In Cleveland, Terry Pluto writes the Browns "must find a way to let the fans know they care." Pluto: "I realize that Owner Jimmy Haslam doesn't want to deal with media questions of front office/coaching changes at this point. But I also think Haslam has to understand that fans need to know that he is hurting." The Browns "have to figure ways to let fans know they are appreciated ... and that they have been the real victims of what has happened to this franchise" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 12/9).
BAD BREAKUP? In San Diego, Nick Canepa wrote the Chargers have "become unfathomable." Not only are they "playing bad football," but their "we-don't-give-a-damn-about-you-off-the-field shenanigans have made no sense." Canepa: "If they leave, they leave, but there’s no excuse to urinate on an entire city that has supported them for more than a half-century." The Chargers, at the very least, "owe this town an apology" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/7).
STATUS UNKNOWN: In Buffalo, Vic Carucci notes Bills GM Doug Whaley's future with the team has "been the subject of considerable media speculation for much of the season," and he will have to "wait until the offseason to know his long-term fate." Whaley was "thought to be on his way out last offseason" when Bills Owner Terry Pegula attempted to hire Pro Football HOFer Bill Polian. It also is known that Whaley was "at odds with the coaching staff over his decision early in the year to trade" QB Matt Cassel to the Cowboys. Nevertheless, "there is plenty that Whaley has going for him" (BUFFALO NEWS, 12/9).
FIGHT THE POWER: In San Jose, Eric Kurhi reported there is a "growing revolt from the 49ers Faithful, who are growling about the team's crash-and-burn from Super Bowl contender to cellar dweller." Many fans are "bitter about the ouster" of coach Jim Harbaugh, "the departure of star players, weird behind-the-scenes politics and what they consider an air of arrogance from the front office." Kurhi noted it has "been enough to make some fans leave their expensive posts at Levi's Stadium early, or consider giving up their coveted seat licenses as ticket prices plummet lower than the face-value cost of any team in the league" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 12/6).
