Radio Free Tobias: November 2008

Monday, November 17, 2008

Phil Dawson? Or the Incredible Hulk? You decide.


Ever since Mark Price was traded to the Bullets, I have lacked a favorite player. I mean, Terrell Brandon and Kenny Lofton filled the role for awhile, they got traded, too. Then, the Browns got shipped off to the Dirty South (technically one of the middle colonies but who's keeping score?)

Anyway, LeBron James is an obvious candidate, but perhaps that's exactly what's wrong -- it's kind of like rooting for the Yankees. I mean I'll take the wins and the unbelievable performances, but the guy's dominated every level since 8th grade. The guy could dunk a Holstein. Boring.

That brings me to my point. Phil Dawson. The original (new) Brown. Rivals only Matt Stover for length of tenure with a former or current Browns franchise. Dawson is a steady, underrated, under-appreciated player who has never been known for his leg strength as much as his level-headedness, accuracy and consistency. In an industrial town like Cleveland, you'd figure those attributes would be worth a lot.

However, he's kicked field goals of 54, 52, and 56 yards in the past three games, stroking the last one just minutes ago with the game on the line. Surprising? Yes. Especailly considering that before three weeks ago, Dawson had only kicked 3 50+ field goals since 2004.

Could LeBron kick a 56 yard field goal? To wit: no!

Is Phil Dawson juiced? Maybe some sort of supplement? Where is this leg strength coming from? A deal with the devil? New workout routine?

Or has the ever-elusive key to the Browns being successful this whole time just been that Romeo needed to cut Dawson loose and sic him on the other team? Maybe he's just now running free and wild. He's listed as 205, but he's gotta be tipping the scales at 210, 212 at least. I think Romeo needs to start lining Dawson up 60, 70 yards.

Special teams, beware. You'll notice that Marcus Stroud almost blocked the 56 yarder, but couldn't bring himself to do it. Maybe he was afraid of losing a digit to Cleveland's leg cannon.

Just look at the photo -- Dawson's a maniac! Roid rage? Or just raw, unbridled masculinity? You be the judge.

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