Cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talks Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Northeast Ohio college basketball with host David Campbell.
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One word to describe the 'Todd Monken Browns culture'; Remembering 'Sudden Sam' McDowell; Guardians on the brink
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • Duration 01:12:02
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.
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The Guardians' unsung heroes; Is Deshaun Watson playing well? $600,000 college kickers
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • Duration 01:11:04
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.
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Debating the Guardians' 2026 MVP; Why Sunday's win marked an important day for the Browns
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 01:14:54
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.
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How are the Guardians doing it again? Deshaun Watson, Browns fans and mixed messages
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 01:08:31
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.
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Inside Travis Bazzana's big finish; Will the Browns win 7 games? Your favorite jersey
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • Duration 01:02:19
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 sports@cleveland.com, and we'll try to include it on an upcoming podcast.
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Why the message might not have mattered for Deshaun Watson; How much better are the Cavs?
Monday, August 31, 2026 • Duration 01:05:37
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.
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Did Deshaun Watson play well vs. the Bears? The reason behind the reason the Cavs traded Dennis Schröder
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • Duration 01:04:18
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.
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Should the Guardians sit José Ramírez so he can heal up? Deshaun Watson's next challenge
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 • Duration 01:01:53
Highlights:
The Guardians are currently struggling with fundamental flaws in defense, base running and pitching, which jeopardizes their slim margin for error.
Jose Ramirez's severe hand injury has drastically reduced his offensive production. Should the Guardians sit him until he's healthier?
The Guardians' trade deadline acquisitions have yielded mixed results.
Can the Guardians still win the division?
Rhys Hoskins' decision to run upright instead of sliding after a failed safety squeeze: Right play or not?
A rare scoreboard error during a Red Sox-Blue Jays game highlighted the intricate rules of MLB timing plays and defensive appeals.
Why the AL Central is in for some fun baseball in upcoming seasons.
Terry on what it means that Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has gone 22 months without absorbing live-action, competitive physical hits.
Todd Monken has fundamentally transformed training camp by drastically increasing physical intensity, live drills, and positional accountability.
Rookies Spencer Fano and Denzel Boston are starters already. Surprise or not?
The potential rapid $12 billion sale of the Lakers highlights a growing economic trend of billionaires utilizing premier sports franchises as potential quick-turn investments.
Why Cavaliers might just address their small forward roster hole internally rather than forcing a trade.
Terry on why he thinks LeBron James' recent move to the 76ers was a meticulously planned spectacle orchestrated by Klutch Sports to generate documentary content.
Terry's Faith & You column on why it's essential to address our wills and funeral plans and not burden others with them.
Wilt Chamberlain: The first commuter NBA player?
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Jadeveon Clowney: Good idea? Why the Guardians will be making a deal; the end of a 75-year curse
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 • Duration 01:14:53
Highlights:
Bringing Jadeveon Clowney back on a one-year, incentive-laden deal: Good idea for the Browns?
Why Terry is eager to watch Todd Monken, who replaces Kevin Stefanski's guarded approach with loud, demanding accountability.
The Browns prioritized the offensive line this offseason. Who'll start at center?
Why a healthy return for running back Quinshon Judkins means so much to the 2026 Browns.
RB Raheem "Rocket" Sanders: Terry wants to see more.
Harold Fannin Jr.: How many catches this season?
What's at stake for Jerry Jeudy;
Terry's take on the new deals for Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit with fully guaranteed contract extensions.
County Mayo's Gaelic football team broke a 75-year drought, and it's a very Cleveland story.
The Guardians are complicating their playoff push with sloppy execution and a disturbing lack of basic base-running and fielding fundamentals, Terry says.
Steven Kwan and Austin Hedges surprisingly drove the Guardians' struggling offense through a mid-summer stretch in July.
What's it like to be a pitcher who doesn't get run support? We discuss.
A listener asks: Ahead of a looming MLB work stoppage, should the Guardians trade for a big contract with the expectation they might not need to pay the bulk of the money?
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Will the Guardians bring back this outfielder at the trade deadline? Terry's advice for a new Browns fan
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • Duration 01:06:14
Highlights:
It's (pretty much) a "LeBron-free zone" on this week's podcast.
Guardians teammates Steven Kwan and Travis Bazzana share a history of overcoming intense skepticism and set the stage at Oregon State for their MLB careers.
How Steven Kwan got back to being Steven Kwan.
Lane Thomas: Why Terry thinks he could be a fit for the Guardians at the trade deadline in a deal with the Royals.
Celebrating Guardians beat writer Paul Hoynes, who will be recognized this weekend at the Baseball Hall of Fame for his 43-year career covering Cleveland baseball.
A listener emails in with info on the last Cleveland pitching rotation to start every game in a season.
Cavs second-round pick Meleek Thomas shocked analysts with his elite offensive poise, earning a rare spot on the First-Team All-Summer League roster,
Some data about a foolproof way teams can score touchdowns on first and goal from the 1-yard line.
And a new Browns fan asks Terry: What advice do you have for me?
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Terry’s Talkin’, a podcast by Terry Pluto, Cleveland.com - Stats, Episodes and Rankings - My Podcast Data
