Terry’s Talkin’

Highlights: Deshaun Watson is in the concussion protocol, putting his availability for Sunday's game in serious jeopardy. Backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to start. What we want to see from him on Sunday vs. the Saints. Terry's one word to describe the 5-3 Browns. The Browns' point differential isn't great. What that means. The Browns' rapidly deteriorating run defense has become a massive liability that threatens to derail their entire season if unaddressed. One good thing and one bad thing we've seen from the 2026 Browns. The Browns are plagued by fundamental discipline issues, and Terry points out how they are leading the NFL in pre-snap penalties. What Terry says Todd Monken did this week about the lack of discipline. Are the Browns committed to running the ball? What's up with the lackluster Cavs. The big men and their usage: Are the Cavs doing it right? Meleek Thomas is emerging as a legitimate breakout star off the bench. Jake Bauers left Cleveland and has managed to find his swing. Terry answers this question: Will the Guardians be better in 2027 if they run it back with this roster? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Can the Browns keep winning the way they're winning? Terry says Deshaun Watson delivered his best performance of the season through smart decision-making and accurate short throws that enabled receivers to gain yards after the catch. Cleveland's offense has successfully countered high-safety defenses by methodically attacking the short and intermediate areas with running backs and interior receivers. Under coordinator Mike Rutenberg, the young Browns defense is evolving into a clutch unit that overcomes first-quarter struggles to lock down opponents late in games. The Browns face a winnable schedule ahead with the Steelers, Saints, and Texans, offering a realistic path to seven or eight wins before their bye week. Kicker Andre Szmyt is proving he won't let one bad kick turn into two, and has come through in the clutch. Browns coach Todd Monken has established a culture of visible accountability by aggressively coaching his assistants and publicly admitting his own mistakes. Why the Week 2 win over the Bucs could prove important for the Browns franchise. Rookie offensive linemen like Spencer Fano and Austin Barber are building a foundation for the future. How did the Cavs blow a 29-point lead vs. the Sixers? And Terry's formula to avoid it in the future. Meleek Thomas had a big debut. Why did it take the Cavs so long to play him? Mario Hezonja has overcome early-career doubts to embrace a role that is positively impacting the Cavaliers' roster. The Guardians should prioritize re-signing power hitter Jo Adell, Terry says. A listener asks: When did platooning become such a big thing in baseball? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Browns have earned a 4-2 record and the division lead despite poor offensive stats by winning tight, resilient games. Clutch kicker Andre Szmyt remains indispensable with execution in high-pressure, game-winning situations. Browns exhibit a strange timing dynamic: defense dominates after the first quarter, while the offense only peaks in the fourth. What's behind the Browns' offensive struggles. Deshaun Watson boasts a historic, near-record 134.5 passer rating in the final two minutes of halves. The Browns defense by the numbers. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg is confusing offenses by combining a league-high man-to-man coverage rate with organic line pressure and exotic looks. The two Browns having All-Pro seasons. Terry on what the Browns will, or won't, do at the trade deadline. Jaguars' bizarre stadium mausoleum sparks speculation about a similar permanent enshrinement concept for diehard Browns fans. Lack of national media attention gives the Cavaliers a low-pressure environment to grow in. Why Donovan Mitchell is like Jose Ramirez. Terry's season prediction for the Cavs. Tanner Bibee's inexplicable benching during the Guardians' playoff run sparks rumors of behind-the-scenes friction. Was Petey Halpin's bat flip too much? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Todd Monken’s heart and transparent approach have injected renewed optimism into the Browns. By publicly taking the blame for specific play-calling errors, Monken shields his players and builds immense trust and accountability within the locker room. Terry says the coaching staff utilized intensive film sessions to correct Deshaun Watson's tendency to hold the ball too long, urging him to release it faster. Watson’s average release time has improved by nearly a full second, significantly limiting the opposing defense's ability to generate pressure. Are Cleveland fans changing the narrative on Deshaun Watson? Denzel Ward is quietly enjoying a stellar season, shutting down his side of the field in coverage while excelling in open-field tackling. Two Browns rookies to watch: One on offense, one on defense. The front office's refined evaluation process is paying off, with nine players from the last two draft classes currently playing prominent roles. A frustrating NFL-wide spike in penalties is disrupting game flow, wiping out an unusually high number of touchdowns, and hindering offensive scoring. Kicker Andre Szmyt has established himself as a weapon. The Guardians are facing a 0-2 playoff deficit against the White Sox due to a severe, team-wide offensive slump and poor plate discipline. Terry on how Steven Kwan rescued his season by abandoning an analytics-driven focus on swing velocity and reverting to his highly successful, natural flat swing. "Sudden" Sam McDowell leaves a powerful legacy, transitioning from a phenomenally talented pitcher derailed by alcoholism to a profoundly impactful addiction counselor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: The Guardians successfully captured the Central Division by overhauling their lineup, demoting struggling prospects in favor of veteran hitters. The catcher pairing of Patrick Bailey and Austin Hedges transformed the Guardians, providing solid offensive production and defensive stability for young pitchers. Stephen Kwan rescued his season by returning to his natural hitting approach. Josh Naylor's severe underperformance following a $92 million contract extension was a primary catalyst for the firing of Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson. Rookie Chase DeLauter just keeps hitting. How would Terry roll out the Guardians' starters for the ALDS? Gavin Williams, Parker Messick and Tanner Bibee all have a case. Major League Baseball teams are actively removing traditional stadium seating to create modern, standing-room social spaces tailored to younger demographics. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg transformed the Browns' defense into a highly aggressive, pressure-heavy unit focused on quarterback disruption. The Browns' defense has achieved a 48-game streak without allowing a 300-yard passer, marking the longest active streak in the NFL. Despite decent traditional statistics, advanced analytics reveal Deshaun Watson is struggling with turnover-worthy plays. Todd Monken's aggressive late-game fourth-down decision raises a question: Was it analytically driven or culture-driven? Massive NIL packages are transforming college football by empowering programs to retain star players instead of losing them to the draft or transfer portal. College kickers are earning some serious paydays, Terry says. Terry on why the Cavs ended up doing training camp in Spain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Guardians maintain a narrow AL Central lead while prioritizing the number two seed for a crucial playoff bye. Who's the Guardians' MVP this season? We debate. The player who's most important to the Guardians' final week of the season. A listener asks: Did Angel Genao's promotion spark major offensive turnarounds for Travis Bazzana and Brayan Rocchio? Aggressive trade deadline moves and increased payroll by the front office fueled the Guardians' division push. Juan Brito’s sudden success in Cincinnati highlights the unpredictability of baseball scouting and player development Rookie pitcher Gavin Williams nears the major league strikeout lead. If he finishes there, it would be a rare milestone for the franchise. Stadium modernizations and a flexible "Ballpark Pass" have drawn over 2 million Guardians fans for a third consecutive season. The Browns' defense rebounded against the Buccaneers by abandoning zone for a man-to-man scheme. Todd Monken's raw approach is something the Browns haven't had in awhile. Deshaun Watson showed dramatic improvement, demonstrating elite poise, pocket presence, and command of the offense, Terry says. Of the Browns' last two draft classes, which player has had the biggest impact in two games this season? What has struck Terry about new Cavalier wing player Peyton Watson. More listener stories about their favorite Cleveland jerseys, and why it's their favorite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Terry credits the Guardians' success and late-game comebacks to a "just keep playing" philosophy. Brayan Rocchio is having a phenomenal September, carrying the team with four clutch walk-off hits this season. Steven Kwan returned to form and entered some elite company by abandoning a power focus in favor of his foundational on-base fundamentals. Travis Bazzana has provided crucial late-season power and an infectious confidence while Jose Ramirez plays through injury. Should the Guardians move soon to sign relief pitcher Cade Smith to an extension, to secure bullpen stability and buy out his arbitration years? How would Bazzana look in the Guardians outfield? The Browns' recent loss to the Jaguars featured a historically big 24-0 halftime deficit, Terry says. Deshaun Watson is facing scrutiny for poor situational awareness, slow processing speed and holding the ball too long in the pocket. Is Todd Monken sending different messages inside and outside the building? And why that might be a good idea. The Browns' defense didn't play much man-to-man defense vs. the Jaguars. Will that change Sunday? Terry says Watson's massive underperformance magnifies the franchise's decision to move on from Baker Mayfield, who is now thriving in Tampa. Why are the Cavs holding training camp in Spain? We ponder. Jim Ingraham’s new book, "So Young, So Great" offers a deeply reported look at Bob Feller’s incredible 1936 ascent to the major leagues at age 17. Listeners write in with the stories behind their favorite jerseys that they wear, Browns or otherwise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Travis Bazzana has become a September catalyst, hitting .389 with a 1.283 OPS. Bazzana's success against off-speed pitches has forced opponents to adjust. Revisiting the 2024 MLB draft class. An oddity: the Guardians' home record. Penciling in the playoff pitchers if the Guardians make it. Stephen Vogt's rest plan helped Steven Kwan break out of a slump. Terry will speak at a free event at Woodmere Barnes & Noble on Sept. 30. Browns fans are torn between supporting a talented roster and frustration with Deshaun Watson. Shedeur Sanders has impressed the Browns with his development and preseason play, Terry says. Todd Monken is changing the Browns' culture by eliminating pre-snap mistakes. KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston and Harold Fannin could energize the new offense. Austin Barber and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are expected to contribute immediately as rookies. James Harden's extension was structured to preserve salary-cap flexibility. Baker Mayfield's success, and would the Browns have been better off with him? A listener asks: What Browns jersey should I buy this season? Do you have a favorite jersey? Email us about what it is and why it's special to you, at [email protected], and we'll try to include it on an upcoming podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Reaction in the wake of the Browns naming Deshaun Watson the starting QB last week; and 3 reasons why Browns fans might find some good news in the decision. As Terry has pointed out, Watson likely won't play all 17 games this season, as hardly any NFL quarterbacks do anymore because of injuries or ineffectiveness. Did Watson miss a crucial PR opportunity by defensively citing his hard work instead of taking direct accountability for his poor performance to appease frustrated fans? Backup QB Dylan Gabriel was placed on injured reserve with a back injury, adding complexity to the Browns' quarterback room, though some suspect it may be a strategic roster stash. Taylor Green has impressed the Browns with breathtaking, raw athleticism, positioning him as a special situational weapon for Wildcat formations and other ways the Browns might use him. Under Todd Monken, the Browns are sending a message about the 2026 season: Sloppy offensive presnap penalties are going away. Following final roster cuts, the Browns officially field the second-youngest active roster in the NFL, averaging just over 26 years of age. The Browns are optimistic that kicker Andre Szmyt can provide the franchise with long-term scoring stability at the position. The Guardians sit solidly in second place in the highly competitive AL Central, trailing the White Sox by 3.5 games, bolstered by strategic mid-season additions to the lineup. Despite rushing back from injury early, Jose Ramirez has been scorching hot at the plate, anchoring the Guardians' lineup and proving his return to full health with elite exit velocities. Rookie Chase DeLauter has overcome physical setbacks to become one of the AL's most consistent hitters, boasting a .293 batting average. Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee's poor 5-14 record is a massive statistical anomaly caused by abysmal offensive run support, masking his strong 3.88 ERA and high volume of quality starts. The Guardians' minor league system features some top-tier bats. Terry has a prospects report. Are the Cavaliers better than they were a few months ago? What Terry's been hearing about James Harden and his new three-year, $97 million deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Highlights: Deshaun Watson's preseason debut drew favorable reviews, but there were some moments that should cause Browns fans concern; Pre-snap penalties noticeably improved from training camp, though unforced errors committed by relied-upon veterans remain a significant coaching concern; Terry says Todd Monken's new offensive scheme successfully created space for short-to-intermediate passes against the Bears; Backup QB Shedeur Sanders played an aggressive game, completing accurate deep throws that offered a refreshing dynamic for the offense; Offensive depth pieces like KC Concepcion, Spencer Fano, and Denzel Boston acquitted themselves well in their first appearance on an NFL field; Thursday's controlled, full-pad scrimmage against the Bills will provide an invaluable environment for coaches to accurately evaluate one-on-one roster talent; A listener asks: Would it make sense for the Browns to start the season with Shedeur Sanders so the pressure won't mount on Deshaun Watson early in the season? How KC Concepcion has quickly emerged as a deeply promising, game-breaking weapon capable of scoring in the kickoff and punt return game; A Browns fan in Los Angeles is lamenting the Myles Garrett trade: We offer him some positives for the future; The Guardians are entrenched in a slump driven by crucial late-inning mistakes and bullpen struggles; The Guardians are among MLB's leaders in leaving runners on base: What it means; Jose Ramirez's lingering hand injury has severely hindered his signature power and run-producing capabilities, leaving a void in the Guardians' lineup; Pitcher Parker Messick's top 50 MVP ranking by ESPN highlights what a remarkable year he's having; Terry on the reason behind the reason that the Cavs traded Dennis Schröder last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices