Terry’s Talkin’

By Terry Pluto, Cleveland.comSports News Sports News Basketball Football

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Terry’s Talkin’ episodes

January 28Advice for Todd Monken; Why we might never again see the likes of José Ramírez's new contract
Highlights:
The Browns have hired experienced offensive coach Todd Monken as their 19th full-time head coach.

Initial fan reaction to the hire was mixed, but winning will ultimately determine his approval.

Inside Monken's difficult 2019 season in Cleveland

Monken is known for a blunt, no-nonsense coaching philosophy focused on accountability and winning.

The Browns prioritized fixing their "broken" and lowest-scoring offense by hiring Monken over defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

As a play-calling specialist rather than a "CEO" type, Monken's success will heavily depend on hiring a strong, autonomous defensive coordinator.

Why it's unlikely that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will return after being passed over for the head coaching position.

Why Monken's immediate priorities should be to establish an offensive vision and build trust with defensive players who supported Schwartz.

The Cavs' recent success is credited to a dramatic improvement in their defensive performance.

A debate has emerged over Darius Garland's future role, with Terry suggesting he could lead the second unit upon his return from injury.

The Guardians signed star third baseman Jose Ramirez to a significant four-year, $107 million contract extension.

Ramirez's deal, which includes deferred money and a hometown discount, is highlighted as a rare act of player loyalty in modern sports.

Remembering the late Gary Briggs, a witty and beloved former trainer for the Cavaliers.

A listener recalls the legendary 1968 World Series story of the Detroit Tigers moving Gold Glove outfielder Mickey Stanley to shortstop.

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1 hr 9 min
January 21The 2 best head coach fits for the Browns; when will the Cavs develop OKC's winning 'habits'?
Highlights:
NFL coaching searches are highly unpredictable, with success often coming from candidates with unassuming résumés rather than just impressive ones.

Many elite NFL coaches, like John Harbaugh and Andy Reid, were hired from non-coordinator roles, proving that a candidate's title doesn't always predict success.

The rapid rise of young coaches like Grant Udinski highlights that potential and impressing the right people can create a fast track to prominent NFL roles.

The "Moneyball" principle applies to coaching hires; despite confidence in interviews, success is unpredictable as the head coach role requires intangible skills beyond X's and O's.

Sean McDermott is considered a strong coaching candidate due to his proven track record of building a winning culture in Buffalo and developing QB Josh Allen.

Despite regular-season success, McDermott's legacy is hampered by his inability to win a Super Bowl, consistently falling short in critical playoff moments.

The discussion highlights a preference for experienced, known commodities like McDermott over high-risk, high-reward "hot" candidates to minimize the gamble of a coaching search.

Jim Schwartz successfully turned around a winless Lions team but ultimately had a losing record.
The Cleveland Browns' head coaching job is viewed as less attractive ("bottom tier") than others due to organizational instability and immense pressure.

"Watson exhaustion"—the pressure to make the Deshaun Watson trade succeed—is fueling organizational turmoil and staff turnover within the Browns.

An intriguing possibility for the Browns is hiring a veteran defensive head coach like McDermott while retaining Jim Schwartz as DC to form a powerful leadership duo.

Monday's Cavs loss to OKC highlighted a philosophical flaw, exposing their offense-first "finesse" style as vulnerable against tougher, more disciplined defensive teams.

The underperformance of highly-paid Cavaliers veterans like Lonzo Ball and DeAndre Hunter is a major factor in the team's current struggles.

Amidst rising MLB salaries, Terry suggest the Guardians give Jose Ramirez a "good faith" bonus on his team-friendly contract to acknowledge his value.

Which coaches/ managers have the biggest impact on the success of a team: Baseball, basketball or football? A listener asks.

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1 hr 16 min
January 07Kevin 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.

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1 hr 13 min
December 24, 2025A '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.

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1 hr 22 min
December 16, 2025There 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.

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1 hr 16 min
December 10, 2025QB, 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.

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1 hr 12 min
December 02, 2025What 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.

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1 hr 12 min
November 26, 2025Why Shedeur Sanders is different; If Evan Mobley doesn't become a superstar, is that OK?
Highlights:
Thanks to you, our listeners! Without you we wouldn't be here.
Shedeur Sanders' starting debut was "intriguing," marked by poise and a crucial avoidance of mistakes.

Sanders' performance demonstrated clear evidence of his discipline to avoid negative plays.
Myles Garrett: The best Browns defensive player Terry has ever seen?

Coach Kevin Stefanski offered rare, high praise for a Sanders pass, signaling genuine excitement in his own Stefanski way.

The disruptive play of interior defensive linemen Mason Graham and Maliek Collins is a key factor in the defense's overall dominance.

The upcoming game against the 49ers will be a different kind of challenge for Sanders.

A primary goal for the remainder of the season is to thoroughly evaluate the young quarterbacks to inform future roster decisions.

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson earned a positive grade for navigating numerous injuries and successfully developing young players.

A debate is ongoing about whether Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley can evolve into the MVP-caliber offensive star the team envisions.

Terry Pluto argues that Mobley's value lies in his elite defense and unselfish play, and he should not be forced into a primary scorer role.

Josh Naylor’s new contract with the Mariners includes a rare full no-trade clause, granting him significant leverage.

A listener emails about the gambling investigation involving Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz.

The Ohio State-Michigan game's importance for legacy persists, with Coach Ryan Day attempting a new, calmer approach to preparation.

Terry Pluto recommends the book Ernie Pyle's War for its vivid and powerful portrayal of the experiences of soldiers in World War II.

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1 hr 15 min
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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1 hr 14 min
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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1 hr 16 min

About Terry’s Talkin’

From the publisher's feed

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