In the most tragic event of this aging NFL football season, Cincinnati Bengals Wide receiver tragically passed away today, December 17, 2009, a day that for his loved ones will be remembered always. Henry was a hardly criticized for his rowdy antics and his erratic behavior. At one point during the 2007 season commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Henry after his string of arrests. To the public this what Henry’s life seemed to hold. Crimes and misfortune. However, as we all saw today he was much more than that. He was a father, a fiance, a son, an uncle and most importantly a friend. In an interview with the normally loud, Chad Ochocinco, a soft side was revealed. He talked about his fallen friend as tears built up in his eyes. Chris Henry’s public life wasn’t clean but his passion for football was pure. He loved the game that he played. He all ways practiced hard, played hard and ultimately gave up any hope of privacy for football. After being released by the Bengals in the 2008 season they decided to give Henry another shot, a shot to maybe turn his career and life around. Henry made the most of his opportunity and provided new hope for both Bengals fans and a community. He changed haters into believers and showed a new fight. A new man who was finally realizing what being responsible meant. During week 9 of the 2009 season Henry broke his arm and was currently sitting out with the injury. We hadn’t heard much about this young man until yesterday when we got the tragic news that Chris Henry was on life support. Then today we once again were reminded about the delicacy of life as we were with Sean Taylor as season ago when Chris Henry, #15 died at the age of 26 after a tragic accident.

RIP Chris Henry

       To be a fan means to cherish the wins and  be dissapointed by losses. But to be a Penn State fan means to celebrate a win in a classy way, no bragging, no taunting, and no negative comments about the opponent. However, if we should lose,  a Penn State fan will tip their cap to their opponent and tell them that on that given day they played one hell of a game and won the game. However, keeping in mind the competitive side of the game a Penn State fan will look that victor in the eye and let them know that they will see your team again, another day, another battle and another game.

       In a year that has been filled with disappointment and many highs and lows, the Cleveland Browns managed to accomplish something that hasn’t been done in over six years. Amidst a 2 game losing streak by the Cavaliers and the Indians executing 0 helpful moves so far during this offseason of disappointment and resentment towards the highest officials in the front office, there isn’t much to look forward to in Cleveland until now.

        On a cold blustery night, -12 degree wind chills to be exact, the Cleveland Browns managed to beat their biggest rival and Superbowl champion Steelers. Led by third year QB Brady Quinn, the Browns were able to score 13 points which proved to be enough after Rob Ryan’s defense held the stagnant Steelers offense to only two field goals while only converting on only 3 of 14 third downs. Ryan’s normally bad defense was able to pressure Roethlisberger all night and took him down for 8 sacks. The Browns defense may have been the story, however their normally non-existent running game was revived as running back Chris Jennings and WR/QB Josh Cribs combined for a total of 160 yards and the first rushing TD of the year. Cribbs also had 104 yards in the return game including a punt return to the 9 yard line. However, the Browns had a costly penalty and had to settle for a field goal. Rookie Tight End Evan Moore once again showed the Browns coaching staff why he should be a starter in the NFL after a very athletic catch in which he reached behind his body to corral the ball with his right hand then securing it in his left for a first down. He only finished with 34 yards with only two catches. Quinn was not at fault for this though, the weather played a major part on the passing game. Quinn finished the game with a passer rating of 48.1 and only threw for 90 yards, but he was able to manage the game which led the Browns the victory.

       To say that the Browns are a team on the rise may not be practical. However, after 3 straight close losses and a victory against above .500 teams, it is almost certain that Mangini should be given a chance to continue to try to bring the Browns back to glory especially with how young of a team his has and the 11 picks in the upcoming draft.