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Cleveland Browns
The first game of the NFL season kicks off in a little more than 24 hours, and we'd be lying if we said we weren't at least a little excited. Pro football can be a messy affair at times -- see the entire labor battle during the offseason -- but it's a glorious sport at its heart. Most every team's fan base has something to look forward to this weekend, although Colts fans may be dreading a future without Peyton Manning after the news that he'll miss at least his first game with a neck injury.
- Rank: Is Peyton Manning still in the MVP race? | Which are football's best teams?
- Vote: Which teams are the favorite to win each division?
Best game?
There are a lot of good matchups in Week 1 of the NFL's 2011 regular season. Steelers-Ravens, for example, could be a preview of a future AFC playoff game.
Colts without Manning?
Peyton Manning is out for an undetermined amount of time. This could be a prime opportunity for other teams to break Indianapolis' stranglehold on the AFC South.
AFC East
The Patriots responded to their 14-2 record last season by signing or trading for several marquee names. Are they good enough to beat the Jets?
AFC North
The Steelers fell just short of winning the Super Bowl last season, as their vaunted defense wasn't able to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
AFC South
Peyton Manning took a pay cut in order for the Colts to keep some of their key players, but is it enough for Indianapolis to win the AFC South?
AFC West
There's a brewing quarterback controversy in Denver, with Kyle Orton delaying the seemingly inevitable succession of Tim Tebow to the starting job. Can the Broncos compete with Orton?
NFC East
The Eagles made a number of humongous moves this offseason, including trading Kevin Kolb and signing Nnamdi Asomugha. Are they the team to beat in the NFC East?
NFC North
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers on an incredible run to a Super Bowl title last year. Are they the favorites in the NFC North once again?
NFC South
The Saints looked to make another deep run at a Super Bowl, but were stunned by the lowly Seahawks. Are they still an elite team?
NFC West
Speaking of the Seahawks, they won the NFC West despite a 7-9 record. Will they sneak into the playoffs once more?
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
Take part in the 2011 NFL survey
2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
Take part in the 2011 NBA survey
2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
The AFC North sent the Steelers and the Ravens to the playoffs, both owners of 12-4 records and generally considered excellent all-around teams. The Browns and Bengals, on the other hand, continue to wallow in a swampland of below-.500 seasons. What grade would you give each team in the AFC North for the 2010 season? Cast your vote now!
AFC Grades: East | South | West | NFC Grades: East | North | South | West
Cincinnati Bengals
Carson Palmer had both Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco to throw to this season, but the Bengals couldn't take advantage of that combination.
Cleveland Browns
Even with the breakout performance of Peyton Hillis and the emergence of Colt McCoy as a potential star, the Browns were mired in awfulness.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens fell short in their four losses by a combined total of 16 points -- four more TDs and we'd be talking about Baltimore's quest to go 19-0.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers went 3-1 without Ben Roethlisberger, losing only one close game to the Ravens during Big Ben's suspension.
- Vote: Have the Cleveland Browns really turned the corner?
- Rank 'Em: Where does Colt McCoy rank among NFL quarterbacks?
- More from ESPN.com: What are the best franchises in pro sports without titles?
- Chat: Football Outsiders' Bill Barnwell, 1 ET | Scouts Inc.'s Gary Horton, 4 ET
Hope, thy name is Colt McCoy. Look, there's a low standard for hope when you've been working with Tim Couch, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn and Jake Delhomme.
The Browns' rookie quarterback wasn't great Sunday (we'll reserve that label for running back Peyton Hillis and his 184 rushing yards), but he did enough to help guide the Browns to a 34-14 win against the Patriots. That gives McCoy wins against the Saints and Patriots this season and gives fans in Cleveland reason for hope -- especially in comparison to other franchises still searching for it (and watching defensive tackles kick extra points).
No franchise has more wins without a Super Bowl title than the Eagles. No franchise has more Super Bowl losses without a win than the Bills and Vikings. But is there a fan base you'd rather see celebrate than the loyal fans in Cleveland?
“If you have never seen Colt McCoy play football, you must. It is like looking into the face of God, and seeing him smiling back saying, "you are my most wonderous creation."
” -- esbensegal
“Not happy with the result but I'm happy for Browns fans. Kind of fit in the Red Sox, Cubs bucket--great fans who are undeservedly punished. I do hope the Browns step up especially as I can't stand the other teams in your division.
” -- seattlenwcat
- Vote: Who will be the Ravens' most productive receiver?
- Rank 'Em: What will the AFC North standings look like this season?
- Great Debate: Can Ochocinco and T.O. coexist? | Vote on the dynamic duo
- Chat: AFC North blogger James Walker, 4 ET | Former Steelers RB Jerome Bettis, 3:15 ET
Who knew the Bengals would be the model of stability in the AFC North? Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens seem to be getting along just fine -- they're launching a combined reality show, in fact -- and the preseason offered little in the way of headlines.
The rest of the division? Well, that's where it gets interesting.
The Ravens made a splash Monday by adding T.J. Houshmandzadeh to a depth chart that already includes Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason and Donte' Stallworth. The Browns are dealing with Montario Hardesty's season-ending knee injury and the Steelers are turning to third-stringers from Oregon at quarterback (thankfully for the city's fans, Dennis Dixon and not Akili Smith or Joey Harrington).
Kevin (OH)
JW, love the blog...who's been the biggest surprise (or disappointment) in the preason?
AFC North blogger James Walker
Browns QB Jake Delhomme has played very efficient football. I don't think the Browns could ask for a better preseason. They just need it to continue. Full transcript
Ricky (Cincinnati)
With Greshaim and Shipley, How would you rate the Bengals draft and where do you see them finishing the season?
Mel Kiper
I gave them a B grade the same day of the draft. That was my gut reaction. I think that's about right. Gresham is talented if he stays healthy. Shipley is quick. Not fast, but quick. He can return some kicks. He's a football player. The solid B is about right. The offense can be helped by them. As far as the season, I think the Ravens are the clear cut favorite to win and the Bengals are vying for that second spot. The Bengals will be in the mix for a wild card. Full transcript
- Rank 'Em: Who are the greatest players in Cleveland's pro sports history?
- More from ESPN.com: ESPN Travel's guide to the wonders of Cleveland.
For Cavaliers fans, the first stage will be denial. As NBA free agency begins and suitors from Chicago, Miami and New York officially come calling on LeBron James with offers of very-told riches and rosters that don't include Mo Williams, Delonte West or the ghost of Shaquille O'Neal, fans in Cleveland will convince themselves there is a plan to keep the city's greatest treasure. SportsNation blogger unklerob lays it out.
- "So what are the Cavs to do but lay back -- maybe they DO know what they are doin', maybe Bron and Melo have it worked out that in '11 Melo links up with Bron in Cleveland. I mean if Karl leaves what are Melo's ties to the Nuggs? Chauncey is gettin' old K.Mart is beat up JR Smith ain't seen a shot outside the building he doesn't like and won't take. Maybe Melo sees the easeiest road to a title is from east to west instead of banging his head against the western wall." -- Read unklerob's full post.
But should the day come that LeBron parts company with his not-quite-hometown, anger will surely be ushered in as the second stage of grief -- anger at both star and team.
- "The closer we get to July 1st the more of a joke I think the Cavs organization is. They have had ample time to put a plan together for keeping Lebron and seem to be far from doing so. It is almost as though they haven't put any thought into helping Bron on the court and have put all their eggs into the basket that Bron wants to stay in Cleveland more than anything and wants to win in Cleveland." -- Read greg_g74_pt.2's full post.
As for bargaining, depression and acceptance, well, Cleveland fans have some experience with these things. Just ask Art Modell, John Elway, Earnest Byner and Michael Jordan.
What about the rest of SportsNation? If the day LeBron signs elsewhere shapes up as the worst day in Cleveland sports history, what's the worst day in your city's sports history?
- Rank 'Em: How do you rank all 32 NFL teams on their 2010 selections?
- Rank 'Em: Will quarterbacks rule the 2011 draft? Rank your big board!
- More from ESPN.com: Complete draft coverage, including Kiper's grades
We can only assume that after completing Monday's chat with SportsNation, Mel Kiper has already been spirited away to a secret, undisclosed location to continue breaking down film on Delaware quarterback Pat Devlin and Northeastern running back John Griffin (yes, we've been playing with Colonial Athletic Association stats again). The 2010 NFL draft is in the books, grades have been handed out and now the real fun begins -- contract negotiations!
SportsNation bloggers were particularly roused by the four big-name quarterbacks selected in the first three rounds.
- "Through Jimmy Clausen's 2010 draft fall, the Panthers and Clausen seem ready to oust Moore at the first sign of trouble. And it's okay, because the entire Panthers nation has something to smile about: our fallen gem, our QB that perhaps will one day prove to be the best QB from this year's draft." -- Read bravesgirl85's full post
- "Most of McCoy's criticisms are the same ones we have heard in the past with other Mike Holmgren project QBs. Size and deep passing ability were questioned as well with the likes of Steve Young, Joe Montana, and Matt Hasselbeck. McCoy is in the perfect system to hone his skills and use his strengths to his advantage." -- Read thedudebabcock's full post
- "So, why was Tebow drafted in the first round? Because he's shown every year that he strives to be great, and he's not afraid to do everything he can to get better. I saw Jamarcus Russell up close at LSU. Too many people compare these two guys. Look, Jamarcus was big and had a big arm, and only one productive season. He was and still is a poor leader, driven by ego, and all about the money and NFL lifestyle. Tebow is the exact opposite: great leader, driven by success, and all about FOOTBALL." -- Read jdebose004's full post.
- "I am excited that we got Bradford, but I feel he doesn't have a chance to succeed with the offensive talent he inherited. Therefore we should have taken the trade from the Browns so we could eventually plug a QB in and go to the playoffs. I feel like we are going backwards." -- Read smonee64's full post.
Eric (Chicago)
Mel, what did you think of the Dan LeFevour pick to the Bears? I thought all along he was the 2nd best QB in the draft.
Mel Kiper
I liked the Bears draft. I liked the pick. I think 3-4 years down the road he can help you. You'll know in the next two years if Cutler is the answer there. I like the Wright pick, they needed help at safety. Wootton was a first round pick a few years ago, but had the injury. I gave them a B grade. Full transcript
Clay (Charlotte)
Mel, can you give us some insight on why the Panthers drafted Clausen and Pike? I think Clausen was a steal, but why draft two developmental QBs?
Mel Kiper
Where you get Pike, you invest minimal time and money into him. You can always develop a young QB and trade him. You can develop him and turn him into a career backup. If they had a 2-3 round grade on Pike and he was there in the 6th round, they might have just decided to pick another QB. He's a good QB. He's got the height. He has a lot to learn after coming out of the QB friendly system at Cincinnati. Full transcript
It's just like the census, only this one is fun and doesn't come in the mail. And nobody from FOX News or MSNBC will yell at you about it. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2010 MLB survey
2009 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 1)
2. Milwaukee Brewers (Overall: No. 7)
3. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 16)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 23)
5. Philadelphia Phillies (Overall: No. 24)
Take part in the 2010 NFL survey
2009 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Overall: No. 3)
2. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 13)
3. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 14)
4. Tennessee Titans (Overall: No. 15)
5. New England Patriots (Overall: No. 19)
Take part in the 2010 NBA survey
2009 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 5)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 9)
3. New Orleans Hornets (Overall: No. 12)
4. Houston Rockets (Overall: No. 17)
5. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 18)
Take part in the 2010 NHL survey
2009 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Carolina Hurricanes (Overall: No. 2)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 4)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 6)
4. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 8)
5. St. Louis Blues (Overall: No. 10)
- Vote: Will LaDainian Tomlinson help Jets? | Will Brady Quinn succeed with Broncos?
- AFC bloggers: West's Bill Williamson | North's James Walker | East's Tim Graham
The Jets sign a future Hall of Famer in LaDainian Tomlinson, and he might not even be the best player they got from the Chargers this month. The Browns? Well, we imagine season tickets are just flying off the shelves with Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme in the house.
Mike Holmgren is in charge of the Browns, but a Browns fan says the faithful in Cleveland are used to channeling Norman Dale when it comes to authority figures. As in, "I would hope you would support who we are -- not who we are not." So is Eric Mangini Shooter?
- "Then they traded for Seneca Wallace, who seemed to be good at little more than keeping the curtain up. Fine. A backup. All right. Then came Jake Delhomme, a veteran who's best days are likely behind him. A better backup, maybe? Put Brady on the trading block to keep him on his toes, or if someone can be duped into overpaying for him. ... But this? A sixth in next year's draft, a conditional pick in 2012 and a fullback? What are you going to get with that sixth round pick? A backup safety? That's what our hopes were worth?" -- Read SNight322's full post.
“Statistically, Tim Couch was a better QB over his first 14 games than Quinn has been. Sad but true.
” -- Henta469
“LT is a much better receiver out the backfield than TJ and it would not surprise me if he gets most of the downs as the lone back on passing plays. I can only imagine how much more damage he can do given the chance to work behind the Jets O-line.
” -- heyjacleu
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