Monthly Archives: September 2020

Browns sign Dontrell Hilliard to active roster

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The Cleveland Browns have signed running back and return man Dontrell Hilliard form the practice squad.

When return man JoJo Natson tore his ACL it created an opening on the active roster. The Browns may have filled that roster spot by signing Dontrell Hilliard from the practice squad. Cleveland also re-signed linebacker Montrel Meander to the practice squad.

Dontrell Hilliard had plenty of experience when returning kicks last season for the Browns. Hilliard returned 15 kickoffs for 107 yards and 17 punts for 421 yards in 2019. The problem is that Hilliard really isn’t a good returner. The experience that Hilliard has in that role is a bonus, but he really doesn’t have any feel for the position. There were multiple times that Hilliard returned a kick he shouldn’t have last season and it only put the offense in a bad position. The Browns would be better off signing Ryan Switzer who visited on Tuesday instead of going back to Hilliard as their return man.

With A Jimmmitude: Wednesday 9/30/20

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With A Jimmmitude post for Wednesday, September 30, 2020: Thoughts about the MLB Playoffs and the NBA Finals.

1. Home Field Advantage?

Only one home team won on Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Rays. Minnesota, Cleveland, and Oakland all lost and any sort of home field advantage is being tested after only one game. Now three teams who were the higher seed in the first round of the playoffs could be eliminated today. If home field advantage is going to be a thing in the first round of the playoffs it has to start today.

2. National League Playoffs begin

The American League got the spotlight on Tuesday, but the National League begins Wednesday. Three intriguing matchups and one that seems to be a foregone conclusion, let’s start there. The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking on the Milwaukee Brewers in a series that should be an easy win for L.A. Stranger things have happened, but a Dodgers win seems like a lock.

Now for the intriguing matchups. Reds vs. Braves, Marlins vs. Cubs, Cardinals vs. Padres. These series could really go either way, the differences between these teams do not appear to be as large as the difference between the Brewers and Dodgers. Any upset that occurs with these teams would not be surprising in the least bit. Let the chaos begin.

3. NBA Finals

Lakers and Heat, what matchup for the 2020 NBA Finals. Will LeBron James be able to win his fourth ring and build his legacy? Can the Los Angeles Lakers win another title in what would be a fitting tribute to Kobe Bryant? Can Jimmy Butler change the narrative that has surrounded him throughout his career and build a legacy of his own? Whatever happens in The Finals it is sure to be entertaining. It feels like the Lakers should win, but never count out the Heat. Miami just has that feel of a championship caliber team, but the Lakers seem to be a team of destiny.

Shane Bieber subpar in playoff debut

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Shane Bieber allowed 7 runs on 9 hits in just 4.2 innings in his disappointing playoff debut for the Cleveland Baseball Club.

Subpar, lackluster, disappointing, falling short of expectations. All of these can describe the playoff debut of Shane Bieber. The New York Yankees looked locked in on Shane Bieber and were not really fooled by much. Whether it was poor quality stuff, bad locations, tipping pitches, the performance was not up to the level required to win a playoff game.

Shane Bieber was not the only Cleveland pitcher to struggle against the Yankees lineup. Adam Cimber allowed 3 runs on 2 hits in just two thirds of an inning. Cam Hill allowed 2 runs on 3 hits in 2 innings. New York took advantage time and time again of Cleveland’s pitching staff and they really didn’t have an answer. The Yankees hit 4 home runs (2 apiece off of Bieber and Hill) and just mashed from beginning to end.

There was no way Cleveland was going to win this game considering that New York had more runs than Cleveland had hits (12-8). Not only was the pitching a problem, the offense was not able to keep up with New York’s. Now Cleveland is on the brink of elimination and they face a tough pitcher in Masahiro Tanaka. The last time Cleveland faced Tanaka in the playoffs he shut them out over 7 innings allowing only 3 hits. This is not a good omen for a team facing a win or go home situation.

Ryan Switzer visits Cleveland Browns

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Former Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and return man Ryan Switzer visited the Cleveland Browns Tuesday.

The Cleveland Browns are apparently looking at external options to replace the injured JoJo Natson as the teams return man. Ryan Switzer visited the Browns on Tuesday according to reports.

Ryan Switzer has spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers in his three-year career. Most of his production has come as returner in the NFL. Switzer has returned 67 punts for 537 yards and 1 touchdown and 63 kickoffs for 1,373 yards. The former North Carolina Tar Heel has contributed in the passing game (50 receptions, 321 yards, 1 touchdown), but considering the offense Cleveland runs this is not where they would utilize him. It would be as the primary return man, a position where a replacement is now needed.

With A Jimmitude: Tuesday Thoughts 9/29/20

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First post of a new format. The With A Jimmmitude title will be used for a daily blog of thoughts and miscellaneous opinions about sports.

Monday Night Football shows difference between Chiefs and Ravens

Everyone knows that the Baltimore Ravens are a good team. Monday just showed the difference between a good team and a great team. It is performances like Lamar Jackons’s 15-28 for 97 yards which question his ability as a passer. While criticism is warranted, let’s not get carried away. Jackson has a lot of room to improve as a passer, but his performance Monday was not indicative of his true talent level.

As far as Patrick Mahomes goes, my birthday bud is that dude. Mahomes looks like he wants to win another MVP and if he can keep playing like this it is certainly in the cards. Mahomes completed 31 of 42 passes for 385 yards and 4 touchdowns in what looked like an easy win over Baltimore.

Congrats to the Tampa Bay Lightning

Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Lightning on winning their second Stanley Cup in franchise history. Growing up in Michigan while the then Pistons owner also owned the Lightning. Because of this I always felt a bit of an overlap even though it is Red Wings country. Also, when the Lighting won the Stanley Cup in 2004, the Pistons defeated the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Dream about the MLB postseason and World Series

So the other night I had a dream about the MLB postseason, more specifically the World Series. I was in my house sitting on my couch with my dogs getting ready to watch Game 7 of the 2020 World Series. I looked up at the TV and saw the logos of the two teams playing in the World Series. It was the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs, a rematch of 2016.

There are reasons why I mentioned my house, my couch, and my dogs. It is show that I am not reliving a memory from four years ago. My dogs are only 1.5 years old, so that is self explanatory. Not only did I not own my current house, I didn’t live in house the last time Cleveland was in the World Series. Also, I didn’t even live in Ohio, I lived in Michigan. And as far as the couch goes, I have only had that couch while living in this house.

While it may not be all that likely that this happens, it would be pretty strange. Not only Cleveland and Chicago meeting again the World Series, but going seven games again. On one hand I would like to be someone who can predict the future and see this happen. On the other hand another Game 7 against the Cubs would cause Twitter to be a complete dumpster fire.

Jose Ramirez is AL Player of the Month

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Cleveland Baseball Club third baseman Jose Ramirez is the American League Player of the Month for September.

In August the Cleveland Baseball Club had the American League Pitcher of the Month in Shane Bieber. Now in September, they have the American League Player of the Month in Jose Ramirez.

Jose Ramirez was on an absolute tear in September which has helped his AL MVP candidacy. Ramirez slashed .366/.453/.841/.1.294 with 10 home runs, 9 doubles, 24 RBI, and 2 stolen bases during the month of September. This hot streak carried the Cleveland Baseball Club into the playoffs and could come in hand as they take on the New York Yankees in the first round. Cleveland could be a scary team if Ramirez is able to keep up this production in the postseason.

This Is Believeland Podcast Ep. 48: Elaine Shircliff

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This Is Believeland Podcast Episode 48: Previewing the upcoming MLB Postseason with Elaine Shircliff. We discuss which teams we think will win and could go on a run.

MLB Postseson preview with Elaine Shircliff by This Is Believeland

NFL Week 3 thoughts and observations

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The third week of the NFL season did not disappoint. There were quite a few talking points from the week that caught my eye and I have some thoughts on them.

1. The Mitchell Trubisky era in Chicago is over

This was going to happen sooner or later, Mitchell Trubisky is out and Nick Foles is in. Once the switch was made it has to be permanent. Matt Nagy cannot go back and forth like a yo-yo with his quarterbacks and end up with ineffective performances from Mitch and Big Dick Nick. Best of luck to Mitchell Trubisky and his future endeavors as his time as the starting quarterback of the Chicago Bears appears to be over for good. Perhaps another NFL team is willing to take a chance on the former second overall pick.

2. Another disastrous ending for the Falcons and Dan Quinn

The Atlanta Falcons are cursed. Another heartbreaking loss and Dan Quinn is squarely on the hot seat. Entering the 4th quarter Atlanta was up 26-10 and the aforementioned Bears made a change at quarterback. Chicago proceeded to score 20 unanswered points and the Falcons are left just standing there drenched in failure yet again. Making a coaching change midseason might not do anything, but what we’ve seen so far from Dan Quinn has been unacceptable on so many levels.

3. Josh Allen elite?

When evaluating Josh Allen before the draft it was quite evident that he was a quarterback that was going to take some time to develop. Simply looking at numbers or grades or whatever advanced stats that some treat as gospel was not going to give an accurate representation of what Josh Allen was going to be. To quote clown show Mel Kiper Jr., “Stats are for losers”. Just kidding, sort of. Josh Allen was going to take time, but anyone who understands football saw the potential and upside with Allen. After 3 weeks Allen is 2nd in passing yards (1,038), 2nd in TD passes (10), 8th in completion percentage (71.1%), and 4th in QBR (86.1). Sure, Allen will make the occasional mistake or hilarious play, but the fact of the matter is he is among the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now.

4. Doug Pederson: Gutless

Remember when Doug Pederson released a book titled “Fearless”? Fun times. Apparently he is no longer fearless as his decision making at the end of the overtime period was not only confusing, it was gutless. Pederson was perfectly comfortable settling for the tie rather than trying to win, hardly the attitude that should be present in the NFL. Philadelphia should have defeated the Cincinnati Bengals easily, but a 23-23 tie was the final result. Doug Pederson should be embarrassed by this result. Maybe he should take some time this week and channel some of his previous fearless energy, because right now it is non-existent.

Shane Bieber starts Game 1 for Cleveland

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Future American League Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber will take the mound for Cleveland in Game 1 vs. the New York Yankeees.

The Cleveland Baseball Club is hosting the New York Yankees in the first round of the MLB Playoffs. It will be a battle of Aces as Shane Bieber starts for Cleveland and Gerrit Cole starts for New York.

Shane Bieber has a pretty impressive track record against the Yankees in the past. Tyler Wade and Luke Voit are really the only bats in the lineup who have made him pay. Wade is 2-3 with a double and Voit is 1-2 with a double and 2 RBI. DJ Lemahieu is also 1-2 with a run driven in. In regards to the big bats in the lineup Bieber has kept them quiet. Gleyber Torres, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez are a combined 0-8 when facing Bieber.

Something worth noting when it comes to Shane Bieber. The last time the Yankees saw Bieber he was not the current version of himself. Bieber has taken a massive step forward which has led to him being a near lock for the AL Cy Young and even is getting MVP consideration. Shane Bieber even completed the MLB pitching Triple Crown so it is safe to say that they will have a much tougher test than their previous matchups.

The Yankees will start Gerrit Cole and in the past he has been an absolute nightmare for Cleveland. As a team they are slashing .089/.159/.128/.287 in 60 at-bats against Cole. Francisco Lindor is 1-10, Roberto Perez is 1-11, Jose Ramirez is 1-7, and Carlos Santana is 1-6. Delino DeShields, Austin Hedges, Cesar Hernandez, Oscar Mercado, and Tyler Naquin are a combined 0-14 with 5 strikeouts. While Cole has allowed an alarming amount of home runs this season (14 in 12 games), the track record from Cleveland does not necessarily indicate they will have the same success as the AL and NL East opponents Cole faced this season.h

Game 1 is scheduled to start at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday.

JoJo Natson out for year with torn ACL

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver and return man JoJo Natson tore his ACL in the Week 3 win over Washington and is out for the season.

JoJo Natson has tore his ACL in the Cleveland Browns Week 3 win over Washington and will miss the remainder of the season.

The 2020 season was the first for JoJo Natson in Cleveland. Natson returned 3 kickoffs for 25 yards and 1 punt for 31 yards.

With Natson out, Cleveland will have to find another returner for the remaining 13 games. D’Ernest Johnson is an option as is rookie Donovan Peoples-Jones. Johnson has limited experience in this role and could be who Cleveland goes with. On the other hand Peoples-Jones is more exciting option and seems like the perfect replacement for Natson. Peoples-Jones returned plenty of kickoffs during his time at Michigan can could step into that role for the Browns.