It has come to my attention that I am slacking in my duties as the "Webmaster" for the Sarasota chapter of the Cleveland Browns Backers Worldwide. It's true - I have. To club members past, present and future - I apologize for this lapse. To the visitors of this site I'd like to assure you that we still exist and are even growing.
Like most everyone, I have a regular job that demands a lot of my time and in these days of a rough economy, I tend to get distracted from managing this task of maintaining an up-to-date web site. When I started this site - back when the Browns were reborn - I was gung-ho! 8 years of heartbreak and frustration have tempered my excitement for the team somewhat.
Last year, in particular, was deflating for me. First, the Cleveland Cavaliers make an improbable run to win the Eastern Conference Championship only to get swept in the NBA Finals. Second, the Cleveland Indians make an awesome run to their post season only to completely meltdown after going up 3 games to 1 against the Red Sox in the ACLS.
Then the Browns... I mean, come ON! How many teams miss the playoffs after a 10 and 6 season?!? Don't get me wrong, last season was exciting, but it was hollow.
What was most frustrating is that it wasn't that they didn't win enough games - they didn't win the RIGHT (or lose)games. If the Browns would have beat Cincinnati (Browns lost 19-16 - to Cinci-freakin'-nati) and lost to San Francisco (Browns won 20-7) they would have been in the playoffs! They could have even won the Division! Additionally, If the Browns could have beat Pittsburgh ONCE last season, they would have OWNED the division!
As if to showcase my frustration, 6 days after shellacking the Superbowl Champion New York Giants 35-14 on Monday night only to flounder offensively and lose a defensive struggle against the Washington Redskins 14-11. This game was highlighted by about 6 stone-handed drops by Braylon Edwards and about the same number of passed tipped at the line of scrimmage by a 6'6" Derrick Anderson.
None of this changes the fact that I've been slacking on keeping this web site updated. But as I write this the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays have won the American League Pennant. In the time that the "New" Browns have been in existence, Tampa Bay has won the Stanley Cup, the Super Bowl and now they're going to the World Series.
Let me make this clear - I love the Browns - I always will. I love all things Cleveland. But my enthusiasm has waned a bit over the last year. It's no excuse. That said, I want to reaffirm my commitment to this web site and to the Sarasota Browns Backers.
To Browns fans in the Sarasota Area - I hope you'll join us each week at Findaddy's to watch the games. There is no "Membership" required - just a passionate love for Cleveland Browns football!
See you all Next Week -
Bobbie
VP/Webmaster - Sarasota Browns Backers
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