SF Blog

4-25-6

This blog will update our progress in the quest to provide an alternative broadcast of play by play and color commentary of Browns games. Although this is a wild and crazy idea and approach, it is definitely long overdue. The initial response from Browns fans around the country has been overwhelmingly POSITIVE! There is a market for an alternative to the milktoast sportscasting we have always had available.

Our home page provides sound samples of our proposed show. The home page also attempts to pitch the idea to Sirius Satellite radio. We aimed our initial pitch at the Howard Stern show. We believed our sportsblasting would appeal to Sterns shock jock style and that he would hear the chemistry we have developed from watching the Browns games together for over 25 years. In addition the show is funny as hell. The fact that Sirius has the license to broadcast the NFL games is a huge bonus.

We sent Sirius several copies of our pilot DVD that pitches the idea on 3-31-6. That same day we launched the website to sample the show to Browns fans around the country. We emailed a press release to all of the Presidents of the Browns Backers International clubs. We had 3 goals with this approach. The 1st was to have the BB members spread the word to the Browns community. 2nd give Browns fans a way to sample the show to see if they like it. 3rd show Sirius that there is a huge market among Browns fans around the country ( thousands of rabid fans) to cover their team in a biased, humorous and uncensored manner.

WE want to make 1 thing perfectly clear. We LOVE the Browns and the NFL. The product the NFL delivers , and we mean THE TEAMS and GAMES are FANTASTIC ! We just have never been completely happy with how they are covered. The feedback from our website shows that there are THOUSANDS of football fans around the country that feel the same way! In this age of media bombardment there is plenty of room for a sportscast delivered the way fans want it!

PROGRESS TO DATE...

> It looks like 80% of our emails sent to the 250 some BB clubs were deleted or blocked as spam. As a result we have had just over 1100 hits to the site. Out of those 1100 hits we have 332 votes in favor of the Serious Fans show. We have had 4 votes against.

( PLEASE if you know a Browns fan with email forward them a link to the site )

>We got the expected response from the suits in the sports programing at Sirius....

Scott,

Thanks for the note. Cool site and concept. Our contract/partnership with the NFL obligates us to take the team feeds and channel capacity issues prevent us from adding additional feeds on NFL Sundays. Unfortunately, we do not have the space currently. I will, however keep you in mind as we grow and expand our offerings to subscribers.

bgh

Brian Hamilton

Sports Operations Manager

Sirius Satellite Radio

bhamilton@siriusradio.com

o - 212-901-6737

c - 917-595-9742

> Our reply to Mr. Hamilton...

Brian

Thanks for the reply. The idea for Serious Fans is meant as an alternative to what the NFL has always given us not to replace it. Part of the idea is to give the NFL a way to keep the key demographic interested and to provide an outlet for the hoards of fans who voice discontent at the drivel the networks provide. The thousands of Browns fans around the country that would subscribe to Sirius to get this show should motivate someone to share a channel with us on Sundays in the fall. This is a new, funny and exciting concept in sports casting. Please do keep us in mind.

Thanks Again

Scott Smith

G. M. Serious Fans

> Sirius has blocked the email votes being sent to howard100news@sirius-radio.com. We switched to email destination to ideas@sirius-radio.com, those have also been blocked. We are now sending the votes to sternshow@howardstern.com.

> We have had interest in the show from several other media outlets besides Sirius. Most of these inquires come from Internet sports sites.

> No comment from the NFL or the Browns.

Our next steps...

--> We will continue our puny efforts to spread the word about the idea to the Browns community.

**** WE NEED YOUR HELP IN THIS EFFORT! PLEASE TELL ANY BROWNS FAN YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR SITE www.seriousfans.org ****

--> The only way to get Sirius, the NFL and the Browns to consider a broadcast like this is by showing them there is a market for this . If you like the concept, if you are tired of the same old thing the networks have always given us, if you hate the disrespect the Browns get from every network sports anchor, then make some NOISE !!!

Go to our home page and VOTE!

Send your own message via one of the emails at the bottom of our home page!

Please post a message in out GUEST BOOK at the bottom of our home page!

Tell a Browns fan about the site!

BROWNS FANS, you are a powerful group, make yourselves HEARD !

Someone is bound to do this. Don't let it be some big market schmucks, or worse yet the Steelers!

4-28-6

> Thanked the 273 BB clubs presidents via email for the initial response to the site and show and begged them to share the info with their members. Hopefully 1/3 of these emails will be read.

> Our biggest break came today! Barry McBride the publisher of The Orange and Brown Report gave us his blessing to post about Serious Fans on the OBR. If anyone reading this dosent know about the OBR, it is the hottest sports website on the net for Browns and Cleveland sports coverage. Our quest to expose this idea to as many Browns fans as possible moves at light speed there as opposed to the snail pace of email. For Browns and Cleveland sports coverage there is none better!

www.theobr.com

> Hits to our site and votes sent to Serious immediately took off. Over 150 new hits with almost 60 votes in the form of email sent to Sirius to this point.

5-15-6

This posting is long overdue... I want to thank the people who have helped with this project.

First and foremost I want to thank my dad Jobie Smith. Selling this whole idea hinged on making a DVD to demo the pilot program. Without his help the DVD would never have gotten off the ground. Jobie has a regular job but his creative talents show up in the works of Mediasmiths Inc. You can email Jobie at

mediasmiths@adelphia.net . Jobie spent over 2 months and hundreds of hours working on the project at all levels. He helped me produce the material. He did ALL of the editing and post production needed to make the DVD Serious Fans: The Cleveland Edition. We spent more time together over the past few months on this project than we have in several years combined. At times we fought and argued about everything from content to the actual edits. It got ugly at times. The fruits of our labor were worth it. The DVD is a quality production, slick and professional. So THANK YOU DAD ! Mike, Beck, Stanley and I all thank you . Without your help we would not have this awesome DVD to use to pitch the show.

For most of your video production needs contact...

Jobie Smith of MediaSmiths Inc. at

mediasmiths@adelphia.net

I want to thank Mike Smith my brother. Brandon Beck and Michael Stanley, 2 of my best friends.

These guys make up the balance of the Serious Fans Boys. Without these guys there would be nothing.

I want to thank them for the inspiration and motivation to take on this project. You could not find 3 better buddies to have!

I want to thank Billy Vick, Steve and Alex Chase Guitars for helping Brandon with the sound track

for the DVD. Brandon wrote some original music to use on the DVD and these guys helped him perform and record the sound track. Thanks guys, the sound track rocks!

I want to thank Dustin Powell. Dustin works with me in the real world. One day I was talking about my web site with him and describing how I wanted to create a new logo for Serious Fans that kinda knocks off the NFL shield logo. As luck would have it Dustin has his degree in graphic design and offered to help....

Dustin came up with this logo in just a few days. It just kicks ass! Dustin Powell does freelance graphic design work. If you are interested in contacting Dustin, you can email him at dpdesign13@sbcglobal.net

Lastly I want to thank all of my friends and family for supporting me in this crazy long shot. I have taken a lot of time and attention away from you in this effort and I thank you all for your love and support.

Thank You ALL- Scott V Smith

A few pics of some tailgate fun...

9-29-6

This blog is updateing our progress in the quest to provide an alternative broadcast of play by play and color commentary of Browns games. Although this is a wild and crazy idea, it is definitely long overdue. Play by play and commentary by fans, real fans. Bias and one-sided views that only fans can give. None of that tiresome network cliché’ lines that we have heard a hundred times, made by announcers who don’t live in Cleveland and act like they don’t want to be here.

Our home page provides sound samples of our proposed show. Initially we attempted to pitch the idea to Sirius Satellite radio. Although it was like starting the first game of a season by throwing a deep throw down the middle in hopes of a touchdown, it was the logical play to call. Sirius already has the NFL package and could be our voice to the NFL for right to call each Brown’s game. Needless to say,Sirius ignored us like a fat chick at the playboy manson.

The home page gave the viewer the option to vote for or against the idea and the results were sent to Sirius Radio. Serious Fans provided evidence that there was a market for this unprecedented entertainment option that could be embraced by over 250 plus Browns Backers clubs with over 48 thousand members worldwide.

The initial response from Brown’s fans around the country has been overwhelmingly POSTIVE! This was made evident by the 98% of voters who gave us the thumbs up. Brown’s fans want an alternative to the mundane sportscasting we has always been available. There is a market for this style of play calling and commentary. Accompanying the web site and voters emails was a full length DVD that was sent to multiple powers at Sirius Radio that showed exactly what we could do, how we planned on doing it and what the benefits would be for both parties.

Although some limited conversations occurred between Sirius Radio and the Serious Fans, the vision was not realized by Sirius Satellite Radio and their interest waned.

Fortunately the Serious Fans crew did not give up the dream. They began making humorous films for The Orange and Brown Report (formally Bernie’s Insiders) web site. Barry McBride, the publisher or theOBR.com, was gracious enough to post our videos of Steeler fans, Raven fans and the hidden world of NFL Referee’s as well as other topics. This assisted the Serious Fans in keeping our quest alive, taking next step of the evolution of fan based radio.

After the Cincinnati game this year, Paul Belfi, the Founder and President of SportsTalkCleveland.com, contacted the Serious Fans and expressed interest in our concept. After lengthy discussions and intense negotiations, (Paul asked if we would like to do our show with his stations and we said yes) the two parties agreed to try this new and exciting venture.

Although the original incarnation will change due to restrictions set forth by the NFL, the Serious Fans will begin to INFOTAIN you each Brown’s game beginning Sunday, October 1st against Oakland. Assuming we do not get fired after the game (or by half time for that matter), Serious Fans: the Cleveland Edition will bring you the Browns every Sunday at game time.

We will be Controversial, Poignant, Unpredictable and Reverent. We will offer our unique and narrow point of view because anybody can offer the whole picture.

It’s time for a new era in the Brown’s information dissemination.

11/6/06

Well we have commentated four Brown’s games (Oakland, Carolina, NY Jets & San Diego) and have had a great time doing them. Brandon brings his football history to every show, which gives our show at least a little bit of credibility…Michael Smith kills the boys with his classic deadpan one liners and his impeccable impression of Dr. Phil (Beck loves to refer to him as Dr. Philth)…Scott reads out the emails with a flair only he can deliver, adding even more hysterics to the already hilarious content…his timely use of our bull horn should (and can’t) be over looked…Michael Stanley bellows out the action on the field (only after a play has been finalized as to not step on the toes of the NFL) and is sure to blow out a lung with his patented ‘Run Like The Wind’ screaming. Jimmy Haffner rounds out the crew. He runs the board with all the professionalism of Betty Ford patient…he fits in perfectly!

In these four games we have received emails from Germany, Israel, Washington State, Virginia, Florida, New York as well as a Serious Fans favorite Mike D of Canton…Mike D travels a lot and no matter where he is on Sunday, he always finds a way to email and profess his love for Dennis Northcutt. This week we expect an email from Mexico City from Mike D…the boy gets around.

As all of you know by now, this format is perfect for Browns fans outside the viewing area…it allows Browns fans to keep up with their favorite team in a way that has never been tried before…. commentary for fans by fans. It has been a hell of a ride so far and we hope to continue this adventure. Stay tuned; we’re just warming up.

mes

11-20-06

Steelers, Pissburgh, Stoolers, Squeelers, Pittspuke…no matter what you call them they find a way to break the hearts of true Browns fans. All week every media outlet, both radio & news print, jammed the memory of the 2005 Christmas Eve massacre down our throats (like we would forget the 41-0 beat down). There was smack coming form the Browns camp for the first time in recent memory. The Browns believed they would win…I believed the Browns would win. Hell, through the first three-quarters the Pittsburgh faithful believed the Browns would win.

Three interceptions from Toothlessburger, only 46 rushing yards by Willie Parker, Daven Holly taking two interceptions to the house (yes two interceptions, I don’t care what the refs say) and Cribbs doing his best impersonation of Eric Metcalf. How in the world do you lose this game? A game that would have confirmed (at least in my delusional mind) that this team had finally turned the corner.

It begins w/ no offensive touchdowns and ends w/ a tired defense allowing 224 passing yards by Rothlisjunk in the fourth quarter…but sandwiched squarely in the middle are the plays by anther team that wore black & white jerseys…cue the Twighlight Zone music…welcome to the Ref Zone.

Who ever decided to stop serving beer in plastic bottles in CBS is a genius; for yesterday surely would have been a repeat of the Jacksonville Bottle-gate.

The Browns were so rattled after being flagged for legally blocking Toothlessburger on Holly’s second interception (which goes for a touchdown), that Nick Eason gets to Rothlisjunk on the next possession for an obvious sack, but does not put his arms around Benny. He is expecting the Refs to blow the play dead to protect Toothless. The refs let it go and Benny is able to throw the ball out of bounce…saving 15 yards on the sack. Next time I hope the Browns Defense goes ‘Turkey Jones’ on Pittspukes quarterback.

Another Ref Zone moment came after the Squeelers closed the scoring gap to 3. Cribbs takes the kickoff at the Browns eight and 92 yards later finds himself in the loving arm of the Dawg Pound…doing his best impression of the Lambeau Leap seemed like a great way to get the crowd even more involved. What a beautiful sight…..FLAG! Sorry Joshua, scoring that touch down AND showing emotion at the same time is just plain un-sportsman like…15-yard penalty on the kickoff. Disgusting!

After three plus hours of screaming and cheering for the Brown & Orange, I have no voice left.

My hand hurt from all the high fives passed out to Brandon, Mike and Scott.

My head hurts from all the ‘celebrating’ during the game.

Only six days to rest up for the Cincinnati Bung-holes…I think I’ll start working on more Browns excuses now. Damn it.

mes

Postcards from the Off Season: 06-15-07

A great Draft by the Browns could bring Cleveland three first day starters and, of course, renewed optimism. The Optional Team Activities have come and gone (hey, nobody go hurt!) and mini-camp has ended (again, no injuries!!). As the greatest fans in the NFL await training camp and the signings of our draft picks, the Serious Fans are barking with activity.

Sports Talk Cleveland, owned and operated by Paul Belfi, has requested that The Serious Fans decimate the internet airwaves for all 16 Browns Games again this year. Although our format must be tweaked when “calling” the plays due to NFL rules, our resolve in bringing you the best Uncensored, Opinionated and Bias commentary of the games as they happen has never been stronger.

From the Basement - to the Studio …it just keeps getting better.

So as the crew of SF gets ready for the season, it only seems fitting to cut some new videos. With one video in post- production and soon to be released, the crew is heading for hiatus in Florida. Scott Smith, his Brother Mike and Father Jobie (as well as Scott boys Spencer and Alec) are blasting down to Daytona where FLA resident Beck will hook up for some additional videos. There will be no doubt that video’s will occur in Daytona…it may be a Serious Fans film that you can catch on our web site or you may be able to catch them on CNN…….heaven help Florida.

With optimism and excitement, the Serious Fans look forward to this upcoming Cleveland Browns season like no other. Maybe our beloved Browns have turned the corner, maybe they haven’t, regardless the Serious Fans will be ready with their unique and original show to lend our support to the greatest football franchise on the face of the earth. GO BROWNS

mes

02-01-07

Another miserable season has come to an end, finally. The browns have a long way to go in their quest to become a contender, let alone champions. a harsh reality for anyone whose blood type is "brown and orange". Yet, hope springs eternal. we are, after all, BROWNS FANS.

Which brings me to Serious Fans. A far -flung idea brought to life by four life-long browns fans. One of the coolest things I’ve ever been involved with. While we all put in a lot of hours on the project, Scott literally lost sleep. That being said, there are a lot of others that provided services and support that were integral to the Serious Fans show.

First off, Jobie Smith of MediaSmithsDigital, who I know probably put in more time than he'll admit. The one guy who we couldn't have done it without.

Barry McBride of The Orange and Brown Report/Scout.com : he called off the dawgs and let us in the gate, so to speak. His support has been immeasurable.

Paul Belfy of Sportstalkcleveland.com : the guy who was crazy enough to put us out there. Beers to you , Paul ! We’re lookin' forward to next year !

Jim Hafner : from video extra to producer of the show, he's been with us all the way.

Linda, Debby, Amy, Spencer, Alec, Anthony, Mason, Rose, Nina, Kathryn :for imposing our time on you.

Most of all, the Listeners ; the numbers don't lie, there are browns fans everywhere ! What is it that makes us love our team so? To be halfway across the world,(or perhaps in an exotic locale,or on your honeymoon), and scrambling to find an internet connection to catch you beloved team. To know that you shoud (or could), do something else,but you can't, because the browns are playing? Having to watch 'til the very last second of a very lop-sided loss. Ever blow -off a family function or a wedding for a browns game? Sure, I know you have ! You keep coming back, year after year, knowing that the team will suck. Like a moth to a flame.

Let’s face it, it's tough to be a fan of the browns. But the roots of north-east Ohio run deep.

You’re tough, resilient, and downright stubborn. You’re serious about your football, and you love your Browns.

You're a Serious Fan !

Serious Fans Blog

Game 2…New hope. 09-17-07

Well the season has begun and it began with a resounding thud. The opening day debacle threw all Browns fans back into the reality that we have endured for far too long. Competitiveness was something that other teams enjoyed...not Cleveland. After so many of us thought that this team had turned the corner, the fact that Cleveland was still the laughing stock of the NFL became obvious yet again.

As the Serious Fans entered the Studio’s of Sports Talk Cleveland for the Bengal’s game, there was an aura of concern that this was going to be another long season for the Cleveland faithful. The only thing to look forward too was the emergence of Brady Quinn. Most of us expected to see him in week two after our second string QB Derek Anderson was broken in half. But something magical happened…the Cleveland Browns looked like ‘gasp’ a real football team!

One of the most exciting games we have ever witnessed unfolded before our very eyes. Blocking, passing, catching and running…all in the same game by the Dawgs on the lake. Who knew that football was actually fun to watch? The drama was plentiful. From Anderson going from second string QB in week one to the AFC Offensive Player of the Week in week two, Chad Johnson leaping into the Dawg Pound and getting covered in beer, Jamal Lewis running for over 200 yards to Braylon and Kellen with over 100 yrds receiving each. The game was filled with great emails and plenty of high fives from the boys in the box.

So which team do we see in week three…one can only hope that this offensive production is not a fluke and that the Cleveland Browns have truly turned the corner.

mes

Game 1 Come on BROWNIES get a WIN 09-10-07

My genius idea of updating this blog after each game begins to day. I am a dumd ass. Should have known I would be depressed and anti-social today. We were opening the season against the Steelers at home. Why would I believe I would wake up today and want to write anything?

Ok, here is the game review...We still suck. It wasa bunch of boys playing against men out there yesterday. I am ready to throw Quinn to the wolves and boot Romeo.

When will this team get it together ?

svs

Game 3 The Ineptitude Strikes back 09-24-07

The Browns pull out a win against Cinci. after the beating we took in week one and we think we should handle the Raiders with ease. WRONG. The Browns lose in typical fashion, by snatching defeat from the jaws of victory at the last second.

In the first half the Browns showed up with a lethargic effort . The only thing that keep them in the game was a thrilling 99 yrd kickoff return by Josh Cribbs for a TD.

The second half was much better as the Brownies took the lead and it appeared we might get 2 wins in a row.Something that we have not experienced since 2004. Wrong again.

On a big 3rd and 35 in the 4th qtr Lamont Jordon cuts trough the Browns D like a hot knife through butter for a 37 run for a first down.

With 3 seconds left the Browns are down by 2pts and ready to kick the winning field goal. The Raiders ice them with a timeout and block the kick. Browns lose, CRAP!

svs

Game 4 All expectations exceeded! 09-30-07

Just got home from the game and my head is still ringing. What a glorious day!

A great win was enjoyed with my family and my best friends. This may be hard to believe but my sons have seen wins the last 4 times they have attended. The last time my 16 yr old saw a loss at home was bottlegate. Lucky bastards, ha. Who woulda thunk it.

My brothers sons (8 and 10) came for their first game today and got a 7:30 am taste of the muni. It was a great day!

2-2 and we should be 3-1. An 8-8 season is possible, maybe better? It is hard to remember the last time I felt this good about the Browns. Divisional wins make such a huge difference and not just in the standings. They feel so much better.

Although all logical thought would lead me to expect a loss on the road next week vs New England, I have a feeling they are due for an upset.

svs

Had to add a few pics from the Ratbird

tailgate...

Brothers, after their first browns game

Game 4 Accentuating the Positive 10-08-07

It was no surprise to anyone. The national and local media, even the most die-hard of fans knew that New England is a far superior team . Boasting a record of four wins against zero losses, they had yet to have a team put a chink in their armor. While the Browns didn’t exactly threaten the Pats, they certainly did show up to play. Which in itself, is a positive step in the right direction for this team .

In past years, the Browns would have packed it in and start to think of next week after going into halftime down 20 points. This team refused to give up, and narrowed the margin to ten points at the start of the fourth quarter. The Patriots did what champions do, answering with another touchdown drive that basically put the game away. But the Browns ,again ,would not go away quietly. DA engineered another touchdown drive culminated by a catch from none other than Tim“stone hands” Carter. The Pats then shut the door for good .

Browns fans should rejoice in the fact that this years team is making strides. While the defense is not overpowering, they have adopted the”bend but don’t break” attitude. They were certainly the toughest test New England has had to date. Randy Moss, acquired in a draft day trade, has been tearing up the league. The Browns held him to only three receptions for 43 yards. Over four games, the Pats have only punted five times. The Browns forced them to punt five times in this contest .The offense started off good, driving down the field before DA threw an interception in the end zone .A score there may have changed the face of the game. Personally, I give Chud the knock on this one, they should at least have tried to run it one time from the one. Braylon Edwards continues to shine, notching his third 100yrd game of this young season .Joshua Cribbs broke the all time kick return record for the Browns in only his third year. DA threw three interceptions in the first half, but to his credit, two of them were tipped. The fact that he rallied the troops in the third quarter ,and drove for a touchdown in the fourth to trim the lead to ten, proves that the team believes in him . He is steadily progressing into a good NFL quarterback

Next up is Miami, who is winless so far this season. How the Browns handle this game will go far in showing the league just how much they have improved. They can’t afford to come out over-confident and flat. If the Browns can go into the bye week at 3-3 , I think they’ll be considered the surprise of the league so far.

And maybe, just maybe... have a shot at the wild card. .

That would be a surprise to everyone.

SFan Beck

St Louis October 28th…SERIOUS FANS SPOOKTACKULAR!

Days before Halloween and looking for their second win in a row in the last 64 games, the Cleveland Browns did just enough to hold off the 0-7 Rams. Taking the team over .500 for the first time in the Savage/ Crennel era, the Browns did exactly what they were suppose to do, beat a weaker opponent. Down a ghastly 14 pts early, DA basically mirrored his Miami performance the previous game completing 18-25 for 248 yards and 3 touchdowns (17 on the year and behind only T Brady).

Anderson’s QB rating was 143 against St. Louis and 142.5 against Miami. Spreading the ball all over the field with precision passing, DA put the ball where only his receivers could get to it. Edwards led the team with a career best 8 spectacular catches for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns; giving him 9 on the year! Complimenting the passing game was a balanced running attack that saw Cribbs, Vickers, Harrison, Wright and Lewis run for a combined 132 yards. The Browns offense has been a thing of beauty.

At times the team shows shades of the Cardiac Kids, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the final gun. They are never out of a game and no game ever seems over. They do not panic when down early. Chud stays the course and the offense settles down into a rhythm.

But the rhythm yesterday resembled a garage band warming up more than a world class symphony. The Browns committed a ghoulish 14 penalties for 102 total yards! Not all the penalties occurred on the offense but a staggering number of false starts did occur when Cleveland held the ball. One of the penalties was called on BE who made Pro Bowl catches throughout the game but committed a horrific crime, he took his helmet off after a play to bark at the Rams faithful…15 yards for un-sportsman like conduct. Later, BE explained his actions stating he thought the quarter had ended, but unfortunately there was still :05 seconds on the clock. “Never again” he said after the game…lets hope so.

The defense was status quo again…giving up a chilling 400 yards and 24 first downs. But they stopped the Rams on two fourth down plays when they had too. Leigh Bodden’s name was called all day as the St Louis WR’s caught ball after ball against him. But Bodden ended the game on a brilliant interception from Mark Bulger.

Browns 27-Rams 20 and 4-3 on the year.

Next up: Seattle with our old friends Charlie Frye, Kevin Bentley and Brian Russell…Click In, Game On!

This blog has reported on our progress ever since we started this quest to provide this option for Browns fans. We also give our takes on the games.

11-05-07 Winning Ugly

Three wins in a row. It’s taken the Browns six years to accomplish what good teams do regularly. One versus the Dolphins, one on the road against the Rams, and a nail-biting, overtime win over the Seattle Seah awks. Never mind that two of those teams sported zeroes in the win column. In the not-so ancient past, Browns teams would have found a way to lose one, if not both. Some will argue that if the Browns were truly legit, those games wouldn’t have even been close. Cleveland did manage to emulate what good NFL teams do, though. That's win ugly, in hard fought games against scrappy teams desperate for a victory.

Against Seattle, the Browns were facing a team two years removed from a super bowl appearance. A legitimate play-off contender. A chance to prove to themselves and the league that they are for real.

While it wasn't a trhing of beauty, Cleveland managed to eke out a win in over-time. Once again, the Browns dug themselves a hole in the first half, and things did not look good. Dawson missed an extra point, Braylon Edwards dropped some very catchable passes, and Jamal Lewis was ineffective even though he did punch it in from the three for Clevelands' first score. The defense was non-existant, as the Seahawks' Bobby Engram shredded the secondary. Matt Hasselbeck was never threatened, able to step up in the pocket and make his throws unmolested. The one hi-lite for the D was a fourth and one stop that kept some points off the board. The usually reliable special teams unit got in on the lack-luster effort, allowing a 96 yard punt return for a touchdown by Nate Burleson. The Seahawks took a 21-9 lead into half-time, and would not score another touchdown in the game.

In the locker room, Romeo Crennel must have lit a fire that the sell-out crowd could not .

Cleveland took the third quarter kick-off and marched right down the field, capped off by a one yard touchdown run , Lewis' second of the day. Kellen Winslow had a key third down recption that went for 12 yards and drew an interference call inside the ten to keep the drive alive.

Seattle answered with a field goal to make the score 24-16, as the defense finally kept the 'hawks out of the end-zone. Things really got interesting when Seth McKinney went down with an injury on the Browns next drive. The O-line has been a major reason behind the Browns success this year, and faced the first injury to its starting unit. Lennie Friedman, signed as a center last year, stepped in and filled the position capably. How nice it is to have depth on the offensive line, something we haven't had since the eighties. The Browns didn't miss a beat and Lewis scored another rushing touchdown from the one, bringing the score to 24-22. The big play in the drive belonged to Winslow, as he converted a fourth and one on the Seattle 24 . Anderson delivered a short pass, and K2 drove it to the 'hawks 2 yard line. The Browns could not tie the game with a two-point conversion when DA's pass to Edwards was too low.

Seattle again drove down the field, and again the D kept the Browns in the game by only allowing a field goal, making the score 27-22. Cleveland started it's most important drive of the season by comitting two penalties that left them with a first and twenty on their own 11. Enter Joe Jurevicius, who bailed out the team with a huge reception and run that gave the Browns a first down at their 33. I can't say enough about JJ, who has delivered in the clutch time after time this year. K2 was not going to be stopped either, as he coverted a third and ten with a big catch and a bruising run to the Seattle 2. Lewis scored his fourth rushing TD of the game to finish the drive, setting up the biggest play of the season ; a two point conversion. DA took the snap and rifled one to JJ just over the goal line for a 3 point lead, 30-27, with just over two minutes left in the game.

The Seahawks refused to go away quietly, however, as they systematically drove down the field. Mo Morris, playing for the ineffective Shaun Alexander, gave the Browns faithful heartburn with a couple big runs , the last ending at the Cleveland 2. Hasselbeck spiked the ball with 2 seconds on the clock, and Josh Brown kicked the field goal to send the game into OT.

The Seahawks won the coin toss, and I believe you could hear the collective sigh from the stands. The way Seattle had moved the ball all day, not to mention that the D had been on the field for the last two minutes, did not bode well for the Browns. You could almost feel the game slipping away as Hasselbeck hit Engram twice, one for 15 yards, to put them at the Browns 48. In a rare display of pressure, the D forced the quarterback to throw it away on second down. Third and 8, Hasselbeck ran a QB draw up the middle , falling short by half a yard. Gut check time for the Browns defense, as the 'hawks decided to go for it. All day long, Seattle seemed to move the ball at will, and the Browns could not stop them. From the Seahawks point of view, it looked like a good idea. Fourth and a half -yard. Hand off to Morris , who dove into the middle of the line, only to be met with force by Sean Jones . The refs brought the sticks out for a measurement, and the crowd erupted. The Cleveland defense,which had bent all day, did not break. First down Browns, at their 43.

The biggest play of the game winning drive was a beautifully placed screen pass to J.Lewis that went for 22 yards to the Seattle 21. Anderson then scrambled for another ten yards to put Dawson in position for a 25 yard field goal. The kick was up and good, but not without a flag. This one was on Seattle, and the game was over.

DA had a career high in passing yards, going 24 / 48 for 364 yards. While he didn't throw a TD pass, he showed maturity in not trying to force anything, and throwing the ball away when necessary.He is growing before our eyes. Winslow also had a career day with 11 receptions for 125 yards. The man is simply a beast. Jamal Lewis didn't have a spectacular day, but he did have 4 rushing TD's, a career high for him.

For the second week in a row, the Browns had to come from behind. I feel that they are not even playing their best football yet, and they're 5-3. The games have not been pretty.Cleveland has, however, turned into a good NFL team. They are winning the games they're supposed to, and they're winning ugly when ther have to.

And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing .

SFan Beck

11-12-07 Wrath of Kahn came to mind...

" I'll chase him 'round the moons of Nibia and 'round the Antares Maelstrom and 'round perdition's flames before I give him up. "

One of my 2 wishes for this season will not come true. A winning season (9-7 or better) and just one victory over Pittsburgh. DAAAAAAMMMMMMNNNNN!!! If this loss was at the hands of the Pats, Colts, Cowboys or Packers I could walk away with a moral victory. The Stoolers ar definately up with that elite group this year and the Browns were right in the game till the end. Still, no moral victory for me.

The doom and gloomer in me looks ahead and imagines making the play-offs and playing them again.

We lost to them 3 times in one season one other time (see 2002) Meeting them in the play-offs this January would mean that my other wish came true.,a winning season. Ah, the never ending irony of a Browns fan. The Browns are 4 victories away from a winning season. The remaining schedule looks to be in their favor. One wish can still come true and I can only think of the impending possibility of facing the Steelers again.

Wait a minute, BOTH wishes can still come true ;-)

SVS

11-18-07 The sweep of Baltimore 07, other Rat games and The Time Before.

The first game we ever tried to call and record was against Baltimore on 01-01-06. It was the last game of a miserable 2005 season and we were hurting from the New Years Eve party the night before. We had long talked about recording our reactions and takes on a Browns game as they happened. Over 25 years of watching the Browns games together. The nail biting wins and thrilling victories to the depths of despair in championship losses and the abomination of the move. These things have shaped our obsession with the team. We thought that madness should be shared with the world. We recorded a win that day and set about making a demo and a www to pitch the idea. 22 months later we have covered live, 16 games on SportstalkCleveland.com The 2006 season was another struggle for Browns fans and it sure was hard to report on the whole mess live as it happened.

2007 ? Its been a blast from the past! Shades of the Kardiac Kids, unlikely hero's and a winning record. The feeling that any game was potentially winnable. Things we haven't seen since the time before.

This is the first time for me since the time before that it has felt like the time before. I say this because I see it in the faces of my sons during the games. The seduction of a last minute Browns win in the most unlikely fashion. They have fallen. As will many who were to young to remember the time before.

I know there was a time before the time before I am talking about. Back in the day when the Browns were a dynasty. I wonder if this feels anything like that time before ? I will never know because it was before my time. It was also before the time when a displaced Browns fan in Iraq or Portugal could listen to fans cover games live over Internet radio.

I do know this...

a Browns win feels damn good in any time and we are having one kick ass time covering them

(bonus points for a win over the Rats in a sweep) SVS

Monday 11-26-07 Getting in the groove

This win over the Texans seemed like another big step forward for the Browns. 5 wins in a row at home. Holy cow, 5 of the last 6 have been wins. They faced an average team yesterday and they handled them like they should have. A truly solid all around game . Big step forward for these Brownies. They seem to be hitting their groove.

When the season began, few expected this kind of performance, 7-4 with 5 to go. Most fans would have been happy to finish the season at 8-8, just glad for the improvement. Now, with the first game of December a week away these Browns have a real shot at the play-offs. I find myself paying attention to other games around the AFC with much more interest because as it stands right now, we are in the 2nd wild card spot. Its fun to be a Browns fan again gang.

It is also a lot of fun to be covering these games live on STC.com. We are still getting together to do what we have been doing on Sundays in the fall since we were teenagers. The only real difference is that Stanley now reports on the results of the play immediately after it has happened, and he yells a little more. Oh yeah, we are also joined by several thousand Browns fans every week who cant get the game covered any other way. We hope our coverage works for you out there. We sure enjoy bringing the games to you. Please give us your feedback on any part of the show

SVS

Most recent entries at the top of the page. To go to the beginning click here

12-04-07 The Win that Wasn’t

Two interceptions, one fumble from center, a botched fair catch, our star CB kicking a ball after a 3rd down stop, 10 penalties for 77 yrds and a touchdown to win the game as time expires (at least in the eyes of Browns fans). A tough game to watch and a tougher game to sum up.

With the Browns resembling the 1999 team and with our spirits as empty as our beer bottles at the end of the game… at least there was Doug in Detroit.

The legendary Doug, arguably the most humorous emailer in the Serious Fans arsenal, made the trip down to Cleveland to watch the game from the SportsTalkCleveland studio with the Serious Fans. And thank god he did.

As the Browns looked unprepared and lackadaisical for most of the day, Doug brought his ‘A’ game. Making quick, humorous observations on everything from Arizona ‘Rolling out the Grass’ to the Serious Fans calling our Emailers by the wrong name (sorry about that Sally in Texas).

But not even the wit of Doug ‘from’ Detroit could bring a smile to the Serious Fans or their listeners after this game…a game that the Browns have to win if they want to take that next step to respectability.

The 27-21 loss to the 5-6 Arizona Cardinals stung hours after the final play. Kellen Winslow is one great receiving tight end and should have been the hero of the game with his incredible touchdown catch with no time left on the game clock. It would have brought the Cleveland Browns an extra point away from an 8-4 record. But the zebra in the end zone says that K2 would not have come down in bounds even without two Defensive Backs slamming Winslow out of the end zone. Never mind that K2 got one foot in bounds even after the combined 400 plus lbs hit him just as he leapt and caught a perfect pass from DA. Replay would not correct the injustice of the original call.

Heartbreak in the desert!

But we thank Doug in Detroit for being Doug in Cleveland on this day and we thank all our fans for standing bye the Serious Fans and the Cleveland Browns. It’s not always easy to be a fan of the Dawgs. In fact it’s not always easy being a fan of the Serious Fans…especially when we screw up your name.

Let’s hope the Crennel and the crew can right the ship with a punishing victory over the NY Jets this Sunday.

See you all at 4:00…

Playoffs ??? Who Said Anything About Playoffs ???

That’s the attitude coming out of Berea after the Brown’s victory in Sunday, a 24-18 beating of the

J-E-T-S-Jets Jets Jets. Romeo’s taking the low road, maintaining an even keel in the locker-room..

Just trying to keep the troops focused on the next task at hand. Work Hard , and Good Things Will Happen, has been his mantra since arriving in Cleveland.

It’s paying off.

The Browns now occupy the final wild card spot at 8-5 , with three games left. Who could have possibly foreseen this ?

In what is turning into a Season Of Dreams, the Browns are growing before our very eyes .Much sooner than even the greatest of optimists could hope. Along the way, Cribbs has broken the franchise record for return yards, Edwards has tied the franchise record for TD receptions, and there is a good chance that for the first time in team history, the Browns will have two receivers with over a thousand yards AND a running back with over 1000.

Not bad for a team that was picked by many to finish dead last.

While the team continues to down-play their play-off situation, I simply can not.

The Browns now control their own fate, with two of their last three games being played at home.

The same place where the Browns have won 5,( thaaaat’s right, count ‘em ! ), in a row. Where the winter winds will be whipping the cold lake air over 70,000 crazed , play-off starved fans.

Football in Cleveland, in December, with the play-offs on the line. It just doesn’t get any better than this.

So Mr. Crennel, keep the team focused on next week, the job at hand , if you will.

Because I’m Talkin’ Play-Offs !

SFan Beck

12-19-07

There was no broadcast this past Sunday for the Bills game, because we went to it!!! When you pick tickets to 2 games a year in July, you never know what you will get. This year we got a tremendous beating delivered to the Ravens and the best winter game I have every experienced. The tailgate in the Munilot started for us 8 am when arrived in a cold light rain and ended after 4 hours of hard partying in a bilzzard. A total blast. The shot below is right before we made the treck to the stadium. The game was a battle waged in wicked conditions and the Browns iced a shutout. The only points they put up were 2 fieldgoals and a safety, 0-8 was the final. An exciting season to say the least. 9-5 on the year and 6-1 at home with the play-offs looming large. These days are long overdue.

SVS

These 2 pics below were take by a guy I know as Brownstothebone. I met him at Gene Hickersons Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton last summer, he is in our vid of the ceremony. With his permission I downloaded some pics he took Sunday. I loved these 2 here and wanted to share them.

The top one here is just hard core Browns football. That one is getting printed. The last one is the aftermath in the Muni post game. Aaaahhh it was a glorius day!

09-17-08

Sorry gang, we have been damn lazy with this here blog, so let’s blow the dust off this thing.

We pick up this season’s blog with the Brownies sitting at 0-2 and Serious Fans still at it. We are no longer doing the show from the studios of SportsTalkCleveland.com . We have built our own cheesy studios right here in Akron. The price of gas and new Internet options make it the obvious choice. The Browns didn’t win a preseason game and have gone down in less than stellar fashion to the Stoolers and the Cowboys in the season opener. The high power offense of last year is nowhere in sight and our D is young and banged up. Already there is talk of benching DA and booting Romeo. This fan base is so long overdue for a consistent winner that anything less brings out the angry mobs hungry for blood. And here we are still plugging away at covering these games live. This year there are 2 big changes to our show. You can watch the game while we call it and we are streaming this broadcast ourselves from our own basement studio. We know we are walking all over NFL copyright with this. In our defense we don’t make a dime doing this, the other thing is that we believe that we are doing the NFL a favor by showing them the inevitable future of on-line sports viewing. We plan to contact the NFL before December and show them what we are doing. We want them to consider this type of broadcast as an option in their on-line assortment of programming.

Hopefully the Browns will get the season turned around and we won’t end up in jail.

SVSwe have been dang lazywe have

09-29-08

Worse Win EVER!

It’s tough to comprehend feeling this bad after a win against our in state rival Cincinnati…but very few fans seem happy with the “W”. Cincinnati was without their Pro Bowl QB Palmer and was forced to start a QB who’s last meaningful NFL pass was in 2005…and we could only score 20 points after 5 Bunghole turnovers. The Browns are 1-3 but it sure feels like a lose.

DA got the nod from the soon to be unemployed RAC and rewarded his head coaches loyalty with a QB rating in the first half of 16….16! Time for Quinn right……not just yet. RAC had a ‘gut feeling’ (insert your own joke here) and stuck with the floundering QB the rest of the game. One good drive in the first four games drew complements from the coach…you can bet that the 1:50 in the fourth quarter where we actually scored a passing TD will get DA another start in a few weeks against the defending Super Bowl champs.

This is the second missed opportunity to get BQ some much need game time…not starting Quinn in the season ending contest against SF (the game meant nothing- win or lose) and not getting Quinn into this game appears to be a bone headed and confusing decision.

On the sidelines there were more than a few heated discussions between DA and his offensive weapons. It did not appear that dinner reservation were the subject of conversation. This is not a good sign. Perhaps #17 & #3 were discussing how cool Edwards looked during his TD celebration…nothing is more impressive than your super star WR on his knees playing air guitar to the Cincinnati faithful after his 1st TD of the season. I think he was playing ‘Smoke on the Water’. Truly embarrassing by all accounts.

Next up- the bye week. I will go out on a limb and guarantee that Cleveland will not lose a game next week, but I’ve been wrong before.

MES

09-22-08

Another week, another debacle…

The Serious Fans have said it far too often, but the saying stands true…”its Hard To Be A Browns Fan!”

Week three paired the Browns against our most hated rival The Ratbirds of Baltimore…I feel dirty just writing that.

All started out good w/ DA marching down the field and giving the Browns their first lead of the season…that’s right…first lead of the season. I hope everyone enjoyed it…by the end or the third quarter it was all over but the crying. Three interceptions by our ProBowl QB buried the Browns and Orange to the tune of 28-10. At times DA looked like a deer in headlights on state route 77 as a HASMAT truck barreled toward him. The team played w/ little enthusiasm and the results showed it. Now the Browns are 0-3 and the season of dreams has turned to a nightmare. Even with a QB rating of 22, RAC has seen fit to give DA another start against the 0-3 Cincinnati Bungholes. Seems that the future should start now with Quinn getting the nod, but Romeo is sticking to his guns. Tune in on Sunday to have a drink or ten with the Serious Fans and find out how the Browns match up against another crap hole of a team.

Its hard to be a Browns fan…but what choice do we have.

Click In---Game On

10-14-08

Making my list of top 5 things that are spectacular events if you are a Browns fan is, (drum roll please)… An unexpected dominating win over a much higher rated opponent (#1 in fact) on MNF.

I have to put that one in my Top Five Spectacular “Browns “ Events. There aren’t many things more satisfying than to sit down at the beginning of a Browns game and have the exact opposite happen when you are prepared to be pummeled. Monday night the Browns did just that.

Stanley and I started calling this game with the full expectation that we were in for 3 hours of hell (see games 1-3.75 this season). After 30+ yrs of shitty breaks, cynical would be one of the words you could use to describe us. Who could blame us? After a 1-3 start, and frankly a sub-crappy performance buy the entire team to this point in the season, we were expecting to get drilled by the undefeated Super Bowl Champions in our house on MNF.

The Browns didn’t just win; they pretty much dominated all phases of the game. You couldn’t ask for a bigger unexpected turn of events. We haven’t seen a win like this since, heck I really can’t remember a win this unexpected on this big of a stage.

Ahhh, the life of a Browns fan. Just when you are ready to walk out on the ledge of despair and hurl yourself into the abyss of resignation, over yet another season of dashed hopes, the Brownies pull you back with a giant win.

(Edit to add the remainder of my Top 5 List of Spectacular “Browns” Events. Most of these are only imagined.)

Win the SB

Win the AFC championship game

Make the playoffs

Beating Pittsburgh

An unexpected dominating win over a much higher rated opponent on MNF.

11-25-08

Today we finally dumped our gamescast concept in the lap on the NFL. The letter below was sent

to all the top executives in the NFL. We hope they understand.

This message is to inform the National Football League of a special broadcast that we will be streaming this Sunday. We ask that you tune in to consider this new broadcasting format for fans who would like another option during game day.

Today we are finding more and more people using the Internet to rebroadcast live NFL games without the NFL’s consent. There are hundreds of people streaming games every week with tens of thousands of viewers. With so many people utilizing this medium (even when the game is available on TV) it only seems logical to embrace this situation, and the Serious Fans think they have the answer.

Play by play and commentary by fans, for fans.

The concept of the Serious Fans has been to have a group of fans in every NFL city calling the games for their favorite team. It gives the viewer an opportunity to interact while the game is in progress, while getting a perspective of the game that only a real fan of a team can give. Fans have heard the same things repeated by retired athletes and traditional sportscasters for decades. Even though this traditional methodology continues to prove successful, the Serious Fans believe there is room for another style.

NASCAR has achieved this with the option of watching your favorite driver and crew on different channels. European soccer gives its audience the choice of listening to your favorite team play by play from other fans or from the national announcers. The NFL could add this Internet alternative to its arsenal with minimal effort and expense. By adding this type of programming the NFL would not only offer another option to its loyal fan base, but also directly challenge the unauthorized Internet use of its product.

Over the past three seasons the Serious Fans have tested this theory. By taking a ‘niche marketing’ approach, we have found a sizable group of fans that truly enjoy a one sided and biased account of the game. With minimal advertising this venture will attract additional fans to the NFL. We believe it will have a similar effect on football as the X-Games had on sports in general.

In our first two seasons we called the Cleveland Browns games in a radio format. We averaged 7500 listeners per show. This year we are streaming our game cast in a television format. Over 100,000 people have clicked in this year with rave reviews. This has been achieved through word of mouth with a zero advertising expense. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive. We have not received a single negative comment in the thousands of emails sent to us during our broadcasts. Even the opponent’s fans in our chat rooms stay tuned in for the whole game.

We are not polished pitchmen, just simple blue-collar fans with what we think is a great idea. We are approaching the National Football League directly with this idea and simply asking that you look at the format and consider this type of alternative broadcasting for games in the future. In the quest to grow your audience and gain new markets, we believe this idea will only enhance the NFL experience.

This Sunday November 30th, for the Browns v Colts game, we will be showcasing our format. We ask that you click in on our show and get you game covered in a whole new way …www.seriousfans.org

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely

Scott Smith

Mike Stanley

Brandon Beck

Michael Smith

scott@seriousfans.org

12-04-08

We want to thank everyone for your support of our efforts. We have made many new friends with this venture. Thousands of you have emailed us these past 3 years with great takes and very kind words about what we are doing. Your support resoundingly confirms that this concept works and is long overdue. We still feel every team in the NFL should have this option available to hardcore fans that want a different game experience. What we know matters not.

The NFL seems to have no interest in our testing that shows the potential this derivative of traditional game commentary and play by play has. So its a wrap!

Thanks gang its been a blast Mike, Jim, Mike, Scott and Brandon!

Go Browns