Who are you Braylon Edwards?
Are you the guy who blew by Ravens DB Chris McAlister so easily yesterday that it looked like you might be covered by Ted Washington, or are you just an athletic freak that understands the passion of the game the way Michael Vick understands court orders?
Are you the Biletnikoff Award-winning receiver the Browns took three drafts ago, or are you an overhyped douchebag that would take an ill-advised helicopter trip to Columbus for the Ohio State-Michigan game during the NFL season?
Are you the guy who, through four games this season, has four touchdowns and averages more than 20 yards per catch, or are you the guy who only got on ESPN last year because of a sideline show where you ripped your O-line and spun Charlie Frye around by the jersey in the process?
Forgive me if I’m confused, and if these questions are coming too fast, Braylon, but I have to know.
See, I’m a Browns fan. A good one. I go to games, I write all about your ups and downs here in my little S*KM column, and I really do wish you the best. But I can’t figure you out.
I’ve seen a bust before – Tim Couch, Willie Green, Gerrard Warren and Courtney Brown to name a few – but you aren’t a bust, are you? No. Your talent is legit. Your 6-foot-3 frame is legit.
But I’ve also seen a superstar before – just one, actually, and he goes by the name KII, and you’re not a superstar, either. No. You have the physical talents, but you also have a magical ability to disappear for quarters, sometimes games, at a time.
Take the Browns’ 27-13 win over the Ravens on Sunday. There you were, embarrassing McAlister on a semi-nationally televised game (with no HD option, thank you kindly CBS) for a 78-yard score to get the offense rolling. And then… there you were again, catching exactly two more passes for 19 yards.
That doesn’t take away the long scoring strike, but it hits to the heart of what type of player you are. Where did you go, Braylon? To be fair, I know that there are other options on this team for QB Derek Anderson. He can throw to Joey J. or KII. He can dump off to Jamal Lewis. Hell, he can even throw to Tim Carter if he’s really bored. But you are supposed to be the No. 1 on this team. And, please, don’t give me any jazz about how all big receivers fade out of games at times. I know that Marvin and Terrell and all those other guys important enough to get single-name recognition will get shut down occasionally, but they don’t disappear in a game where the offense is rolling. The first half against the Ravens was an offensive feast, and you had one big turkey leg and then sat back to watch while the rest of your team had mashed potatoes and corn.
So, who are you Braylon Edwards?
I can’t even begin to figure out your personality. Are you that bratty receiver that people in the state up north were glad to see leave school or are you a hero for inner-city Cleveland? In interviews you come across as cocky, jaded and entitled. Of course, you also donated $1 million to Cleveland City Schools – which is more than I can say for so many of those guys we regularly put a good guy tag on.
So, help us out Braylon. Tell us who you are. Because, frankly, this Browns team might not be too bad. And, if you believe that’s true, then you are one of the guys who will be responsible for turning this thing around. I just don’t know if you are that guy. Do you?
-MoneyMike is S*KM’s biggest Braylon fan and detractor. If you have Braylon figured out, please explain him to MoneyMike.
An exerpt from the Beacon Journal:
“Just after Hang on Sloopy, blared from the sound system at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Braylon Edwards could be seen making the arm movements that spell O-H-I-O.
”I think the ‘O-H-I-O’ is so much bigger than Ohio State. I was definitely doing it,” he said with a wide grin. ”I told myself, ‘I’m part of Ohio. This is my residence. This is where I play football. This is where I earn my paycheck. This is the city I’ve adopted and has adopted me,’ . . . so I don’t mind doing O-H-I-O. I don’t believe it’s just pertains to Ohio State. Cleveland is in Ohio. That’s my statement. I can live with that.”
It would seem that Edwards is learning the landscape. When asked if he would be rooting for the New York Yankees in their upcoming American League Divisional Series that begins Thursday, he would only say: ”Go, Tribe!”
This may not change anyone’s view of him or his in-game play, and I’m clearly a giant sucker for stuff like this, but I’m on Edwards’ bandwagon for the first time ever after that quote.
Braylon Edwards is a guy everyone loves. He is a hero to all. Braylon is one great reciever.Even though braylon came from michigan he will be the best football player of all time. I can honestly say i love you braylon. I never doubted you, and never will. Through all your good and bad days i will always be here to support you. It is my dream to someday meet you. Braylon you are my one TRUE hero.
i love you man.
with all my love,
katelyn marie:)