Terry’s Talkin’

By Terry Pluto, Cleveland.com

Cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talks Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Northeast Ohio college basketball with host David Campbell.... more

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How many episodes does Terry’s Talkin’ have?

The podcast currently has 198 episodes available.

Terry’s Talkin’ episodes:

November 19, 2025What Shedeur Sanders needs; How Evan Mobley gets on track; Steven Kwan's Guardians future
Highlights:
Bernie Kosar's Successful Liver Transplant: Following a successful liver transplant, Bernie Kosar tells Terry he is in "great shape" and good spirits, with the initial critical 48 hours passing without signs of infection or rejection.

The Haslams' Financial Support for Kosar: The Haslam family has been paying for Kosar's health insurance for many years, a gesture that has saved him "millions of dollars" in medical expenses accumulated from numerous hospitalizations.
Myles Garrett's Historic Performance: Myles Garrett is having an "epic" season, continuing to dominate with multiple sacks against the Ravens and showcasing extraordinary athleticism, putting him on pace to challenge the single-season sack record.

The Impact of the Upgraded Defensive Line: The addition of quality interior linemen like Mason Graham and Maliek Collins has been a key factor in Myles Garrett's success, as it prevents quarterbacks from stepping up and forces offenses to account for multiple threats.

The Challenging Road for Shedeur Sanders: Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is facing the tough reality of an NFL fifth-round pick, receiving very few first-team practice reps and adjusting to being a developmental player on a struggling team.

Rushing Young Quarterbacks: There is significant concern that the Browns are repeating a historical mistake of rushing an unprepared rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, into a difficult situation, similar to past failures with players like Tim Couch and DeShone Kizer.

The Browns' Flawed Quarterback Room Construction: The front office is criticized for trading away veteran Kenny Pickett, leaving the team without a seasoned backup and creating an inexperienced quarterback room similar to the flawed strategy of the 2017 winless season.

The Draft Pedigree of Top NFL Quarterbacks: Terry finds data showing that 18 of the top 20 NFL quarterbacks were first-round picks, highlighting the long odds against a fifth-round rookie like Shedeur Sanders becoming a franchise-altering starter.

Cavs' Winning Record Masks Underlying Issues: Despite a 10-5 record, the Cavs' performance is described as a "slog," with an over-reliance on Donovan Mitchell due to injuries, a formula considered unsustainable for long-term success.

Evan Mobley's game: How should Evan Mobley adjust after an up-and-down start? He appears to be struggling to find his offensive identity and go-to moves.

Jarrett Allen's Uncertain Role with the Cavs: Allen's future as part of the team's "core four" is being questioned after being benched in the fourth quarter of multiple games, sparking debate about his long-term fit.

Steven Kwan's Future in Cleveland: Can the Guardians afford to re-sign Gold Glover Steven Kwan? Or is a trade a strong possibility?
Why the Guardians Released Pitcher John Means: The decision to decline John Means' $6 million option was likely due to poor performance, evidenced by his alarming 7.97 ERA and seven home runs allowed in a short AAA stint.

The Mechanics of Blocking Field Goals: A reader punches holes in the theory about moving the holder and kicker further back from 7 to 10 yards. He says it's impractical as the longer snap time and wider angle would give edge rushers a significant advantage in blocking the kick.

Andre Szmyt's Quietly Effective Season: After a disastrous first game, Browns kicker Andre Szmyt has stabilized the position, proving reliable by making 15 of his last 17 field goals and all extra points.

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1h 14min
November 12, 2025Is Kevin Stefanski coaching on borrowed time? Remembering Lenny Wilkens; Kenny Atkinson's next challenge
Highlights:
Browns fan sentiment has shifted from despair to anger, with calls for firings and major changes.

Terry Pluto argues the 1980s Browns era was defined by consistent success, not just heartbreaking losses like "The Drive."

The franchise's identity since 1999 has been a perpetual and unsuccessful search for a quarterback.

Why a new stadium will not improve the Browns' on-field performance due to the NFL's salary cap structure.

A listener's analogy, endorsed by Pluto, compares a bad offensive line to a bad baseball bullpen that collapses the entire team.

The hosts highlight the rare importance of a great offensive line coach, questioning if former coach Bill Callahan would return to the current instability.

The loss to the Jets: the "beginning of the end" for head coach Kevin Stefanski?

Why the defeat was statistically unprecedented: Since 1950, teams holding opponents under 175 yards with zero turnovers were 225-0 before the Browns' loss.

The Browns' special teams have become a glaring liability, allowing an NFL-worst six return touchdowns under coach Bubba Ventrone.

A failed fourth-down play against the Jets epitomized the team's dysfunction in both play-calling and execution.

Analysis revealed that quarterback play and other factors, not just the O-line, were responsible for nearly half of the sacks allowed.

Kevin Stefanski's offense, which once excelled with backup quarterbacks, has severely regressed this season.

Terry Pluto fondly remembered the late Lenny Wilkens as a Hall of Fame coach, a great teacher of basketball, and a man of dignity.

A new injury to Darius Garland puts pressure on Donovan Mitchell and the current Cavaliers to find alternative offensive schemes.

Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been federally charged in a game-fixing scheme involving manipulating on-field events.

The indictment identifies Clase as the instigator who recruited Ortiz for a surprisingly small financial payout.

The scandal may cost Clase his $6 million salary for 2025 and two team options worth an additional $20 million.

A key unanswered question is whether Clase attempted to recruit other players who may have reported the scheme.

A listener has a scenario about a stolen base and the new challenge system in MLB for balls and strikes. What Terry and David think it could mean.

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1h 16min
November 04, 2025What Joe Flacco's 470-yard day says about the Browns; Terry's idea for the Cavs' second unit
Highlights:
After the podcast took a week off, Terry shares hiking tips for Wayne National Forest near Marietta.

Terry has some upcoming book signings for his new book, starting this week.
Terry on the Browns’ endless quarterback struggles.

Browns shift play-calling duties from Stefanski to Tommy Rees. Will it matter?

Reese brings college experience.

Terry doubts the change fixes deeper offensive issues, calls it cosmetic.

Compares Browns’ offense to broken car needing major repairs.

Listener email blames Haslams for Browns’ quarterback chaos and dysfunction.

A listener criticizes the Browns for their poor QB evaluations.

Terry questions if Sam Darnold or Geno Smith would have changed Browns’ fate.

Flacco’s Bengals stats spark debate on Browns’ offensive shortcomings.

Browns’ offensive line ranks 31st in true pass set grades.
Rookie Harold Fannin Jr. praised for versatility and strong blocking.

Email asks last fear-inducing Browns receiver; Josh Gordon mentioned.

Browns draft priorities: elite offensive tackle and wide receiver.

Cavs start clunky but show defensive improvement and effort.
Terry suggests a big change off the bench for lineup flexibility.
Mobley and Allen pairing debated; Terry favors creative rotation options.

Donovan Mitchell praised for leadership and relentless effort on court.

Cavs rank third-best regular season record since Mitchell trade.

Terry compares Mitchell’s impact to Jose Ramirez for Guardians.
Terry recaps World Series and Blue Jays’ surprising run.

Ernie Clement’s breakout postseason highlighted as ultimate underdog story.

Clement’s journey: waived by Cleveland, now thriving with Toronto.

Terry calls for MLB salary cap to fix payroll disparity.

Blue Jays’ advantage: Canada-wide market and Rogers-owned media empire.

Guardians praised for stability under Stephen Vogt despite payroll limits.

AL Manager of Year debate: Vogt vs Schneider after playoffs.

Terry previews Guardians’ offseason priorities and looming hot stove season.

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1h 16min
October 22, 2025Who's the Browns' best rookie so far? Why the deck is stacked against the Guardians
Highlights:
The Browns' upcoming game against the Patriots' strong run defense will be a crucial test of whether their run-heavy offense is a sustainable identity or a one-game anomaly.

Despite a convincing win, there are questions about whether the win over the Dolphins was "just one game" and that the run-first formula is not a sustainable model for winning against a tough schedule.

Fan frustration is directed at the front office, with GM Andrew Berry criticized for poor roster construction on the offensive line and at receiver, making it difficult to evaluate quarterback performance.

Joe Flacco's resurgence with the Bengals is attributed to a superior supporting cast, highlighting how a quarterback's environment is critical to their success.

Who's the Browns' best rookie so far? We rank the 2025 Browns rookie class.
The 2024 NFL rookie class is proving to be historically productive, setting all-time records for scrimmage yards and touchdowns through the first seven weeks of a season.

The Browns' offensive struggles are systemic, as a weak offensive line creates a chain reaction that limits the passing game and negatively impacts the production of players like receiver Jerry Jeudy.

Numerous former Guardians players are finding significant postseason success with the Toronto Blue Jays, leading to mixed feelings and "what if" questions for Guardians fans.

A stark financial divide in MLB makes it extremely difficult for small-market teams to win the World Series, as high-payroll teams can afford the power hitters crucial for playoff success.

There is a noticeable lack of buzz for the upcoming Cavaliers season, and Terry says it's driven by a fan perception that the team has hit its ceiling after two consecutive second-round playoff exits.

The Cavaliers' path to a deeper playoff run involves evolving their offense to handle pressure, increasing the pace of play, and using Donovan Mitchell more as a primary playmaker.

Terry talks about his recent columns on visiting grave sites and how the topic has resonated with readers.

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1h 15min
October 14, 2025Is Kevin Stefanski's job on the line? 1 move the Guardians should make ASAP
Highlights:
Terry shares a “moment of wisdom” about venting in emails: tone and humor are lost compared to spoken conversation.

Discussion on Browns’ offensive struggles against the Steelers: 82 snaps, Quinshon Judkins only played 33 despite being top offensive weapon.

Browns ran only 17 times for 65 yards, despite game being close early; heavy reliance on passing (27 passes vs. 11 runs in first three quarters).

Missed opportunities: Judkins absent on key goal-line plays; lack of creativity like play-action fakes.

Terry suggests Kevin Stefanski looks “shell-shocked” by offensive failures; quotes Stefanski: “Before you start winning, you’ve got to stop losing.”

Offensive line woes highlighted: aging starters (Teller, Bitonio, Pocic, Conklin all 30+); poor Pro Football Focus grades (best was 64.7).

Listener email proposes 2026 offseason rebuild: draft tackles, replace veterans,.

Receiver issues: Jerry Jeudy drops (7 in 6 games) and costly penalties; Fannin also had key drops despite flashes of talent.

Gabriel sacked six times, hit 16 times; Browns threw 58 times including sacks—offensive imbalance and protection failures.

Debate on ownership accountability: email argues Haslams should sell; Terry counters owners rarely sell, especially after stadium deal.

Terry plugs new book: Why Can’t This Team Find a Quarterback? covering Browns’ QB struggles since 1999 and ownership dynamics.

Mike Tomlin’s reaction to Browns trading Joe Flacco to Bengals: “shocking”; Terry and David analyze implications and AFC North competitiveness.

Browns’ strategy likened to Guardians’ “thread the needle” approach—trying to win while developing young players; trade rumors hinted.

Positive draft notes: Judkins, Fannin, Schwesinger praised; Tyson Campbell trade seen as promising despite questionable usage vs. DK Metcalf.

Special teams bright spot: rookie kicker Andre Szmyt solid after rough opener (3-for-3 in Pittsburgh).
Guardians offseason priorities: extend José Ramírez again, pursue right-handed power bat, consider Stephen Kwan’s future contract.

Cavs preview: season opens Oct. 22; focus on pace, bench depth, unlocking Mobley and Hunter; injury concerns for Garland and Lonzo Ball.

Faith column reflections: Terry shares story on visiting graves and human moments in sports.

And a closing email from a listener who says baseball isn't the only sport without a clock and with lots of drama.

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1h 10min
October 07, 2025So long, Joe; how Kevin Stefanski can help this offense; 'wasting' the careers of MLB stars?
Highlights:
Discussion on Browns' quarterback situation and Joe Flacco trade to Bengals.

Concerns over Browns' offensive struggles and inability to score 20+ points.

Debate on Kevin Stefanski's future and offensive play-calling decisions.

Analysis of Browns' wide receiver performance and lack of support for quarterbacks.

Evaluation of Dylan Gabriel's performance and potential as starting QB.

Criticism of Browns' offensive strategy and use of top players in key situations.

Listener email on Myles Garrett's MVP candidacy and defensive performance.

Breakdown of Browns' penalties and coaching discipline issues.

Discussion on Browns' upcoming game against Pittsburgh and quarterback depth.

Commentary on Bill Belichick's struggles in college coaching at North Carolina.

Guardians' season wrap-up and front office's approach to team building.

Debate on whether teams are 'wasting' star players' careers (e.g., Jose Ramirez, Aaron Judge).

Guardians' pitching success post-suspensions and future roster considerations.

Listener emails on Guardians' lineup decisions and player development.

Cavs preseason updates and expectations for faster pace and player roles.

LeBron James' whiskey ad and its reception among fans.

Should MLB players shake hands after a playoff series?

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1h 8min
September 29, 2025Why the 2025 Guardians are like nothing we've ever seen; time for a Browns QB change?
Highlights:
Cleveland sports had a wild week, with dramatic Guardians wins and unexpectedly large home crowds.

Jose Ramirez’s playoff consistency contrasts with Francisco Lindor’s limited postseason success since joining the Mets.

Jose’s commitment to Cleveland shows in his extension and emotional postgame celebration declaring “This is my home.”

Terry Francona’s magic continues with the Reds, despite their lack of standout stats or star players.

Stephen Vogt’s appeal to fans shows his understanding of Cleveland’s working-class culture and school-night realities.

Guardians pulled off a historic comeback, overcoming a 15.5-game deficit to win the division.

The team’s resilience recalls the 1914 Boston Braves, who rallied from 15 games back to win.

Guardians starters had a streak of 19 games allowing two or fewer runs, a rare achievement.

Baseball’s unpredictability and “never over until it’s over” nature make it a unique test of faith.

Progressive Field’s renovations helped attract younger fans, blending tradition with modern fan experiences.

Guardians reached 2 million in attendance for back-to-back years, a milestone for a small-market team.

Chase DeLauter joins the playoff taxi squad, signaling potential late-season impact if needed.

Aidan Hutchinson was left in one-on-one matchups 17 times against Browns swing tackle Cornelius Lucas?.
Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. were praised for their impact, especially Judkins’ ability to turn short gains into longer runs.
Only one solid performance in four games; a touchdown was allowed on special teams against Detroit.

There’s reluctance to reintegrate Watson despite his eligibility to return, with comparisons to awkward social encounters.

Both hosts agreed that starting Gabriel wouldn’t solve deeper offensive issues and could expose him to unnecessary risk.
Lonzo Ball expressed surprise that Cleveland had water (Lake Erie), highlighting how little some players know about the city before arriving.

Cavs media day injury updates on Darius Garland and Max Strus.

Uniform Talk: Mixed reactions to the Browns’ “Alpha Dawg” uniforms. Some fans loved them, others (including Terry) did not.

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1h 3min
September 24, 2025What's behind the Guardians' surge; changing field goals forever; Cavs set the stage
Highlights:
The Guardians were down 15.5 games in July and 12.5 games in late August but are now on the verge of overtaking the Tigers. How have they done this?
Terry noted the Tigers’ collapse could be historic, while the Guardians risk losing momentum at the finish line.

Terry contends the Guardians' defensive improvement coincided with Brayan Rocchio moving to second base and Gabriel Arias to shortstop.
José Ramírez rebounded from a rough April and is back to playing B+/A- level defense
Bo Naylor’s September surge (.306 AVG, 3 HR, 14 RBI in 14 games) has been a game-changer.

Terry speculated Naylor may have finally found the right adjustments after years of tinkering.

Listener Max emailed about the Guardians’ momentum, arguing that being red-hot matters more than being the best team on paper, and how far could they go in the playoffs?
The Browns’ defense is elite, ranking #1 in yards allowed and #2 in yards per play allowed.

The offense is middle-of-the-pack in yards and yards per play, suggesting it’s not as bad as perceived.
The Browns’ tackle situation is dire, with Dawand Jones out for the season and Jack Conklin injured.

Should the Browns use Adin Huntington as a blocking tight end to help protect Joe Flacco?

Quinshon Judkins could see more snaps due to his blocking ability and versatility.

Is it time to move field goal kickers back to 9-10 yards to reduce blocks? Terry loves the idea.
The Cavs' Kenny Atkinson and Koby Altman previewed the season, and Terry last the latest, including on the injuries to Max Strus and Darius Garland.

Garland’s injury is likely turf toe, with a return timeline of 10–20 games.

Atkinson praised rookie Jaylon Tyson’s intensity and potential impact.

The Cavs have won the third-most games in the NBA over the last three years, behind only Boston and OKC.

Their core four (Mobley, Allen, Garland, Mitchell) are all under multi-year contracts and entering their prime.

Atkinson wants to unlock more of Evan Mobley’s ball-handling ability to counter pressure defenses.
Seven of the 15 players on the roster were second-round picks or undrafted. Why that matters.

A listener email about the Browns' uniforms against the Packers. He hates them. Send in your favorite or most hated uniforms and we'll read them on the podcast.

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1h 8min
September 16, 2025How the Guardians are hanging tough; What if Baker Mayfield had stayed with the Browns?
Highlights:
The Guardians are still in playoff contention despite injuries and setbacks.

Terry reflects on decades of poor performance by the team before the 1990s.

Since 2013, under Terry Francona, the Guardians have had only two losing seasons.

Stephen Vogt has matched Francona’s win total through his first 310 games.

The team’s consistent competitiveness is often underappreciated by fans.

Guardians are three games out of the wild card with 13 games left.

Terry praises MLB’s expanded playoff format for keeping more teams relevant.

Guardians’ pitching depth continues to be a strength despite injuries.

Terry discusses the impact of trades, especially the one involving Mike Clevinger.

Austin Hedges is praised for his leadership and handling of pitchers, despite poor hitting.

Terry supports the six-man rotation as a way to preserve pitchers’ arms.

Parker Messick leads the team in ERA; other young pitchers are contributing well.

Jose Ramirez is lauded for his leadership and playing through injuries.

Brian Rocchio’s move to second base has improved the infield defense.

Terry suggests Travis Bazzana could be moved to the outfield to keep Rocchio at second.

The Guardians’ remaining schedule includes games against Detroit, Minnesota, and Texas.

Terry and David transition to discussing the Browns’ embarrassing loss to the Ravens.

Joe Flacco struggled, and the game plan didn’t help; coaching decisions are questioned.

Injuries and poor performance from high-paid players like Jack Conklin and Denzel Ward are highlighted.

Terry defends Myles Garrett’s performance amid fan criticism.

Browns’ defense ranks seventh in limiting explosive plays; Packers rank first.

Concerns raised about offensive play-calling and lack of deception.

Terry warns against rushing to bench Flacco after one bad game.

Baker Mayfield’s resurgence with Tampa Bay sparks debate about his time in Cleveland.

Terry believes the Browns mishandled Baker’s injury and departure.

The Watson trade is described as a franchise-altering decision with long-term consequences.

Terry and David discuss the Cavs’ offseason workouts and injury challenges.
Cavs aim to improve endurance and toughness to match teams like Indiana and OKC.

Terry shares insights on player rotations and injury recovery strategies.

The podcast wraps with listener emails about sports nicknames and historical anecdotes.

Terry mentions his column on Antietam and reflections on historical figures like Jesse Reno.

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1h 9min
September 09, 2025The Browns' debut, good and bad; Mr. Tuesday vs. Mr. Sunday; why Brayan Rocchio's different
Highlights:
Defense Shines: The Browns' defense was the standout, with strong halftime adjustments by Schwartz.

Flacco’s Performance: Joe Flacco ran the offense effectively, showing poise despite his age.

Rookie Impact: Harold Fannin Jr. and Dylan Sampson contributed significantly in short-passing schemes.

Greg Newsome’s Contract Year: Newsome had a strong showing against a top-tier receiving corps.

Carson Schwesinger’s Debut: The rookie linebacker posted 8 tackles and a 90.0 PFF grade.

Quinshon Judkins Signed: His aggressive running style is expected to elevate the Browns’ ground game.

Flacco’s Interceptions: Both were considered “safe” throws, not poor decisions.

Offensive Line Concerns: Jack Conklin’s durability and performance are worries.

Dawand Jones Struggles: Four penalties and poor grading raise questions about his readiness.

Lack of Takeaways: The Browns again failed to force turnovers, continuing last season’s trend.

Andre Szmyt’s Debut: Strong start but missed two key kicks in the second half.

Historical Perspective: Terry discusses past Browns kickers and the evolution of expectations.

Potential new kickers for the Browns

Phil Dawson’s Legacy: Compared to current standards, Dawson’s early career stats wouldn’t cut it today.

Kicker Turnover: Since 2020, the Browns have cycled through eight kickers; 15 since Dawson left in 2012.

Guardians Still Fighting: Despite two major losing streaks, they remain in playoff contention.

Brian Rocchio’s Growth: Improved batting average and elite defense at second base.

Kyle Manzardo’s Emergence: Batting .281 with 10 HRs since the All-Star break; improving defensively.

2024 MLB Draft Class Check-In: Updates on Travis Bazzana and other top picks.

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1h 1min

FAQs about Terry’s Talkin’:

How many episodes does Terry’s Talkin’ have?

The podcast currently has 198 episodes available.

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