The Browns looked awfully good in their bruising victory over Bears Football Presented by Bank One™ on Thursday night. I had the pleasure of watching from the stands at Soldier Field and would simply like to point out that, preseason or no, the Browns are on a four-game win streak when I am present in the flesh--a streak that goes back to the playoff-clinching game against Atlanta at the end of the 2002 season. I know it may come as a shock to hear that the Browns have actually won four games since then, but that's why we have the preseason.

My friend Shannon, despite alleged Bears allegiances, was nice enough to bring a camera so I could share with you a couple of images from behind the Browns bench:



Mistake by the Lake Sporting Times demigod Ryan Pontbriand had himself a preseason masterpiece for the ages; his long snapping was so perfect I definitely saw Bears fans weeping in jealousy. Also, I believe I have now been closer to my brother's hero than Alex himself ever has. Of course, Alex met Andra Davis and Jamir Howerton one time, so perhaps we're even.



Here we see the defense lined up for a play late in the fourth quarter. For a number of the guys in this photo, it was one of the last snaps of the year. The only Browns player whose identity I can be sure of from the photographic evidence is the right inside linebacker (the guy furthest to the left), who is definitely blog favorite Mason Unck. At this point, his chances of making the roster are pretty good, I'd say.



Here, the starting O-line (in order: Andruzzi, Coleman, Faine, Shelton, Tucker) and Coach Crennel discuss the proper way to garnish a hot dog. Honestly, these five stood together in the exact same spot for the entire game (when they weren't playing). If they can block defensive ends like they can block my view, the Browns are in for a winning season! Hi-yooo!

Shannon also captured a neat little video of Human Phil Dawson practicing his kicks about four feet in front of us. I had hoped to make it available as part of this write-up in case anyone wanted to see it, but Alex will need to host it on his other server. When he gets that taken care of, I guess he'll add a link in here somewhere. The ball is in your court, Brohaim.

[Alex says: I have successfully removed the ball from my court. You can now happily watch Corey's video. I heartfeltedly apologize to you, the reader, for my extended absence. I am currently moving back to school and the internet connection in my room won't connect my computer to the internet. Don't worry though, I'll return shortly, I promise.]

In eight days the regular season begins, upon which you can expect the first "Born and Raised on the Cleveland Browns" of the year, complete with wacky, zany, insightful, wacky analysis--and a free motorcycle to the first 100 readers! We're seriosuly going to take "Born and Raised" to totally new levels in 2005. Or not. Stay tuned.