The week ahead: Here we go!!!!!!!!!!

[Boltblogger]

Throughout the preseason, I have been preaching patience. I've focused on the merits of taking the preseason for what it is...glorified practice sessions.

I've emphasized waiting for the real deal: Sept. 12.

Here we go Brownies, here we go: WOOF WOOF!!!!!

Now we get to see the reality. Now we get to see what our team really has.

Rogers is back in practice. We have waves of linebackers ready to pummel the opponent. McDonald is gone, and Hillis is ready to handle the load as our durable, 20-plus carries a game running back. Jake is ready to shut up the kiddies at KNR.

Just a few more days to wait. And to top that off, we could still pick up some players who will bolster the roster.

We have a better Browns team than this time last year. There is no doubt about that. As far has how that converts to wins and losses, we are about to find out.

And that, my fellow Browns fans, has been well worth the agonizing 6-week wait.

The time has come. Enjoy.

[hiwaygal]

It's been a very long off-season...

[Sez.EJ]

Tampa is favored by 3. I'd probably take that IF I were a gambling man.

[Boltblogger]

Too long. I'm sitting here watching Boise State and Virginia Tech...great game! Still, doesn't have the emotional ties that Browns-Bucs will have. Fun to watch, but I'll still be able to sleep no matter the outcome.

Next Sunday night, not so sure.

[Shep]

The Bucs are favored? Yeesh. They farging blow.

[Vegasdogg]

Originally Posted by Sez.EJ

Tampa is favored by 3. I'd probably take that IF I were a gambling man.

Home field advantage gets 3 points off the bat.

[Dan in Florida]

I was doing a little research on the Tampa game. I was curious if it will be BLACKED OUT in Tampa. According to the online newspapers (such as TampaBay.com), YES...it will be the Bucs 1st blacked out (regular season) game since 1997 for one of their home games. The Bucs did buy some tickets last year to avoid blackouts. The newspapers predict a half full stadium.

There should be PLENTY of Browns fans there. The west coast of Florida has many OHIOANS....of course, my wife and I will be there!

Also, in the Newspaper, they were talking about Jake Delhomme. They said that since Jake was with the Panthers (in the same division as Tampa), that Jake would know the Bucs defense better than the Bucs players. I just thought it was an interesting observation.

[ThankyouFather]

Originally Posted by hiwaygal

It's been a very long off-season...

Ya because usually by week 6 we know our season is over, lets hope this year is different.

[Sez.EJ]

Last years offseason started when DA started playing QB.. we knew our season was over.. so it's been the longest offseason in history. (other than when we went to baltimore..but I'm blocking that out)

[Boltblogger]

A fresh start, especially with new QBs, is a welcomed one, for sure. I don't think we'll be embarrassed by anybody this year, and that includes the squealers, bungles and peckerheads. Oh, and I'll go on record right now: the Jets are overrated.

There. I said it. Felt good.