Browns: We’ve discussed top pick with Rams,” the headline placed on the front page of ESPN reads.
Media overreacts to Browns comments about No. 1 pick
What came to mind when you read that? To me, it was that the Browns are interested in trading the farm to draft quarterback Sam Bradford.
There are a couple things ridiculous about this idea.
First, that would mean the Rams, a team in as great of a need as any team of a quarterback, doesn't want Bradford. Somewhat absurd, but understandable. Perhaps they prefer Jimmy Clausen.
Second, you have to get 11 paragraphs into ESPN’s story until you reach the point -- what should have been the heart of the headline.
“Absolutely we love (Bradford), as do a lot of people, but in the real world we’re probably going to go in a different direction there,” president Mike Holmgren said.
That’s the story. It’s not that Cleveland has talked to St. Louis. It’s that Cleveland likes Bradford but isn’t wiling to trade away its entire draft for one player.
If I were writing the headline, it would have been this: Holmgren: Team unlikely to trade up for Bradford.
That headline is four characters longer It’s also more factual. Instead, ESPN chose to sensationalize a press conference not worth sensationalizing.
That’s the kind of headline writing and story crafting that gets moronic fans and bloggers thrown into a tizzy over nothing.
Here’s a little bit better of a headline from my pal Pat McManamon of AOL Fanhouse: Browns won’t mortgage ranch for No. 1 pick. A little cliche, sure, but it does its job.
I’m not one of those people who rips ESPN just because they’re ESPN. They do a lot more good work than bad. But this falls in the latter category.
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