AND, finally here we are...one week before the most anticipated season in arguably Browns history. Looking back on last season and it seems so long ago. We started the season with a lot of hope (as we always do) and it got off to a great start in our opening game against Pittsburgh. However, in true Browns fashion we simply couldn't get it done and walked away with a tie. A tie? Yes, a tie! But, we all felt so much better about the team. OR did we? The following week we traveled to New Orleans and battled in another game we should have, could have won only to leave demoralized. And then there was week three! The Browns and their fans had a glimmer of what could be and we could taste it. The kool-aid had been swallowed and we wanted more! Eventually hard decisions were made, interim coaches were appointed and the rest is history.
And now, here we are...after an exciting and active offseason with some high profile moves and acquisitions the Browns possess an elite roster. However, we must temper our expectations a bit because there is still much to prove and we have some questions marks. Most notably on our Offensive Line, which appears to be in flux, but also our kicking game shows some concern and our TE room still has much to prove. Thus, I have titled this blog, "Awakening The Sleeping Giant" as opposed to "The Sleeping Giant Has Been Awakened" simply because we have yet to prove anything. All of that said, we now have a team that believes they found their franchise QB. We now have a team with talent across the board. We now have a team with an offense that should prove very difficult to defend. We now have a team that has a very scary defensive front. We now have a team that has a coach who has proven to be creative and willing to take risks. We now have a team who has a General Manager who appears to be able to walk on water. It's been a long time folks. The last time we consistently won games AND went deep into the playoffs, I was in high school. The last time we won a championship my 75 year old father was 20 years old!
With excitement brings many new fans. Some who grew up in Ohio or Cleveland who got tired of the losing and are now coming back. While others who have no connection with Cleveland or Ohio and who are excited to watch our team rise. For those who have never wavered in their support...it's been a long hard ride. As Browns fans and as Clevelanders...WE DESERVE THIS. For those who are new to the team....please do your history and read about us. Learn about Paul Brown, Otto Graham and his decade of championships (winning 7/10!), Marion Motley, Lou Groza, Jim Brown, 1964 Championship, Paul Warfield, Brian Sipe, The "Kardiac Kids", Bernie Kosar, the "Dawg Pound", but also learn about "Red Right 88", "The Drive", 'The Fumble", 'The Move" & "The Factory of Sadness". All of the above are part of our story and for those of us who never flinched in our support it is what makes us the GREATEST SPORTS FANS IN THE WORLD!
This one is for you Cleveland (raising a full glass east and looking towards Cleveland and all of her gritty beauty)!
WELCOME BACK & GO BROWNS!
Michael Fell
Portland Browns Backers, President
And now, here we are...after an exciting and active offseason with some high profile moves and acquisitions the Browns possess an elite roster. However, we must temper our expectations a bit because there is still much to prove and we have some questions marks. Most notably on our Offensive Line, which appears to be in flux, but also our kicking game shows some concern and our TE room still has much to prove. Thus, I have titled this blog, "Awakening The Sleeping Giant" as opposed to "The Sleeping Giant Has Been Awakened" simply because we have yet to prove anything. All of that said, we now have a team that believes they found their franchise QB. We now have a team with talent across the board. We now have a team with an offense that should prove very difficult to defend. We now have a team that has a very scary defensive front. We now have a team that has a coach who has proven to be creative and willing to take risks. We now have a team who has a General Manager who appears to be able to walk on water. It's been a long time folks. The last time we consistently won games AND went deep into the playoffs, I was in high school. The last time we won a championship my 75 year old father was 20 years old!
With excitement brings many new fans. Some who grew up in Ohio or Cleveland who got tired of the losing and are now coming back. While others who have no connection with Cleveland or Ohio and who are excited to watch our team rise. For those who have never wavered in their support...it's been a long hard ride. As Browns fans and as Clevelanders...WE DESERVE THIS. For those who are new to the team....please do your history and read about us. Learn about Paul Brown, Otto Graham and his decade of championships (winning 7/10!), Marion Motley, Lou Groza, Jim Brown, 1964 Championship, Paul Warfield, Brian Sipe, The "Kardiac Kids", Bernie Kosar, the "Dawg Pound", but also learn about "Red Right 88", "The Drive", 'The Fumble", 'The Move" & "The Factory of Sadness". All of the above are part of our story and for those of us who never flinched in our support it is what makes us the GREATEST SPORTS FANS IN THE WORLD!
This one is for you Cleveland (raising a full glass east and looking towards Cleveland and all of her gritty beauty)!
WELCOME BACK & GO BROWNS!
Michael Fell
Portland Browns Backers, President