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Many Members of Browns' Rookie Class Already Seeing Their Roles Change

If you were to make a list of the most important rookie classes in the NFL, the Browns might be No. 1, and they certainly wouldn't fall out of the top five in any accurate version of the exercise. Having three of the first 37 picks put high expectations on the group, and already, a few of the less-heralded rookies are also being forced into bigger roles. 

Cleveland Plain Dealer beat writer Mary Kay Cabot speculated that the Browns will adapt their offense to utilize first-round pick Brandon Weeden's arm strength by stretching defenses. Cabot also thinks that the team will run more no-huddle. This makes a ton of sense because Colt McCoy's popgun arm kept defenses crowding the line of scrimmage. This will also bring fourth-round wide receiver Travis Benjamin's speed into play and allow Mohamed Massaquoi to run more deep routes.

Going no huddle is crucial because Weeden rarely took snaps from under center and executed three, five and seven-step drops at Oklahoma State. In a no-huddle offense, he can survey the defense from the shotgun and made quick reads and decisions to help his transition to the speed of the pro game.

Cabot also thinks 2011 free-agent signing Brandon Jackson will have a "prominent role as the Browns' third-down back." This will preserve No. 3 overall pick Trent Richardson for the long haul and also play to Jackson's strengths as a blocker and pass catcher.

Fellow Plain Dealer reporter Terry Pluto passes along that the Browns are happy with third-round defensive tackle John Hughes and sixth-round defensive tackle Billy Winn. The choice of Hughes was met with criticism because defensive tackle is one of the team's strongest positions, but it seemed prescient after starting nose tackle Phil Taylor tore one of his pectoral muscles after the draft.

Pluto gave a look into the Browns' thinking about the pair of rookies. The team reportedly thought Hughes could be an immediate rotational player and had Winn rated higher than a sixth-round prospect. Both will have a chance to make the team feel good about the picks with the extra practice reps and regular season snaps freed up by Taylor's injury.

Is Baltimore Ravens OC Cam Cameron on the Hot Seat?

Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron joined the team in 2008, the same time as quarterback Joe Flacco, and has helped the team along to reaching the playoffs in each of the four years he's been calling the plays.

However, that doesn't mean Cameron is without his detractors. From fans, to NFL Films senior producer and expert Greg Cosell, the gripes about Cameron are the same—his plays are predictable and simplistic, that nothing changes even when personnel is replaced, that the passing offense is the only area of liability for an otherwise strong Ravens team.

So despite his successes, Cameron's seat is getting ever-warmer with each passing season that Baltimore fails to reach the Super Bowl.

In terms of total yards last season, the Ravens had the 15th-best offense in the league, but they ranked just 19th in passing yards. Much of the Ravens' offensive success last year had to do with the impressive performance of running back Ray Rice, who had the most yards from scrimmage of any player in 2011.

While issues regarding Flacco's consistency and a young receiving corps played a part in the somewhat flat Ravens' passing offense last year, Cameron's playcalling was also at fault.

As Cosell noted when speaking on the Sirius/XM NFL Blitz last fall, the Ravens have an "archaic" offensive philosophy, with plays and formations that echo the way the game was played in the 1960s.

He claimed the system lacked the kind of variety that leaves opposing defenses guessing, only employs two basic routes in the route tree and failed to effectively use a No. 3 receiver.

It's not as though Cosell's word is gospel, of course, but he also watches far more tape than your or I and has far more knowledge of the game than most people who cover it, so he's certainly onto something. 

If anything, Cameron's playcalling is simplistic and conservative. This has worked out fairly well during his tenure, but the Ravens' offense has never been explosive as its defensive counterpart and, as such, doesn't get much credit for the team's overall success.

With an offense that's as strong as the defense, the Ravens would be an unstoppable team. As of now, they're a very good team, but not a complete team. 

Cameron's plays are slow-developing. There isn't a lot of opportunity for Flacco to audible. Flacco's development as a quarterback has seemed to plateau during his time working with Cameron, and it's hard to believe that it's all the fault of Flacco or that he's not capable of improvement.

Much like the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens may seek a change at offensive coordinator at the close of this upcoming season, simply in order to spur some offensive evolution. Cameron has a system that he's comfortable with, but not one that has caught up with many of the innovations we've seen of late, especially in the passing game.

Wins help job security, to be sure, as do playoff appearances. But without progress on offense, regardless of how the Ravens end the 2012-13 season, Cameron may find himself out in Baltimore simply because it may finally be time for a change.

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5 Things Erik Spoelstra Can Learn from "Mr. Nasty" Gregg Popovich

Like him or hate him, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is one of the better young head coaches in the NBA.

Having said that though, he has a lot to learn before he can be considered elevate one of the elite coaches in the game.

Spoelstra can do that by studying the likes of Mr. Nasty, Gregg Popovich. The San Antonio Spurs head man isn’t just one of the best coaches in the NBA but one of the best coaches in all of professional sports.

Spoelstra may get the opportunity as the Heat and Spurs could collide in the NBA Finals.

If that’s the case, here’s five things that Spoelstra could learn from Mr. Nasty.

1. Become a Better Tactician

Popovich is the ultimate tactician and Spoelstra has a long way to go in order to reach that level.

The Spurs leader runs both a detailed-oriented offense and defense where attention to detail is a must. Popovich often has the exact tactical answer for any potential situation that arises throughout the course of a game.

He draws things up and his players execute almost flawlessly. Coming out of time-outs, there is no better play-caller in the NBA.

Spoelstra on the other hand has had problems diagramming plays late in games and it shows up during pressure situations.

2. Adjust, Adjust, Adjust

When things don’t go well for Popovich, he adjusts to game situations.

Spoelstra on the other hand often sticks with what has worked in the past.

The NBA is a game of adjustments and no coach in the league is better at making adjustments on the fly than Popovich is.

3. Command Respect

Is it me or does it often seem that Spoelstra doesn’t have the ultimate respect from his team? And that has nothing to do with the Dwyane Wade incident during Game 3 of the Indiana Pacers series.

There’s no doubting who the boss of the Spurs team is, because when Popovich talks, his players listen.

I just don’t feel that’s in Spoelstra’s personality and it’s something he needs to develop.

That’s hard to do with LeBron James and Wade on your team, as the NBA is a superstar driven league. The coach will always be dismissed before the player, but Spoelstra needs more of a commanding influence about him.

4. Challenge Your Players

No coach currently in the NBA is as good at challenging his players as Popovich.

His team never settles for mediocrity and he’s always looking for them to be better. He knows when to challenge his team’s toughness and also knows when he needs to inspire them to do better.

That was evident in Game 1 against the Thunder when Popovich asked his team for some nasty.

You won’t hear Popovich tell his team to keep fighting or keep trying, but you will hear things like “I want some nasty.”

He knows exactly what buttons to push and exactly when to push them.

5. Defense Wins Championships

Even though Spoelstra has the likes of James, Wade and Bosh to rely on offensively, the Heat will only go as far in the postseason as there defense takes them.

Even though the Spurs have been one of the best teams in the NBA offensively during the entire season, they still win with defense.

Give Popovich the choice of a volume scorer or a lockdown defender, and he will choose a Bruce Bowen or Kawhi Leonard type every time.

His team puts on a clinic of how to play unselfish basketball and it’s a beauty to watch, but Popovich also knows that you win in the postseason by being able to get consistent stops at the defensive end of the floor.

Reasons the Thunder Will Steal Game 2

The Thunder trail 1-0 to the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. It is the first time all year OKC has trailed in a playoff series, and they are ready to bounce back. Game 2 is going in favor of the Thunder and here are the reasons why.

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Roger Clemens No Longer Must Fear a Conviction Thanks to Anthony Corso

The government does not have a strong enough case to prevent a reasonable individual from realizing that, in its case against Roger Clemens, there is reasonable doubt.

The latest government witness, Anthony Corso, testified today, May 29 at the circus referred to as Clemens' trial. Corso contradicted himself at worst and created confusion at best.

According to CBSSports.com wire reports, in 2002, Corso said Clemens' trainer, Brian McNamee, told him that Clemens was one of the athletes getting positive results from HGH.

Corso testified that around 2005, he had asked McNamee about a newspaper article dealing with performance-enhancing substances. Corso followed by claiming McNamee wanted him to use HGH.

As part of the sell, McNamee told Corso about the positive benefits ballplayers had received from HGH.

Here comes a confusing statement by Corso. He claimed McNamee never told him about giving steroids to players.

When the Mitchell Report became public in 2007 and revealed McNamee's role, Corso asked why McNamee hadn't told him about his dealings with players, Corso told jurors, "He said it was none of my business."

When responding to a juror's question about the can of "evidence" that contained syringes, Corso responded that Clemens' name never came up in connection to the syringes.

After he was dismissed as a witness, the government was forced to recall Corso because their case, already shaky, was starting to resemble the 2003 Detroit Tigers (43-119).

Prosecutor Steve Durham said Corso told a grand jury that McNamee did mention Clemens and the syringes. Corso said he didn't recall.

There is almost no doubt that there is enough reasonable doubt to prevent a guilty verdict.

One consequence of Clemens defending his legacy is that he had hurt it. Too many Americans don't have the time or inclination to question the government. They may have too much faith in the government.

A second consequence is that the government, first by bringing the case to trial and then by embarrassing itself, is tarnishing the image of the greatest country in the world.

Michael Vick Sued by Sports Memorabilia Company for Alleged Breach of Contract

Michael Vick is being sued for breach of contract. Tim McManus of The Philly Post reports that J.O. Sports Company is suing Vick because he "failed to live up to an agreement that paid the quarterback $101,500." McManus also provided a copy of the suit.

That agreement reportedly involved Vick supplying the company with game-worn merchandise and attending private signings. 

Not surprisingly, Vick and his people do not feel this suit is justified. As McManus points out, they are not denying that the deal was not fulfilled.

However, they claim that Vick terminated the relationship in October 2011, and Vick certainly would have had ample reason to end this relationship. 

Jarrod Oldridge, of J.O. Sports, has been accused of some incredibly shady business practices. He was formerly indicted on several charges and ended up pleading guilty to mail fraud.

McManus points out that the original charges levied against Oldridge included "doctoring jerseys to make them appear game-worn to increase the value."

Given these charges, it is easy to believe Vick's side when they say they terminated the relationship. The last thing Vick, who has worked so diligently on rebuilding his reputation, needs is to be associated with a businessman who has this kind of dirty reputation. 

This is certainly something that does not appear to be lost on Vick. McManus provided this quote from Vick, which was released through his P.R. firm. 

My primary concern is for my fans. If my fans want to buy game-used memorabilia, it is important that the merchandise is 100 percent authentic.

Given the information available on this story, I'd be shocked if this suit resulted in anything more than Vick paying a tiny settlement. 

UFC “Quick Break”: Jake Ellenberger vs. Martin Kampmann

Whether you just have a short downtime during work, or don't want a lengthy breakdown, these “Quick Breaks” are for you. "Quick Breaks" are short breakdowns of upcoming fights. In a summed up focus of strengths, weaknesses and variables, this will analyze what could happen in the fight, and end with this writer’s prediction. 

The end of The Ultimate Fighter Live is upon us and a new finalist will emerge. The UFC will go to the Palms Casino Resort in Paradise, Nevada for the finale of Team Cruz vs. Team Faber. While Mike Chiesa and Al Iaquinta will fight for the contract, two welterweights will headline the event to determine yet another top contender. GSP is away, and Condit is the interim champion. Johny Hendricks has earned a title shot, but Jake Ellenberger and Martin Kampmann will face off to make their own statements toward a title shot. 

In the blue corner you have Martin Kampmann. “The Hitman” is currently 19-5 and riding a two-fight winning streak. The past few years have been up and down for him, but after submitting Thiago Alves, he is once again on the hunt to move past more than two wins in a row—something he hasn’t done since 2008. Kampmann is a very well-rounded fighter, with great submissions and great striking. He is confident wherever the fight goes, and he will face an opponent who is ready to test his striking prowess. 

In the red corner you have Jake Ellenberger. Ellenberger is 27-5 and is riding a huge six-fight winning streak. If one thing can be said for Ellenberger, it’s that he has power in his hands. His striking has led him to 17 knockout or technical knockout victories. While he hasn’t shown his ground game and won via submission since 2006, he is a talented NCAA wrestler, and has now evolved into a complete MMA fighter. 

Kampmann is not afraid to get into a standing war, but he may want to take this fight to the ground. Ellenberger’s wrestling is strong and it will be hard to control him, but the submission advantage goes to Kampmann. On their feet, Ellenberger will be looking for a knockout. Kampmann has lost by knockout or technical knockout before, and we will see if Jake can put him away, or take him to a decision. Ellenberger has mostly lost decisions, but one loss came by submission. 

While this fight does have a great chance of ending in submission (Kampmann) or knockout or technical knockout (Ellenberger), this is one that could also easily go to a decision, but be “fight of the night.”

Prediction: Jake Ellenberger wins via unanimous decision

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Stanley Cup Predictions 2012: Jonathan Quick and More Stars Who Will Dominate

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick is one player who is ready to shine bright in the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals.

Quick's fabulous play during the playoffs has made him the favorite for the Conn Smythe Trophy among most journalists and fans.

He won't be the only player to make a strong case for playoff MVP, however. Let's look at three players who will dominate during the Stanley Cup Finals.

Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Devils

Ilya Kovalchuk is making the most out of the Devils' deep playoff run, and is leading the playoffs as a whole with 18 points.

The excitement you see from the Russian winger is a result of him playing past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in his career.

And with each round the Devils have advanced, the expectations of Kovalchuk have increased. Thus far, he's met those expectations and is playing like a star worthy of the $100 million contract he signed in 2010.

Expect Kovalchuk to continue his strong play in the Stanley Cup Finals. He scored six points against the talented defensive corps of the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals and will have similar success against the Kings defensemen, who aren't as talented as the Rangers.

Dustin Penner, Los Angeles Kings

Dustin Penner had just 17 points in 65 games for the Kings during the regular season but already has 10 points in 14 playoff games.

His game has improved dramatically during the postseason, and the level of confidence in his play is higher than it's been in a long time.

Penner's rise in play was evident in the Kings' Game 5 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes in the Western Conference Finals. In that contest, Penner was being aggressive at both ends of the ice and saw his hard work rewarded with a series-clinching goal in overtime.

Penner is playing for a Stanley Cup against the Devils but also a new contract since he will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He has all the motivation he could possibly need to dominate in this series.

Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles

The former UMass star is in the middle of a historic playoff run for the Kings, which includes an incredible 8-0 record on the road.

With a 12-2 record and an unreal .945 save percentage, no one has been on Quick's level during the postseason.

He defines the term "most valuable" to the Kings in every way. When he plays well, it seems as if the Kings cannot be beaten.

It would be foolish to think Quick won't continue his strong play between the pipes for the Kings in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Follow @NicholasGoss35

Nicholas Goss is an NHL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was also the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston.

2012 CFL Toronto Argonauts Season Preview: Can Ricky Ray Lead Argos to Grey Cup?

The Toronto Argonauts are hosting the 100th Grey Cup this year at the Rogers Centre. That means that the Argonauts have added pressure heading into the 2012 CFL season.

Last year, the Argos finished with a miserable 6-12 overall record, which was good for last place in the East Division. The Argos were unable to make the playoffs and it was apparent that changes were coming to the team.

In December of last year, Toronto signed new head coach Scott Milanovich. Milanovich was the assistant in Montreal last year, but in 2009 and 2010 Milanovich was the Alouettes offensive coordinator when Montreal won the back-to-back Grey Cups.

Milanovich has proven on numerous occasions that he knows how to coach a CFL offense to success. He's going to have his hands full with Toronto this year, but several key offseason moves should help ease the transition.

The big offseason move from the Argonauts this year was trading Steven Jyles, Grant Shaw and their 2012 first-round draft pick for QB Rickey Ray of the Edmonton Eskimos.

Jyles was definitely a young prospect with upside, but the Argonauts couldn't go another season with an unproven QB at the reigns. Ricky Ray instantly brings veteran leadership and skill to the poor Argos offensive unit.

Last season, Toronto averaged 233 passing yards per game (the worst in the CFL) and scored an average of 21.3 PPG, which was good for second-worst in the CFL, only ahead of the Roughriders (19.2 PPG).

Ricky Ray should be able to come in and improve the offense. Last year with the Eskimos, Ray threw for 4594 passing yards and 24 TDs, which was good for third in the CFL behind Calvillo and Lulay.

Ray did lead the CFL with his 99.3 passer rating, though. If Ray can perform like he did in Edmonton last year, the Argonauts will instantly become contenders in the wide-open East Division this season.

Toronto struggled with getting the football intercepted last season. Between the QBs last season, the Argonauts threw 27 INTs in 18 games. Ricky Ray only threw 11 INTs last season, and I can't see him throwing over 15 INTs this year.

Cory Boyd is one of the CFL's best RBs and will be able to help open the field up for Ricky Ray. Boyd ran the ball 187 times for 1141 rushing yards and six TDs last season. Boyd is expected to carry less of a load this season and slot back Andre Durie will be given more opportunities.

Last year, the Argos WRs were unproductive. Chad Owens led the team in receiving yards with 722, but Owens didn't have a TD during the entire 2011 season. Owens needs to step it up this year, but he will also have some help.

Jason Barnes is coming over from the Eskimos as well this season. Barnes is an excellent addition to the WR core in Toronto. In 2011, Barnes caught 50 passes for 869 reception yards and seven TDs. No Fred Stamps numbers, but solid nonetheless.

Toronto's offense may have been a problem last season, but so was the defense. The defense was left stranded in a lot of the Argo's games last season and was forced to play long minutes, but that's hardly an excuse for what happened.

The Argonauts gave up an average 298.2 passing YPG, 136.4 rushing YPG and 27.7 points. Toronto finished last in the CFL in each of these defensive statistical categories, so it'll be difficult for Toronto to play any worse on defense.

One move on defense that has been widely talked about is the change of position for veteran Jordan Younger. Younger is going to move into the safety position this season and will be counted on to provide leadership from his position.

Chris Jones is the new defensive coordinator for the Argonauts in 2012, and big changes are expected. The veteran players on defense have secured their spots on the starting roster already, but several positions are wide open.

Toronto plays two preseason CFL games in June against Hamilton and Montreal. Expect the new coaching staff to test a lot of different lineups out during the two preseason games to see what works.

With Ricky Ray leading the team at QB and Milanovich calling the plays from the sidelines on offense, I like the Argonauts this year and I think they'll be able to escape the basement in the East Division.

It isn't that difficult making the playoffs in the CFL, and not making the playoffs this year would be a major disappointment. Fans are excited about the addition of superstar CFL quarterback Ricky Ray and the Argos need to make sure they win.

I'm not predicting that Toronto will win the 100th Grey Cup this year at the Rogers Centre in November, but I definitely think the Argos made enough moves during the offseason to make the playoffs at the very least.

*UPDATE*: Today it was just announced that Willie Pile will retire from the Toronto Argonauts. Pile played with the Argos for five years and was a leader on the defense (defensive captain last two seasons). This is a blow to Toronto's defense, but they still have the entire camp to work new players into Pile's role.

Scott Jack is a Contributor for Bleacher Report and also writes his analysis at his blog Odds Nerd.

Stanley Cup 2012: Simon Gagne's Return Will Help Fuel Kings' Title Run

The Los Angeles Kings' title hopes got a boost with the news that Simon Gagne was cleared to return for the Stanley Cup Final. The boost may not be a tangible one felt on the ice, as coach Daryl Sutter was non-committal when asked if the 32-year-old, 11-year veteran would actually see action.

He is quoted by Joseph D'Hippolito of the New York Times as follows:

“He is available,” Sutter said. “That’s a better way of looking at it, right? You need lots of live ammo.”

Gagne suffered a concussion, which was the third of his career, only 34 games into the season. 

Even if Gagne doesn't see action, the presence of a veteran with so much experience is sure to bolster the team's readiness for the Final. This is the biggest series of most of their lives and let's not forget the Kings are a very young team.

Their average age is 26 years old, and more importantly the core of Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, Drew Doughty and Jonathan Quick are all 27 and under.

With all of them having spent their entire careers with the Kings, none of them have ever been this deep into the postseason. Gagne has been deep into the playoffs in five different seasons, and most recently he played in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Kings had sought veteran-leadership and scoring ability when they signed Gagne in 2011. He had a solid start with 17 points before he suffered the concussion that forced him to miss the remainder of the season, and all of the postseason to this point.

Technically, the Kings have proven they don't need him to win. They have hit their stride even without the veteran on ice as they have blown through the postseason with a 12-2 record. Still, it's great having your teammate back healthy and ready to contribute.

Gagne's teammate Dustin Penner is also quoted by D'Hippolito:

“It’s great to see him back on the ice, seeing him smile and being around the guys,” forward Dustin Penner said. “We know how tough it is being injured.

Gagne has been given full clearance to return, and whether Sutter decides to play him or not, seeing Gagne suited up should be a positive for the young Kings as they chase a title.

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Yankees or Red Sox: Which Team Is in More Trouble?

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are in the middle of a fierce battle. Unfortunately for their fans, it’s for the basement of the AL East.

Here is a friendly little debate that may just start a civil war.

Which team is currently further in the depths of despair? The Yankees or the Red Sox?

I take on esteemed MLB lead blogger Zachary Rymer in a battle of epic proportions.

This is an odd season wherein the East looks like it’s been flipped upside down, and both perennial powers are fighting to stay alive in a packed division. I just don’t see how an injury-plagued Red Sox team will manage to get out alive.

Rymer, in his infinite wisdom, see things far bleaker for the Bronx Bombers. It matters little what we think, because you have the final say in all this.

Sound off in the comments section with the team you think is far deeper in the suck right now.

Follow me on Twitter @gabezal

Follow Zach Rymer @zachrymer

Be sure to sound off and let us know what you think in the comments below. If you like what you see, click here for more from Bleacher Report Productions. 

Report: Rangers and Roy Oswalt Have Agreed to Contract

Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Texas Rangers are set to sign 34-year-old Roy Oswalt to a one-year contract.

He appeared to be seeking a contract in the $5 million to $7.5 million range, and it seems as if that's what he'll be getting in Texas.

The Rangers reportedly needed ownership approval to sign Oswalt, which appeared to be the only thing holding back the team from bringing him in earlier.

The Rangers have stayed in contact with Oswalt since this past offseason, but the Neftali Feliz injury appeared to influence them into making a hard push for the right-hander.

Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan and pitching coach Mike Maddux helped convince Oswalt to come to Texas according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBTradeRumors.

Oswalt made 23 starts last season with the Phillies, posting a 3.69 ERA and a 45.1 percent ground-ball rate. 

His average fastball velocity dropped down to 91.4 mph though, and he needed a few stints on the disabled list to nurse back his injuries.

If Oswalt is successful in Texas, Feliz can return to the bullpen when he recovers from his injury.

Detroit Lions: Are They the Most Wheels-off Franchise in All of Sports?

Detroit Lions fans are a passionate bunch. And clearly, so is their team.

But with a full season of craziness followed by an offseason of madness, the question has to be asked: Is there another sports franchise on the planet that is this out of control?

In 2011, we witnessed head coach Jim Schwartz lose his cool and literally chase 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh for several yards while screaming at him, all because he felt like he got his hand shaken too hard.

We witnessed Ndamukong Suh slam a Packers lineman's head into the ground, then stomp him.

We saw Nick Fairley purposely spear Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler in the head.

We saw Matthew Stafford lose it and throw a Packers defender down by his facemask.

We saw Brandon Pettigrew shove an official in New Orleans.

And now we have an offseason with Fairley being busted for marijuana possession and following that up with being busted for driving while intoxicated and alluding authorities.

Not to be outdone, wideout Titus Young has punched a fellow teammate and alienated several others through apathetic effort in OTAs.

I wrote an article back in the middle of the 2011 season calling out Schwartz for setting a bad example for his team after he chased Harbaugh. I was roundly shouted down for it (if you can be shouted down in the comments section of sports blog site) by Detroit fans.

Just out of curiosity, are there any fans out there who are wondering the same thing as me?

What's next for this team? Have you had enough yet? Shouldn't Schwartz take some of the blame as their leader? Let us hear from you in the comments section.

French Open 2012: Day 3 Scores, Results and Recap

We finally have our first shocker of the French Open—Serena Williams is finished.

In a tournament that until now was devoid of any enormous shockers, the elimination of Williams will reverberate around the tennis world. She was 17-0 on clay this year and came into this tournament as a popular favorite, making her loss all the more shocking.

Beyond that, the the third day at Roland Garros went as planned. Let's take a look back at the day's most relevant results.

Serena Williams Loses

Heading into Tuesday's match against France’s Virginie Razzano, Serena Williams was 46-0 in Grand Slam first rounds.

Make that 46-1.

Razzano pulled off the shocking upset which included an amazing final game that saw Williams finally fall on the eighth match point, easily the most tense and exciting tennis Roland Garros has seen thus far.

Serena appeared to have this match won in the second set, when she led 5-1 in the tiebreaker. And then everything changed.

At 5-2, Serena stopped playing on a Razzano volley she deemed out of play. The chair umpire disagreed, video replay showed the ball just barely nicking the line, making the call correct, and Razzano rallied to win the tiebreaker.

With that, the momentum in the match changed hands.

Between sets, Williams appeared to be crying courtside and promptly dropped five straight games before mounting a late resistance. But it was too late.

The Big Names (Mostly) Advance

Not surprisingly, the rest of the day's biggest names handled their business without much trouble on Tuesday. The fact that Maria Sharapova didn't drop a game in her first match should frighten opponents, as she is likely now the favorite on the women's side after Serena Williams' elimination.

On the men's side, there weren't any major challenges, though Tatsuma Ito did make Andy Murray earn the second set the hard way.

Alexandr Dolgopolov Falls, Jeremy Chardy Survives Crazy Final Set

The highest-seeded player to fall not named Serena Williams was Alexandr Dolgopolov, who was upset by fellow Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky in a see-saw affair.

Meanwhile, Frenchman Jeremy Chardy recovered after blowing a two-set lead to win a crazy fifth set, 11-9. The match took over four hours to complete.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets pack more punch than Junior dos Santos.