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Terry’s Talkin’

Terry’s Talkin’

Written by: Terry Pluto Cleveland.com
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 Cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talks Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Northeast Ohio college basketball with host David Campbell.© 2021 Advance Local Media LLC Basketball Football (American) Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Kevin Stefanski: scapegoat? What's up with Lonzo Ball; Why the Guardians didn't draft an outfielder No. 1

    Kevin Stefanski: scapegoat? What's up with Lonzo Ball; Why the Guardians didn't draft an outfielder No. 1
    Jan 7 2026
    Highlights: The Browns have fired head coach Kevin Stefanski after a tumultuous week. A fan asks about the team's "smart, tough, accountable" mantra, which Terry says faded with the controversial arrival of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Some fans defend Stefanski, arguing he was a scapegoat for a flawed roster built by the front office. Terry suggests the firing was justified, as Stefanski had "run out of gas" and lost his way as a play-caller. Unlike past firings, there was no public "internal discord" between the head coach and general manager. Hiring a veteran coach like John Harbaugh is considered a fan fantasy, as he would likely seek a more stable situation. Current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is a leading internal candidate, offering maturity and continuity for the top-tier defense. External offensive coordinator candidates like Dan Pitcher and Todd Monken are being vetted, with Monken's experience making him a more compelling option. Seahawks DC Aden Durde is an intriguing but unproven candidate. Stefanski is expected to land another job quickly and may be relieved to be free from the pressure of coaching the Browns. While unattractive to established coaches, the Browns' head coaching job is a coveted opportunity for coordinators seeking their first chance. A stark statistic reveals the Browns have finished last in their division 16 times in the last 23 years, underscoring the team's long-term struggles. Running back Nick Chubb made a successful return from a catastrophic knee injury, playing in 15 games. Darius Garland's recent aggressive play and return to form have provided a significant boost for the Cavs. The emergence of Craig Porter Jr. has earned him a key role in the Cavaliers' rotation at the expense of veteran Lonzo Ball. The Guardians took a second baseman instead of an outfielder with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 draft. A listener asks: Why? The hosts pay tribute to the versatile talent and career of 100-year-old actor Dick Van Dyke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • A 'sure thing' for the Browns' top draft pick; are the Cavs taking too many threes?

    A 'sure thing' for the Browns' top draft pick; are the Cavs taking too many threes?
    Dec 24 2025
    Highlights: The big question: Is Shedeur Sanders the Browns' long-term answer at quarterback? His development is a work in progress amidst a poor offense. A compelling case for the Browns to use a high draft pick on a "sure thing" wide receiver like Carnell Tate instead of a risky QB, providing a reliable weapon for the next decade. The offensive line is a top priority for a complete overhaul, with a need to invest heavily in the draft and free agency to find a cornerstone "10-year left tackle." Jerry Jeudy's disappointing season raises questions about his future with the team given his large contract. After a shaky start, kicker Andre Szmyt has become a reliable and above-average weapon, solidifying a key position for the Browns. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is largely viewed as a long-term backup, a role highlighted by fan reactions during a recent game appearance. A debate emerged comparing the calm demeanor of Browns coach Kevin Stefanski to the fiery, culture-changing style of Indiana's Curt Cignetti, questioning which approach is better for a struggling team. The modern college football landscape, with NIL and the transfer portal, allows for much faster program turnarounds than the more structured team-building environment of the NFL. Cavs guard Darius Garland has shown a recent resurgence, playing more like the dynamic, aggressive offensive player he has been in the past. Despite a recent win, the Cavs' defense remains a major concern, as they continue to struggle with transition defense and rebounding. The Cavaliers are criticized for their heavy reliance on high-volume three-point shooting, with suggestions they should focus more on attacking the paint. There's a belief that the Cavaliers' offense functions best when center Jarrett Allen is happy and actively involved as more than just a screener. Fans expressed grave concern over MLB's official partnerships with sports betting companies, fearing it compromises the game's integrity. Frustration is mounting over MLB's slow action in the gambling case involving Guardians players, especially when compared to the NBA's swift response in similar situations. A top offseason wish for the Guardians is to trade from their pitching depth to acquire a much-needed right-handed power-hitting outfielder. The system allowing wealthy MLB teams to sign "ready-made" international players is debated as unfair, sparking ideas for creating more parity for smaller markets. The lack of playing time for offensive lineman Zak Zinter, despite numerous injuries, raises questions about his future with the Browns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • There is some good news for the Browns in 2026; can the Cavs still reach their NBA Finals goal?

    There is some good news for the Browns in 2026; can the Cavs still reach their NBA Finals goal?
    Dec 16 2025
    Highlights: The Browns fan base is divided, with some calling for Kevin Stefanski's firing while others blame owner Jimmy Haslam and the "sabotage" of the Deshaun Watson trade. GM Andrew Berry's draft history is under scrutiny, with notable misses like Jedrick Wills but also successful trades, showcasing a mixed but promising record. Stefanski faces criticism for poor in-game management, clock-management issues and consistently failing special teams. Terry says there's a critical need for the Browns to acquire veteran players in the offseason to bring stability to the roster, especially on special teams and the offensive line. WR Jerry Jeudy has been a major disappointment, criticized for inconsistent play and a casual attitude toward crucial mistakes, labeling him a "liability." Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders shows potential and maturity under difficult circumstances but needs to improve on holding the ball too long, which has led to excessive sacks. Rookie kicker Andre Szmyt has emerged as a bright spot and a reliable long-term solution, hitting 18 of his last 20 field goals, including a clutch 50-yarder in harsh conditions. The Cavaliers are "stuck on the spin cycle" due to a plague of injuries to key players like Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland, preventing team consistency. Donovan Mitchell's "Superman" role is considered unsustainable, with concerns that his heavy offensive workload will lead to burnout before the playoffs. A listener says that expectations for Evan Mobley may be too high; developing into a consistent 19-point, 10-rebound, NBA All-Defensive Team player should be viewed as a major success. The Cavaliers' offense is inefficiently reliant on three-pointers, ranking near the top in attempts but in the bottom third for percentage, failing to leverage their frontcourt strength. Terry says a deep playoff run for the Cavaliers is now considered a "long shot" due to significant injuries, an overworked Donovan Mitchell, and a flawed offensive strategy. The Guardians are remaining quiet this offseason, with significant roster additions expected to come via trade rather than through free agent signings. Former Guardians pitcher Triston McKenzie is experiencing a concerning career decline due to a severe case of "the yips," which has derailed his control and command. Terry recommends the book "1861" by Jay Winick for its compelling, character-driven narrative of the weeks leading up to the U.S. Civil War. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
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