Todd Grantham

Heroes & Zeroes: Week 16 / The Cleveland Browns obviously enjoy celebrating Festivus just as much as I do. The only explanation for the egg that the Browns laid against the Bengals is that they felt their exuberant and burgeoning fan base was short on grievances. The Browns certainly succeeded; come Sunday night, there was no dearth of grumbling in the homes of the Cleveland faithful.The loss cost the Browns control of their own destiny, and now the only game that matters in regards to the Browns� playoffs hopes is the Colts/Titans contest on Sunday night. Feel free to join me and write Jim Sorgi a �good luck� email. J-Bone, we�ll all be pullin� for you!This Week�s ZeroesFive Demerits: Derek AndersonThere�s not much to say about Anderson�s awful performance that hasn�t already been written. Derek Anderson lost the game for the Browns about as single-handedly as you will ever see a player lose a game in the NFL. Anderson threw four interceptions against the Bengals, while he had a total of four turnovers in the previous three games combined.Anderson�s poor play is more disappointing than anything. By all accounts, Anderson has not corrected the problems that plagued him both in college and during the first two years of his professional career; he has trouble reading a defense, he forces passes into heavy coverage, he has no touch on short passes, he bird-dogs receivers and doesn�t always go through his progressions, and he can be rattled when things don�t go his way. More than anything, it�s Anderson�s inability to improve on his weaknesses and learn from his mistakes that is disturbing.You can try to sell me on Anderson�s rocket arm until the cows come home, and I�m well aware that having a strong arm is important. But I don�t just want a quarterback who can throw, I want a quarterback who can think. Bernie Kosar had a great arm, but he won games between the ears. Kosar was able to read defenses like a book, and like a great chess player, he was able to see a few moves ahead of the defense.The great contemporary quarterbacks don�t just win because they have the strongest arms, they win because they�re also extremely intelligent. Peyton Manning has a great arm, but he also plays the Colts� offense like a piano as he audibles at the line of scrimmage, tweaking routes and blocking schemes. Tom Brady doesn�t have the best arm in the game - far from it - but he�s an intelligent player who almost always makes the correct decision when the game is on the line.If arm strength was everything, then guys like Kyle Boller, Aaron Brooks, and Jeff George would have had Hall of Fame careers. There�s no doubt that Anderson has the physical tools to be a great quarterback, but until he gets the mental part worked out, he�ll never break through into that upper echelon of NFL signal callers.Four Demerits: Bob BratkowskiBob Bratkowski has been the Cincinnati Bengals� offensive coordinator since 2001 and is one of the few holdovers from the Dick LeBeau regime. It�s tough to argue with the job Bratkowski has done in the last few seasons, because the Bengals have been very productive on offense, even when Jon Kitna was under center. But nobody is to blame more that Bratkowski for letting the Browns climb back into the game late in the second half.Holding a 19-7 lead early in the fourth quarter, Bratkowski kept calling for Carson Palmer to throw the football, when sitting on the ball to run the clock would have been a much wiser choice. Had the Bengals simply run the football until the Browns stopped them and forced a punt, they could have avoided Palmer�s second interception and burned valuable minutes off of the clock.This situation was eerily reminiscent of the Browns/Jets game on December 9th, during which Rob Chudzinksi kept calling for the Browns to throw the ball late in the game when sitting on the football and burning the clock was probably the smart move. In both cases, had the offense simply run the football and punted, there wouldn�t have been enough time left for the opposing team to mount any semblance of a comeback.Three Demerits: Carson PalmerCarson Palmer has owned the Browns during the last few seasons. In his last three games against Cleveland (prior to Sunday), Palmer averaged over 342 passing yards and threw for 11 touchdowns. This time, Palmer threw for only 115 yards, and posted just one touchdown against two interceptions.Cincinnati�s offensive line has had its problems this season, but they got the job done against the Browns, yielding no sacks and opening up enough holes for the Bengals to average over 4.6 yards per carry. Considering that the Bengals ran the ball 12 more times than they threw it, that 4.6 YPC number is very impressive. Considering how well the Bengals� offensive line performed, Palmer must bear the onus of the Bengals� poor air attack.And while Bob Bratkowski must be blamed for continuing to call passing plays, it was Palmer, not Bratkowski, who threw two interceptions in just 21 attempts. Hopefully the Browns can carry the momentum of their defensive success against Palmer into the 2008 season.Two Demerits: Dave ZastudilThe game started out well for the Browns. Cleveland�s defense stopped the Cincinnati offense, forcing a punt. The Browns then drove from their own 10-yard line to the Bengals� 22, where they were set to attempt a field goal until punter Dave Zastudil mishandled the snap. It was still a 40-yard field goal, far from a guarantee given the extremely windy conditions, but considering what Phil Dawson accomplished just one week prior against Buffalo, he had a legitimate shot of making the field goal.True, it was only three points, but it could have completely changed the dynamics of the game. The field goal would have given the Browns the lead, and maybe they wouldn�t have been so aggressive at the end of the first half. And even if everything else happened just the same, the Browns would have needed only a field goal to win the game on their final drive, which would have completely changed things. Coulda, woulda, shoulda�One Demerit: Chad JohnsonTo a certain degree, this is me venting on Chad Johnson for the entire season. Johnson dropped a few key passes against the Browns, and while Johnson�s �07 numbers appear to measure up to his 2006 statistics, he hasn�t scored with the same consistency in 2006 and 2007 that he did from 2003 to 2005. In fact, 10 of Johnson�s 12 touchdowns over the last two seasons have come in just four games.Part of Johnson�s declining scoring numbers can be attributed to the emergence and continued development of TJ Houshmandzadeh, who may be a better receiver than Johnson, and is certainly a more potent red zone threat. But it seems that Johnson�s antics have worn on the Bengals and especially on Marvin Lewis. Chad Johnson might be wearing out his welcome in Cincinnati, and rumors have been swirling that the Bengals may attempt to trade Johnson in the off-season.It might not be a bad move; Johnson is no spring chicken (he turns 30 in early January), his numbers appear to have peaked and may in fact be declining, and his elaborate scoring celebrations and eccentric interviews give the team headaches. With capable replacement Chris Henry waiting in the wings, and solid youngster Glenn Holt ready to take Henry�s spot in the slot, the Bengals could afford to part ways with Johnson, and it might help them plug some holes on defense or the offensive line.And one more thing: why do Johnson�s antics get a free pass from the national media? Personally, when players score, I like to see them act as if they�ve been to the end zone before and simply return to the sidelines. But if a guy feels inclined to celebrate, then a dunk over the goalpost, a leap into the stands, or spiking the football are all perfectly fine. Here�s the problem with what Johnson does: he does it knowing that he�s going to cost his team 15 yards, and he does it anyone. Chad doesn�t care about hurting the team with a penalty, he wants to get himself on SportCenter. I have no patience for players that exhibit such high levels of selfishness.This Week�s HeroesFive Dog Bones: Leigh BoddenJust as Derek Anderson practically lost the game on his own, Leigh Bodden kept the Browns in the game almost single-handedly. After Cincinnati gained momentum early following the Browns� botched field goal attempt, Bodden put the kibosh on that momentum with his first interception. Bodden�s second interception deep in Cincinnati territory led to a Cleveland touchdown just three plays later.Bodden added four tackles, as he and Eric Wright impressively held TJ Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson to a combined six catches for just 69 yards. Bodden�s performance was all the more remarkable after he didn�t practice last week due to back problems.Four Dog Bones: Braylon EdwardsEdwards scored two touchdowns to become the all-time Browns leader in touchdowns by a receiver with 15, breaking Gary Collins previous mark of 13, which was set in 1963. Braylon�s breakout season continued against the Bengals, and with one game to go Edwards is currently sixth in the league in receiving yardage and second in touchdowns. Edwards, with 1,222 yards for the year, is also poised to break Webster Slaughter�s team record of 1,236 receiving yards, set in 1989. Before Edwards, Slaughter was the last Browns receiver to make the Pro Bowl (1989).Three Dog Bones: Shaun SmithSmith was one of the few players who even seemed aware that the Browns were just a win away from a playoff birth. Smith had his best game in Browns uniform, registering eight solo tackles while reeking havoc on his old teammates all game long.Smith, who has spent most of the year at defensive end, replaced the injured Ethan Kelley at nose tackle and filled in admirably. While the Browns are in desperate need of defensive linemen, they appear to have a very good lineman in Shaun Smith, and a very competent lineman in Robaire Smith. The Browns will need to determine where they want to use Shaun Smith next season, as an end or as the nose tackle. Regardless, this looks like another successful signing from Phil Savage�s terrific free agent class of 2007.Two Dog Bones: Jamal LewisHad Derek Anderson simply managed the game and limited his turnovers, this was a game that Jamal Lewis probably could have won on his own. Lewis was having his way with the Cincinnati defense, picking up 92 yards on 21 carries. Further illustrating the Browns� dominance on the ground were Jason Wright�s three carries for 38 yards. Lewis added five catches for 42 yards.Lewis has become a fixture in the Cleveland offense this season, and he�s earned a contract extension. As long as Lewis isn�t asking for the moon and the stars, the Browns would be foolish not to re-sign him. And it would be unwise to wait until the free agent period begins to negotiate with Lewis, who will definitely have high market value as one of the top free agent backs.Jamal Lewis isn�t going to be the Browns� featured back for the next five years because he�s just too old. But Lewis can buy the Browns some time, most likely a year or two, as they search for that franchise running back. As effective as Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison have looked at times, it�s unlikely that either runner could withstand the rigors of a full season receiving featured carries. The Browns need Lewis for at least another year, and beyond that he will have value as a power/goal line runner in a dual back system.Lone Bone: Todd GranthamGrantham has drawn the ire of fans this season for the defense�s inability to stop, well, anybody. But Grantham deserves credit for the job his defense did against Cincinnati. The Bengals dropped 45 points on the Browns back in week two, but the Cleveland defense wasn�t so porous this time around.The Browns gave up two touchdowns mainly because both scores were set up by Derek Anderson interceptions deep in Cleveland territory. In fact, the Bengals� two scoring drives were only 5 and 20 yards long, respectively.If Romeo Crennel doesn�t bolt for Miami, as the rumors have suggested he might, the Orange Man will almost certainly return next season. Unless he is fired, Grantham�s contract will keep him in Cleveland for the duration of Crennel�s tenure. One encouraging statistic: over the last five games, the Browns� defense has allowed an average of only 16.2 points per game.Fasion note: Grantham dresses completely in orange for every game, and as a result many have criticized Grantham�s �fashion sense.� Two things; one, �fashion sense� doesn�t have much bearing on one�s ability to coach NFL football, and two, Grantham dresses in Day-Glo orange not as a fashion statement, but to make it easier for his players to pick him out from the field so that he can relay the defensive signals to them.StandingsTotal Dog BonesOffensive Line---27Braylon Edwards---26Jamal Lewis---21Derek Anderson---17(t)Joshua Cribbs---17(t)Kellen Winslow---17(t)Net Dog BonesOffensive Line---25Braylon Edwards---22Kellen Winslow---17Joshua Cribbs---15(t)Jamal Lewis---15(t)Total DemeritsRomeo Crennel---30Derek Anderson---21Brian Billick---16(t)Defensive Line---16(t)Todd Grantham---14Net DemeritsRomeo Crennel---22Brian Billick---16Defensive Line---12(t)Todd Grantham---12(t)Rich Gannon---7(t)Willie McGinest---7(t)NFL Rules Committee---7(t)Dropping Like FliesThe Browns lost two good players to the Injured Reserve last week, Mike Adams and Ethan Kelley. Adams, a safety, was a big contributor on special teams and in select coverage packages. Kelley, who became the Browns� starting nose tackle when Ted Washington went on IR, had come into his own in recent weeks, and was one of the main catalysts for the Browns� resurgent pass rush.Up Next: 12/30, San Francisco, Cleveland Browns Stadium, 1:00After winning two straight games to start the year, the 49ers went on to lose 10 of 11. The Niners come to Cleveland the winners of two consecutive close games, but they�re uncertain of who will start at quarterback.San Francisco was already down to their third quarterback, Shaun Hill, a Maryland product who went undrafted, but Hill missed time in practice this week with back spasms. Hill is listed as questionable, and if he�s unable to go, Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke will get the nod. Weinke, the longtime Carolina Panther, hasn�t played in a game this season and has been pretty lousy pro, with 14 career touchdown passes against 26 interceptions.San Francisco ranks dead last in the league in offense, scoring only about 14 points per game. The 49ers� defense allows about 23 points per game. Frank Gore is still a good running back, and stopping Gore should be the focus of Cleveland�s defensive scheme.In terms of the playoffs, this is a meaningless game for the Browns. Some have suggested that the Browns rest several starters in this game, and I think that�s the right decision. That said, unfortunately I don�t think Romeo Crennel will rest his starters in this game. This is a team that the Browns should handle, and if they play their starters as Crennel has implied, I expect the Browns to cruise to a record seventh home victory.Be sure to tune in for the game that actually matters, Tennessee at Indianapolis, on Sunday night at 8:15 (NBC).My Call: Browns 27, 49ers 13

Heroes & Zeroes: Week 15 / It was a game that the Browns had to win, and they responded by delivering one of their most complete performances of the year. Although they only out-gained the Bills 304 to 232, the Browns essentially dominated the game, over one-fourth of Buffalo�s yardage came on their final futile drive. The Bills entered Cleveland territory only three times all game, and just once in the second half.Jamal Lewis was the headliner, bulldozing his way to 163 yards and becoming the second Cleveland running back to break the 1,000 yard barrier in three years (Reuben Droughns is the other). As ground-heavy as this game was, it was also a waiting game; waiting for the other team to make a costly error. Perhaps the most shocking statistic of the game was the fact that there were zero turnovers. In fact, the ball didn�t even hit the ground once as the result of a fumble.Buffalo�s botched punt, which led to a Cleveland safety, would prove to be the only real mistake of the game, but it only cost the Bills two points. The Bills started rookies at both quarterback and running back, and while both quarterback Trent Edwards and running back Marshawn Lynch are vastly superior to your typical rookie, the fact that both played their college ball in California showed. Edwards wore gloves on both hands, electing to play with a gloved throwing hand, and neither Edwards nor Lynch seemed too thrilled with the snowy conditions.On the other hand, Derek Anderson, Jamal Lewis, and the Cleveland offensive line chose not to wear gloves or sleeves. How many times have you seen running backs and receivers wear gloves and sleeves and lose their grip on the football? The Browns� hardnosed mentality paid dividends, and the Cleveland offensive line provided yet another dominating performance, keeping Derek Anderson�s jersey clean while also plowing open running lanes for Jamal Lewis. This was a signature victory for the Browns, who retained control of their own destiny in the playoff race. The win also set up a showdown this upcoming Sunday in Cincinnati, during which the Browns can clinch their first playoff appearance since 2002. Game on.This Week�s HeroesFive Dog Bones: Phil DawsonPhil Dawson came up huge against the Bills on Sunday, hitting two field goals, the first of which ended up being the difference in the game. Dawson�s first field goal was amazing, as he compensated for a stiff wind by aiming his kick yards to the right of the upright.But Dawson�s second field goal, which measured 49 yards, defied explanation. I was shocked to see Crennel allow Dawson to even attempt such a ridiculous feat in such inclement weather, but it paid off. The kick appeared to be hooked way left, but Dawson shocked the world yet again as the wind straightened the ball out, it bounced off of the Dawson Bar, and went in to extend the Cleveland lead to 8-0. While not the longest, it was the greatest kick I have ever seen.Dawson has taken some heat from fans this season for missing kicks in preseason and for hit weak leg on kickoffs. I remember hearing Dawson�s critics and preseason and thinking to myself, �If Phil Dawson is the Browns� biggest problem, we�re looking at a damn good football team.�As for the kickoffs, I�ve also been a critic of Dawson�s weak leg. Why the Browns don�t sign a kicker with a huge foot to handle kickoff duties completely escapes me. Can you imagine what an advantage it would be to consistently get touchbacks on kickoffs? That field position really adds up over the course of a game.In spite of his flaws, Phil Dawson is one my favorite Browns. He�s the only player remaining from the 1999 expansion team, he�s endured the pain and anguish of six losing seasons (out of eight total). Nobody�s deserves to enjoy a Cinderella season more than Dawson, and I couldn�t be happier for him.Four Dog Bones: Jamal LewisInitially, I was pretty skeptical of the Jamal Lewis signing, but apparently there�s a reason that the Browns hired Phil Savage, not me, as the general manager. I thought Jamal Lewis was washed up, but I�m thrilled that I was wrong.Since the second Baltimore game, Lewis has been running like a man possessed, averaging 113.8 yards per game over the last five contests. For all intents and purposes, Lewis carried the Browns to a victory over the Bills with 163 yards on 33 carries (2nd highest career total). Lewis� short, choppy steps and bruising north-and-south running style is perfect for snowy conditions, making Lewis a great fit for the Browns in the winter months.Lewis accumulated 80 yards in the first half, during which the Browns stayed fairly balanced between running and passing. But everybody in the stadium knew that Lewis was getting the rock in the second half. That said, the two teams lined up, the Browns� stellar offensive line beat up the Bills at the point of attack, and Lewis bludgeoned the Bills for another 83 yards. The Browns weren�t going to be stopped, Lewis wasn�t going to be stopped, and there was nothing the Bills could do about it.Three Dog Bones: Andra DavisI�ve been one of Davis� harshest critics this season, but he played a great game against the Bills, essentially setting up camp in the Buffalo backfield from the opening gun. Davis had six solo tackles, four for losses, and was making his presence felt all over the field.The big knock on Davis this season has been his speed, or lack thereof. Just as the snow was a blessing for Jamal Lewis, it was a blessing for Andra Davis, as Davis was no longer the slow guy, EVERYBODY was the slow guy. The poor conditions allowed Davis to give us a little taste of yesteryear, when he was arguably the best defender on the team.Davis is in the second year of a five year contract extension that was signed in 2005 and took effect in 2006. The Browns definitely won�t cut Davis this off-season, but next season will be a big year for Dr. Dra. If Davis can fully recover the ankle problems that have dogged him this season and give the Browns solid play in the middle, he has a good chance to finish out his five year deal and possibly retire as a Cleveland Brown. But if he doesn�t perform next season, Davis will likely be dumped on the free agent scrap heap of has-been linebackers.As much as his play has frustrated me this season, I�m rooting for Davis, who seems to be a pretty likeable fellow. Like Dawson, Davis has played his entire career in Cleveland, and he�s one of the guys who has been through some of the Browns� toughest seasons. Like Dawson, nobody deserves to be a part of the Browns� current success more than Davis.Two Dog Bones: Braylon EdwardsBraylon Edwards� ability to haul in the impossible catch, coupled with his inability to corral the easy catch, is becoming the stuff of legend. Edwards had two catches of the impossible variety on the Browns� last drive of the first half that netted them their second field goal.Although Edwards finished with a very pedestrian four catches for 64 yards, this wasn�t a game in which stats meant very much, and Edwards� two catches on the aforementioned drive were crucial to the Browns increasing their lead from 5-0 to 8-0 before halftime. Like many of the Browns, Edwards appeared unaffected by the snow and blustering wind, one of the advantages of drafting a player who played college ball above the Mason-Dixon line.Lone Bone: Derek AndersonTo criticize Derek Anderson on a local sports talk show exposes one to a serious verbal lashing. Like it or not, Derek Anderson has become something of a sacred cow. Personally I think it�s ridiculous, but I suppose it�s the nature of the beast; the quarterback often receives too much credit when a team is winning and vice-versa.And although I�m in the camp that believes Anderson�s success is due more to a great offensive line and great receivers than anything else, Anderson deserves tons of credit for playing a turnover-free game in ugly, ugly weather. Making a statement along with the majority of the Cleveland offense, Anderson took the field without sleeves. Perhaps more significant, he elected to leave his quarterback gloves on the sidelines (unlike his counterpart, Trent Edwards) in order to maintain a better grip on the football.Although it wasn�t always pretty, and there were plenty of passes that were candidates for interception largely due to Anderson�s total lack of touch on short passes, Anderson completed what was only his fourth interception-free game of the season. Of equal importance was the fact that Anderson, who had a �butterfingers� reputation earlier in his career, did not fumble any snaps throughout the course of the game.While Anderson was unable to lead the Browns to any touchdowns, the mere fact that he threatened the Bills with a vertical passing game was significant. The Bills were forced to respect Cleveland�s ability to throw deep, which made the going that much easier for Jamal Lewis because Buffalo was unable to consistently stack eight and nine defenders in the box.Anderson was largely ineffective in the second half, but the Browns were able to ride the churning legs of Jamal Lewis to victory. Sometimes a quarterback�s job is to be the game-manager and simply not give the game away, and DA played that role well against the Bills.This Week�s ZeroesFive Demerits: Romeo CrennelI had no problem with any of Crennel�s coaching moves or his game plan until late in the fourth quarter. The Browns had the football with exactly 2:00 remaining at the Buffalo 48-yard line, and it was fourth-and-one. It was decision time.Crennel, playing conservative, and totally gutless, ordered the Browns to punt the football after Derek Anderson led a poorly orchestrated attempt to get the Bills to jump offsides. Crennel�s decision came as little surprise, he�s rarely shown any guts, guile, or desire to go for an opponent�s throat while leading the Browns.It�s that kind of decision that separates the good teams from the bad teams, the winners from the losers. Losers will punt, cross their fingers, and hope for the best. Winners look the opponent straight in the eye, ram the football down their throat for one lousy yard, and win the damn football game.The Browns had their best unit on the field, with a running back who the Bills had been unable to stop all game. Lewis had just gashed the Bills with two consecutive runs of six yards after Jason Wrights three-yard loss set the Browns up for second-and-thirteen. It would have been a great way to end a game that the Browns had essentially dominated from start to finish. It would have said, �Here we come, and you�re not stopping us.�Instead, Zastudil�s punt netted the Browns only 20 yards of field position, and to me, the risk-reward of 20 yards of field position versus ending the football game is worth the risk of that fourth down attempt. Sooner or later, one of Crennel�s blunders is going to cost the Browns a football game, if it hasn�t already. Sooner or later, Romeo Crennel is going to have to show that he has the stones to step on the opposition�s throat when they�re down and finish them off. I won�t hold my breath.Four Demerits: Brian BillickIs ripping Brian Billick getting stale? Nope.Brian Billick�s 2007 Baltimore Ravens are the gift that keeps on giving, and they�ve proven themselves particularly adept at finding new ways to sink to new lows each and every week. How could you top being blown out by 24 points at home in prime time, to the former Baltimore Colts, no less? Simple: lose to the winless Dolphins.As much as I wanted to see the rudderless Dolphins stay perfect and keep their dream of a winless season alive, the Baltimore Ravens have a dream of their own: to cement their position as the biggest disappointment of the �07 NFL season. It was just another day at the office for Billick�s bozos, who have now lost eight straight.Brian Billick is among the world�s greatest jerk/dork combinations, and nobody deserves this season-from-Hell more than he. A special thanks must be directed towards the �07 Baltimore Ravens. Without you guys, this miracle season would not have been possible.Three Demerits: Ryan NeillTechnically there weren�t any turnovers in this football game, but botched snaps on punts don�t register as turnovers in the box score. A botched snap by Buffalo long snapper Ryan Neill led to a pair of charity points for the Browns by way of a safety.As much as he�s mocked, Browns fans were grateful to have a quality long snapper like Ryan Pontbriand during a snowy game in which long snaps were extremely difficult to execute properly. Credit Buffalo punter Brian Moorman for wisely kicking the ball out of the end zone instead of trying to run the football, which might have led to a very short field for the Browns.Two Demerits: Todd GranthamI�ll admit that criticizing a defensive coordinator when the defense pitches a shutout might be pushing it, but the Browns played a fairly mistake-free game, and aren�t many players or coaches deserving of criticism.After Romeo Crennel decided to punt with 2:00 left in the fourth quarter, which might have been the worst decision since Sony Pictures decided to make sequel to Daddy Day Care, did anyone honestly think that the Bills were going to go quietly? The snow made pressuring the quarterback difficult for both teams, reflected in the complete absence of sacks, and that final drive was no different. The Browns tried to put the heat on Trent Edwards, but nothing was working.Pressure hadn�t gotten to Edwards all day, and for once, the answer might have been to dial down the pressure and drop more defenders into coverage. Unfortunately, the Browns� largely ineffective blitz packages left Bills receivers open for several big plays.Edwards shredded the Browns defense with three big pass plays, including a 20-yard fourth down pass to Lee Evans to keep the drive alive. Question: Why is Lee Evans, clearly the Bills� best receiver, in single coverage (rookie Brandon McDonald) on fourth down? Evans should have had at least two defenders hounding him as he�s Buffalo�s only legitimate deep threat.Although it was partly due to poor play calling on Buffalo�s behalf (swing pass to Fred Jackson), the Browns defense finally stood up at their own 10 yard line, although they gave several Browns fans a mild heart attack on the way.One Demerit: Kellen WinslowLike I said five paragraphs earlier, I�m reaching for players and coaches to decry at this point.Winslow had a couple of questionable dropped passes, which were magnified by the fact that Derek Anderson didn�t throw many passes that were even remotely catchable. Kellen Jr. clearly wasn�t too thrilled about playing in the middle of a blizzard. Considering that Winslow grew up in San Diego and went to school in Miami, he probably didn�t have much experience with that white, powdery substance, or sub-freezing temperatures.Winslow would finish with only two catches for 28 yards, tying his lowest reception output of the season and marking his second-lowest yardage total. Hopefully the Bills game served as a learning experience for Winslow and he will be better acclimated to cold weather in the future.StandingsTotal Dog BonesOffensive Line---27Braylon Edwards---22Jamal Lewis---19Derek Anderson---17(t)Joshua Cribbs---17(t)Kellen Winslow---17(t)Net Dog BonesOffensive Line---25Braylon Edwards---18Kellen Winslow---17Joshua Cribbs---15Jamal Lewis---13Total DemeritsRomeo Crennel---30Derek Anderson---16(t)Brian Billick---16(t)Defensive Line---16(t)Todd Grantham---14Net DemeritsRomeo Crennel---22Brian Billick---16Todd Grantham---13Defensive Line---12Rich Gannon---7(t)Willie McGinest---7(t)NFL Rules Committee---7(t)Pro BowlingCongratulations to Joshua Cribbs and Braylon Edwards, who were both chosen to represent the Browns in the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl!The selection of Cribbs and Edwards breaks the Browns� well-publicized Pro Bowl drought since returning to the league in 1999. Before this season, only one Browns player (Jamir Miller, 2001) had made the trip to Hawaii since the Browns were reactivated.Derek Anderson, Eric Steinbach, Joe Thomas, and Kellen Winslow were named first alternates for February�s game, while Lawrence Vickers was named second alternate and Phil Dawson was designated alternate.Much has been made of several Browns players being snubbed in the Pro Bowl selection process. While Joe Thomas and possibly Kellen Winslow were deserving of making the team, I urge fans to remember that the Pro Bowl means absolutely nothing.I�m not one to get overly concerned about individual awards. Awards are nice, but in a team sport, they don�t amount to much more than a gold star on a chart. When fans get worked up about awards, it usually means that the team isn�t winning, and this Browns team is certainly winning. Don�t sweat the Pro Bowl, if the Ravens have losing seasons, but Jonathan Ogden beats out Joe Thomas for the Pro Bowl during the remainder of the decade, I can live with that.Up Next: 12/23, At Cincinnati, Paul Brown Stadium, 1:00This is it. Win and you�re in. The Browns and Jaguars can sew up playoff births with victories this Sunday. For a fantastic breakdown of playoff scenarios, be sure to read Hiko�s �The Browns Outsider� column this week.Cincinnati has officially fallen from grace this season, but they�re still a dangerous team, evidenced in the fact that they�ve split their last six games. The Bengals can still move the ball, especially through the air. Receivers Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh have each recorded consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. Houshmandzadeh is the red zone threat with 11 touchdowns.Also watch out for number three receiver Chris Henry, who recently returned from his eight-game suspension. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Henry is one of the most dangerous slot receivers in the league. Defenses often key on Johnson and Houshmandzadeh, which is when Henry is most dangerous.The Browns are a little banged up, as Antwan Peek, Orpheus Roye, Robaire Smith, and Shaun Smith were all limited in practice this week. Leigh Bodden did not practice this week due to a back problem.The Browns should look to limit the Bengals� possessions by pounding Jamal Lewis early and often against a run defense that allows almost 120 yards per game on the ground. The Bengals have looked like a team just waiting to implode in recent weeks, so it�s important for the Browns to build an early lead. If the Browns get ahead early, the Bengals will quit. But if the Browns let the Bengals hang around, they�ll become more dangerous as the game progresses.If you were looking for an early Chirstmas present, or perhaps more appropriately, a stocking stuffer, Steelers running back Willie Parker broke a bone in his lower right leg during Pittsburgh�s victory over St. Louis on Thursday night. Parker�s season-ending injury comes just in time for the playoffs. Happy Festivus, Pittsburgh!My Call: Browns 31, Bengals 24