’s game, you really have to get out the Hubble Telescope to search for some positives.  At the very least, before he got knocked for a loop, both figuratively and literally, Josh McCown looked very good in leading the offense down the length of the field.  I know the Browns Faithful are not unanimous in supporting McCown, but the offense clicked when he was under center, even though big-name, free-agent wideout Dwayne Bowe sat out with a bad hamstring and the offensive line under-performed.  If McCown can come back from his concussion and stay healthy, I think the Browns can put points on the board this season.  Once he got carted off the field, though, the one bright spot was the special teams.  Punter Andy Lee averaged 54 net yards per kick, including a booming 61-yarder.  His leg should prove to be quite a weapon in field-position battles.  Rookie placekicker Travis Coons kicked a 48-yard extra-point (which was the longest in NFL history) and registered touchbacks on 2 of 3 kickoffs.  The return game also appeared improved.  Upgrading here was critical, as the failure to properly field punts cost the Browns a few chances to win games last year.  I have heard (but have not seen) that the Browns’ D is going to be among the best in the league.  If we do see a re-emergence of the Dawg Defense, the improved special teams could help snatch a few W’s along the way.

6. What do you expect from the opener this weekend?           

Big $: My general nausea over the state of the Browns probably steals the mystery from guessing who I believe will win most Browns games. So rather than stating who I expect to win or lose, I will say that I expect that this will be the second week that an ex-Brown will enact revenge on his former employer.

Last week Buster Skrine uncorked a year’s worth of watching a snot-nosed, silver-spooner make a mockery of his professional opportunity when he attempted to decapitate Johnny Manziel. One can only imagine that a guy like Skrine who clawed his way into the NFL harbors some ill will towards a guy like Johnny who was probably throwing up money signs when he checked down in 7 on 7 drills.

This week, I expect that the recently jettisoned Terrance West may be looking to seek retribution for not only being traded after a mildly successful rookie campaign, but also for the smack that was talked on his way out. Keep an eye on #35 this week as he may be playing with a couple of boulders on his shoulder.

Big $ and K-Dubs the Soldier are the North Coast Posse and they cover Browns football for Penciltorm.

Terrelle Pryor will be an NFL Quarterback

Originally published September 2011 but thought it was worth a second look with T.P. making his move with the Raiders and starting the final pre-season game this Thursday..  - Colin

Terrelle Pryor will be an NFL Quarterback (And he has a chance to be Ohio State’s most successful pro Q.B. ever)

When Terrelle Pryor committed to Ohio State, he was considered not only the top high school quarterback prospect in the nation, but regarded as the overall top prospect by many recruiting services. He was the MVP of U.S. ARMY All American Bowl and after enrolling at Ohio State he set a freshman record by throwing four touchdown passes in his first start against TROY, in only the third game of the season.

It was around this moment, as I was sitting in the stands with my 4 year old son Owen, I remember hearing the first of what would become a chorus of many Buckeye fans commenting, “You know, we should really consider moving Terrelle to wide receiver or.. tight end”

Huh? Come again?

My first reaction was thinking how embarrassing that would be to our coaching staff. Could you imagine Nick Saban, Pete Carrol or Urban Meyer (!) landing the #1 Quarterback recruit in the country and switching his position? No, of course you can’t, because that would never happen. See: Tim Tebow. Good luck recruiting the next quarterback-BTW

Certainly, TP was extremely raw coming out of Jennette, PA. In fact, I blame his middle school “mentor” for not correcting his 7th grade throwing motion because that’s when it should have been done. However, there is this thing called “coaching”, and it is supposed to make the players better. That’s why young guys pick Ohio State. Troy Smith had half the skills of TP yet somehow won the Heisman Trophy and ended up taking snaps on Sundays.

Forget my opinion. Place your eyeballs on the numbers.

Comp %              Yards               TD     INT                QB Rating

1             61.1                  2636                 15      12                   131.70

2             61.6                  2942                 15      10                   126.40

3             65.5                  2772                 27      11                   157.9

4             61.6                  2903                 19        5                   146.60

5             65.0                   2247                15        3                    152.30

6             59.2                   1849                12        11                  128.40

7             64.4                   2746                30          4                  172.40

8             61.9                   3909                25          12                133.10

Hmm.. What do we have here? These are the junior year college passing statistics of 8 quarterbacks who are currently on NFL rosters.

Since Terrelle can’t throw, I guess he should be easy to spot…

Answers: 1) Tom Brady 2) Matt Ryan  3) Terrelle Pryor  4) Aaron Rodgers   5) Alex Smith  6) Vince Young (redshirted so this is his 3 year counting that) 7) Tim Tebow  8) Drew Brees

(Isn’t it interesting that the two guys with the highest college passer rating are both candidates to move to tight end? Tim Tebow and Terrelle Pryor. Denver traded 3 draft picks and gave Timmy 8.7 million guaranteed for the honor of snagging him 25th overall in the 2009 draft. Coach Josh McDaniels has since been fired for this move. The Raiders gave TP a cool $500,000 and used a 3rd round pick. Al Davis has not fired himself yet. *)

Oh, in addition to the gaudy passing stats, TP also ran for 756 yards averaging 5.6 a clip and 4 touchdowns that season. And.. He was voted MVP of the Sugar Bowl. It was his second straight BCS MVP award following his huge game against the Oregon Ducks the previous year in the Rose Bowl. Just so we are clear, these awards are voted on by impartial writers who sit and actually watch the game. They do not work for either school.

Still, I have to listen to the local sports drive time radio hacks, (yes, I am a loser for tuning in) go on and on and on about how Terrelle Pryor is BAD and has NO SHOT of ever taking a snap in the NFL. Inevitably, our hosts “King Prong” and “The Jazz Singer” open up the phone lines and I’m subjected to Joe Shitpack from Grovetucky, “Woody wouldn’t let those guys have tattoos. I’d bet big money that we never beat Michigan again before Terrelle take a snap in the pros. They should move him to Tight End”

Maybe it’s the baseball fan in me, but I’m sorry, the numbers show that Terrelle Pryor ABSOLUTELY has a chance to play QB in the NFL. Look at the cold hard numbers won’t you? Add to that his pedigree, natural size 6’5” / speed 4.36 – 40, and it looks like a great value pick in the 3rd round for the Silver and Black.

But…..he was drafted by the Raiders who are one of the most inept franchises in all sports. (Bengals, Clippers, Pirates, Bluejackets**) This could prove to be TP’s biggest hurdle. Even Randy Moss in his prime, sucked when he played for the Raiders.

Still, comparisons between Pryor and Oakland’s historic bust Jemarcus Russell are way off base. Other than both being African American, they have almost nothing in common. Russell won a national title, was picked #1 overall, signed a HUGE contract, 31.5 million guaranteed, and then literally ate himself out of the league. He had no desire. His lack of work ethic became legendary.

TP’s selfish actions in college hurt his teammates, fans and coaches. His Jupiter sized ego and immaturity are legendary as well, but… TP was also a fine student (3.4 GPA) with a stellar work ethic and desire to be the best.

Hmm.. A selfish person + huge ego + good work ethic + freak physical talents  =     almost every great athlete. Jordon/TO/Barry Bonds/Kobe/Ray Lewis/Larry Bird/Brett Favre  .......  so on and so forth..

Colin, seriously, do you really think Terrelle could be the Buckeye’s most successful QB in the NFL?

Why does my opinion matter? Why not just ask people who get paid big money and have a full time job figuring out the answer to just this question. (And I’m not talking about King Prong and The Jazz Singer on The Fan.)

OSU Quarterbacks in the NFL Draft:

Player-year-round taken

Terrelle Pryor -2011-   3

Troy Smith     2007-   5

Craig Krenzel 2004-   5

Steve Bellisari 2002-  6

Joe Germaine  1991-  4

Bob Hoying    1996-  3

Kent Graham   1992- 8

Tom Tupa        1988- 3

Jim Karsatos    1987- 12

Art Schlichter   1982- 1

Corny Greene   1976- 11

Greg Hare         1974- 8

Rex Kern-         1971- 10

Ron Maciejowski  71- 15

Frank Kremblas 1959- 23

So according to experts who get paid to be the judge of this sort of thing, Art Schlichter is the only prospect seen with more potential than Pryor. As long as T.P. keeps hanging at tattoo shops and not racetracks, he should be able to pass Art with ease.  Tupa went 3rd round because of his exceptional punting and because he could be a serviceable 3rd string QB thus saving a roster spot.

Bob Hoying went round 3 too, but had three major advantages over Pryor:

1-He had a monster senior season. Dumbass Pryor screwed his up and never got the chance.

2-His offense had Eddie George, Ricky Dudley, Terry Glenn and Orlando Pace. All four won national awards for their position that year.

3-Bob had an actual quarterback coach in Walt Harris. TP had no such luxury.

At any rate, the “drive by” draft experts seem to have Hoying and Pryor in a dead heat.

If you ask me, Frank Kremblas was the one Buckeye who really got screwed on draft day. The Canton Bulldogs were all set to draft “Single Wing Action Frank” in the 16th round before the squad was disbanded after owner John Coshocton had the team’s locker room turned into a fallout bomb shelter for his family. “Special Action K” fell all the way to the Giants in the 23 round and spent his career backing up Y.A. Title. However, his signing bonus of 3 cartons of Lucky Strikes smokes was a record for a 23round pick at the time.

Pop Quiz:
Q: Who is Ohio State’s all time best NFL Quarterback????? (Post Eisenhower)

A:  Mike Tomzack!

Mike, who was undrafted, ended up playing in the NFL for 14 years throwing for over 16,000 yards and 88 TD passes. He won his first ten starts for the Bears setting an NFL record and led the Pittsburgh Steelers into the playoffs in 1996. And also….  I’d pump out more stats but it’s really late, my wife is pissed and the beer…..just click below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Tomczak

So let’s rephrase the question:

Colin, do you really think Terrelle Pryor will have a better pro career than Mike Tomzack and become Ohio State’s most successful NFL Quarterback?

Actually, no, I don’t. But that may have less to do with TP and more to do with me living in Ohio. See, I find it impossible that ANY pro quarterback will succeed. Outside of Oakland, Ohio is the state where Professional Quarterbacks come to die. After watching the Browns and Bengals all these years, I have a hard time picturing any quarterback succeeding in the NFL. Let alone one from Ohio State.

As for Pryor, I can’t say I have forgiven and forgotten, but the best thing for Ohio State and TP in the long run is to look to Cris Carter for an example. Cris was kicked out of school his senior year for taking money from an agent, which led to Coach Bruce being fired. Cris went on to being cut in the NFL by Buddy Ryan before turning his life and career around. Now when he comes back to Columbus, all we can remember are the good times we had watching him during his time at OSU and those amazing catches against Michigan and Texas A.M. 

Wouldn’t it be great to see Terrelle Pryor, Coach Tressel and the rest of the 2010 Rose Bowl Champions standing on the field at halftime in the year 2029 celebrating their 20 year reunion?

O  H   I  O

Colin Gawel has spent his whole life living less than 5 miles from Ohio Stadium and playing in the cult band Watershed featured in the novel “Hitless Wonder”, by Joe Oestreich.  He writes things for Pencilstorm in between serving customers at Colin's Coffee.  And once a year, he loses control and throws a Nerf football really hard at some inanimate object when the Buckeyes lose. (Football or basketball) Sometimes this results in damage and/or marital strife.

* Al Davis has died since this article was originally published

** Funny how all of those teams have improved so much in just two years

Secret Hidden Track

Secret Hidden Track!

To read a really good Braxton Miller article by a real life professional writer click here  http://joeoestreich.com/2011/06/10/congratulations-you%e2%80%99re-an-ohio-state-quarterback-now-you%e2%80%99ve-got-a-project/