While most of the sports focus in Cleveland on Saturday night centered around either the Josh Gordon saga or Ohio State playing at TCU, a familiar sight happened at Progressive Field.
The Indians wrapped up their third straight American League Central Division title and clinched their fourth playoff appearance in the six years that Terry Francona has managed the team.
Don't take this for granted, Tribe fans.
Since moving to the corner of Carnegie and Ontario in 1994, there's been some great baseball played by the Indians. But we also remember those lean years between 2008-12.
Jim Donovan did a story last year when the Browns were looking for a general manager and preparing to pick first in the draft. Jimmy's point was the team needed a 'savior.' Someone who is the undisputed, most-important person of the franchise and can lead it to championship success.
For the Cavaliers, it was LeBron James, of course.
For the Indians, it's Terry Francona.
That's not meant as a slight on the Dolan family, team president Chris Antonetti, Corey Kluber, Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, or anyone else in the organization. Success is a collective effort. But Tito is the driving force of the Indians franchise.
Sometimes we as fans and media members gripe about Francona's pitching changes, or his loyalty to certain players that we geniuses think ought to be benched, or his lineups. Admit it, you've been there.
But there's no one I'd rather have managing this team in October than Tito.
Buckle up
So Tuesday's show was the last time that I'll get to talk with Jim Donovan between now and Thursday's matchup between the Browns and the New York Jets.
I believe the Browns can and should win this game, but there are some concerns:
- The defense is banged up with Emmanuel Ogbah set to miss his second game in a row. Damarious Randall and Christian Kirsey may also be out.
- Special teams have been a problem so far. And I'm not just talking about the kicking game. The Browns aren't covering kicks well, nor are they returning them well.
- There still are too many penalties and self-inflicted wounds.
Offensively, Jimmy expects that the Browns will look to get their ground game going early. They need to figure out how to use all three of their running backs (Carlos Hyde, Duke Johnson, and Nick Chubb) to their fullest. They need Tyrod Taylor to be accurate and move the chains.
Keep an eye on Jets RB Isaiah Crowell. He and the Browns didn't exactly part on good terms. If the Crow can get loose, that will make Sam Darnold's job a little easier against the Browns' pass rush.
No moral victories, no close calls. The Browns have to get a victory.
Watch the Donovan Live Postgame Show in the player above