Terry’s Talkin’

Kevin Stefanski: scapegoat? What's up with Lonzo Ball; Why the Guardians didn't draft an outfielder No. 1

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

A 'sure thing' for the Browns' top draft pick; are the Cavs taking too many threes?

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

There is some good news for the Browns in 2026; can the Cavs still reach their NBA Finals goal?

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

QB, or not QB in the first round for the Browns? Getting the Cavs back to basics

Highlights: Cleveland.com's Paul Hoynes has won the BBWAA Career Excellence Award, the highest honor for baseball writers, securing his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Terry Pluto praised Hoynes' "utterly remarkable" work ethic and elite writing talent, noting his longevity in the demanding field is highly impressive. The Browns' special teams fell down on the job again, with a blocked punt and a long return vs. the Titans. Coach Kevin Stefanski's uncharacteristically public criticism of the run defense is seen as a sign of significant internal frustration. An analytics-driven, late-game two-point conversion strategy was undone by poor execution, including a fumbled snap and a mistimed trick play. An argument that the Browns should use high draft picks on offensive linemen and receivers instead of a QB, as top rookie QBs often fail without a strong supporting cast. QB Shedeur Sanders benefited from not playing early in the season, as it allowed him to go to "pro football school" and learn the NFL system, similar to Patrick Mahomes's development, Terry says. Sanders's impressive performance has revived optimism for the Browns, leading Stefanski to name him the starter for the remainder of the season to evaluate his potential. Terry says Stefanski appears "mentally worn out," and while his job is precarious, a strong finish to the season led by Sanders could potentially save his position. The Cavs' 14-11 start is a major disappointment, with the team looking "discombobulated" due to player injuries and a flawed, three-point-heavy "lazy offense." Darius Garland's poor shooting and defensive struggles raise serious concerns that he is not fully recovered from foot surgery, prompting suggestions that he should rest. A Guardians fan writes to question why the team re-signed catcher Austin Hedges for $4 million, and cites his low batting average. Outfielder Chase DeLauter is identified as the Guardians' true top prospect, possessing a rare combination of size, power, and skill, with only his injury history being a concern. A funny listener email about trying to cancel NFL Sunday Ticket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What the Browns' 3-9 record means for 2026; Are the Guardians doing enough?

Highlights: The Browns' 3-9 record mirrors last season's, showing a lack of progress and ranking them among the worst teams since the 2024 season opener. The Browns' special teams unit was labeled a "total embarrassment," having surrendered five punt or kickoff return touchdowns in the last two seasons, the most in the NFL. Terry Pluto blames the coaching staff for the special teams' consistent failures in coverage schemes and player development. A major issue with the special teams is the absence of a player who "captains" the units, as performance hasn't improved even with safety Grant Delpit volunteering. Despite being hired to elevate the special teams, coach Bubba Ventrone's unit has regressed to being "awful," failing to replicate the top-10 success he had in Indianapolis. Following a listener's email, the hosts agreed that with the season lost, the Browns should continue playing rookie QB Shedeur Sanders to fully evaluate his potential. While Sanders has shown progress operating from under center, a major concern is his tendency to hold onto the ball and take sacks, a habit that often carries over from college to the NFL. Terry expresses declining confidence in head coach Kevin Stefanski, whose job security is in question due to the team's stagnant 3-9 record and low-ranked offense. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz: Head coaching candidate?. The two possible futures for the Browns: a leadership change due to a lack of progress, or ownership giving the current regime a two-year window to rebuild. The Cavs' 13-9 start is described as "clunky" and unsettled due to injuries that have forced them to use 12 different starting lineups. There is an ongoing debate about Evan Mobley's inconsistent role, questioning whether he is better suited as an elite all-around defender and rebounder rather than a primary scorer. Donovan Mitchell's heavy workload is a concern, with his minutes climbing over 34 per game, risking burnout before the playoffs. Second-year player Jaylon Tyson is emerging as a leader, earning enough respect from veterans to publicly state the team needed to play harder after a recent loss. The central debate among Guardians fans is whether to accept playoff contention on a small budget or demand the team spend on free-agent hitters to pursue a World Series. Analysis shows the Guardians have the financial flexibility and desperate need to create a "batting factory" to complement their successful "pitching factory." Listener Ed Cohen emails and asks: Why not use MLB's new automated ball-strike system on every pitch? Tennis uses technology to great advantage, he says. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices