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Browns minicamp: Crennel on his QBs: They're all struggling
Thursday, June 14, 2007
By Steve Doerschuk
REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

BEREA The buzz among media watching the Browns practice has it that Derek Anderson, who lit up the Chiefs is December, is the hot quarterback in June.

He's throwing more strikes and better fastballs than Charlie Frye and Brady Quinn. That counts for something. It isn't the only thing.

"D.A has the strongest arm. There's no secrets about that," Head Coach Romeo Crennel. "There's more to it than just having a strong arm. You have to be able to run the offense."

One school of thought supposes Crennel and Coordinator Rob Chudzinski could pick one starting QB for the opener and make a switch by midseason.

"I haven't thought that way at all," Chudzinski said after Wednesday's second practice.

"I'm thinking of who is gonna be our No. 1 quarterback.

"Obviously, we'll determine that in training camp at some point."

Frye is more agile than Anderson, and doesn't have the rookie jitters that could work against Quinn.

Crennel, who has the final vote on who starts Sept. 9 against Pittsburgh, says, "They're all struggling."

Frye hardly made it sound like a tortured struggle coming off a Wednesday minicamp practice. He seems in love with the attack being installed by Chudzinski.

"I don't think there's any of it ... I don't like or that I don't think will be successful," Frye said. "The biggest thing I like is the amount of movement and the amount of motioning and shifting that we're doing.

"It's gonna cause defenses lots of problems. We're not gonna be coming out in just a static formation, not moving around."

If Frye wins the job, Chudzinski will offer a menu with plenty of passes on the move.

"Chud thinks that's one of my strengths," Frye said. "He's allowed me to do more of it. The defense can't game plan one set point right behind center. I think that's gonna be an added advantage.

"It's something I wanted to get to more last year, but we didn't get to it. We're doing it a lot in practice."

Frye thinks - and Crennel agrees - he has been throwing "pretty well" in recent practices.

After this week's minicamp, players will be on vacation, most heading off but a few sticking around Berea. Rookies are due back for training camp July 23. Veterans are due at the regular camp July 27.

"Training camp starts, then it'll seem like you turn around and it's Sept. 9, and the Steelers are in town," Frye said.

Does he believe he'll be the guy passing into Pittsburgh's defense?

"We'll find out," he said.

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is the hot quarterback in June.

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LOL.....thats sad, I'd hate people to say that about me....Kinda like the Warren big Money statements, I'm in the best shape of my like and ready to play IN JUNE, Bye Mid September he was tired and slow.

Heck, Everybody is a All Pro in June

Thanks for the article, but it would be nice if we could consolidate some of these QB threads. There's all kinds of them.

World Beaters Without Pads-- yep! It's June, the "counts for nada" month-- we all sweet in June.
Da Browns! Use the Chud, baby! And may the Elf be with us!

When the pads go on, the guy who can read coverages best will stand out among the rest.

I think I know who that's gonna be.

P.S. The media is saying Russell has been "impressive" in Raiders camp while they say Quinn is struggling. It's only June, and I have to wonder how much of that is twisted due to Russell's rocket arm, or how simple their scheme is vs. ours.

they are probably not going to throw a lot at Russell b/c he has the body to win games w/ his feet, something like Vince Young...If he doesnt see an open reciever.. he's gone..

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When the pads go on, the guy who can read coverages best will stand out among the rest.

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What do pads have to do w/reading coverages?

maybe he means when the defense is coming after you w/ pads on...

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"I don't think there's any of it ... I don't like or that I don't think will be successful," Frye said. "The biggest thing I like is the amount of movement and the amount of motioning and shifting that we're doing.

"It's gonna cause defenses lots of problems. We're not gonna be coming out in just a static formation, not moving around."

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my take...be prepared to see the highest # of illegal motion, offsides, too many/few on the LOS penalties in the NFL ...

They can't hit the QB anyway. That isn't what he means. Ammo just wants BQ to be the starter on opening day so bad that he is peeing himself each time he hears anything about the quarterbacks.

Ammo.........guys like you and peen and company are going to be pushing for BQ to be the starter. You are going to be relentless. However, I think you will be making a big mistake that will do more harm than good.

And then if BQ isn't starting and we are losing, you guys will be calling for RAC's head. Ammo......you are young and you played football, so there is still hope for you. Don't be part of the dunce crowd.

Try and be patient, will you please?

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my take...be prepared to see the highest # of illegal motion, offsides, too many/few on the LOS penalties in the NFL ...

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Maybe at first dna, but since the RAC era began, we've actually been a very disciplined team. I know it's hard to believe, but the Browns have been one of the least-penalized teams in the NFL the past couple of years. Of course, we always seem to do it on a huge play and shoot ourselves in the foot.

I think Anderson is the better QB between him and Frye but Frye will probaly start.

I would like to see Quinn work on his triceps this fall by packing around that heavy clipboard.

As for Romeo getting canned that would just be the bonus plan. He shouldnt have been hired to begin with.

Mourg: Just curious. Who should we have hired?

Sean Payton. lol

Although:
If we can sign Cowher or Schottenheimer and keep our 3-4 defense and Chud as our O-Coordinator i have no problem with letting RAC go. Those two coaches have proven that they're really good and it seems like a once in awhile opportunity to get proven guys like that.

I'm not sure how i feel about RAC as coach, but i'm looking for 2nd half adjustments in games and improvements and I'm sort of let down. This season is it for the guy, and I wouldn't be surprised even if we're 8-8 or 7-9 if RAC hits the road and we pick up Cowher or Schottenheimer.

I think those guys could jump in and take little to no back step before stepping forward with this team.

I think Anderson has the best arm...but is not the best QB.

One thing I keep reading is about all the motion and looks we have. Also is the mobility of our pocket and by RAC's mouth a defensive mind looking at our offense stating how with a mobile pocket and movement (by the QB) will present many more difficulties for the defenses we play and their preparation against us.

Quite Frankly - I don't see Anderson excelling in this mobility scheme. Anderson is a traditional Pocket passer...actually Anderson reminds me of a POOR MANS Drew Bledsoe.

07...Frye should be our guy - only him falling on his face will prevent this.

JMHO

Mike Nolan, Russ Grimm and Al Saunders were my top 3 choices. The Ryan boys would have been in the mix aswell.

Here's a question for everyone...

if the situation was flip flopped...

where Anderson was picked in the 3rd round, and Frye was picked off of the Ravens...

Who would be the starter?

Leadership quality. Romeo doesnt have it. Nolan and Grimm are natural leaders. You can see it in every practise.

Al Saunders I wanted him hired for his brain. I think he has the best mind for offense in football. Ryan brothers, I think are a chip off the old block when it comes to defense and are two of the best defensive brains in the buisness.

I got a question for everyone too, WHY do the Browns seem to give out to much information on the wire? It seems to me that all the coaches read up on these little interviews, then turn it all against us when the games count, odd. I just dont get it.. JMo

I dont really believe draft status has alot to do with it between Frye and Anderson. I believe it is experience. Frye has the most starts and Romeo is more comfortable with him.

"Leadership quality. Romeo doesnt have it. Nolan and Grimm are natural leaders. You can see it in every practise."

OK...don't take this personal - but I've pretty much had enough of the RAC bashing...time to put up or Shut up...Can ya be more specific in this SO CALLED lack of leadership viewed by you...and how many practices have you attended viewing RAC, Nolan and Grimm to be a self professed expert on the subject.

Please educate me on this one... Thanks in advance.

Well i got a big mouth so shut up isnt an option.

Romeo cant control his players on the field. Allowing the crap with Edwards and not even taking him out of the game was pretty weak.

He allowed his starting QB and OC to develop a rift so bad that the QB threatens to retire if not traded.

The OL coach and OC coach hated each other so bad they refused to even talk.

Not winning one single replay challenge last year and my God the Rudi Johnson TD run 3 yards deep into the endzone may have been the dumbest challenge i have seen although romeo has a few others that are nearly as stupid.

When asked a difficult question Rac loves the umm I dont know answer and you know what he isnt lieing he doesnt have a clue most of the time.

He gives simple answers because that is all he knows. If it works its a good play and if it doesnt its a bad play. Coach why didnt the play work? Because it didnt

Seriously Romeo Crennel and George Bush should inspire all morons that they can succede in life by becoming a head football coach in the NFL or even president.

Any benefits of a rolling pocket are off-set by the fact it pretty much tell the defensive backfield where to defend.

I don't care about the reports of a stronger arm....Chuck isn't going to roll right 8-10 yards then set and zip it across the grain to the left.

as far as romeo's leadership abilities, all i know is this, his players seem to respect him and listen to him when he talks. players such as willie and big ted oviously liked him and that is the reason they went to play for him again. i know for a fact that ted told romeo in new england that he would play for him when he became a head coach. i think it is pretty clear that the players like and respect romeo as a coach and as a leader.

"Any benefits of a rolling pocket are off-set by the fact it pretty much tell the defensive backfield where to defend."

I never said I was a fan of the rolling pocket...and I happen to agree in many occasions I have viewed a commitment to one side of the field by rolling a pocket and simplifies the Defense as in a Anti-Stretch effect.

However I'm willing to see what Chud has in mind as it appears so many of our players are gaga over the schemes. So I'd like to see what Chud has in mind with this...possibly some area slants heading in the opposite direction...Screen passes to our FB on the left side? Who knows...I'm willing to see the results here.

Mourgrym...noted - but those are little piddlings from a 4-12 season. And nothing that hasn't been resolved and taken care of. Those are facts (well at least some interpretations of the facts a little tainted but still close enough ) that happenned but just aren't indicitive enough to have RAC has the cause and lack of leadership behing it all. 4-12 ain't rosey and there have been bumps in the road. I think RAC has worked a lot closer with Savage in these dealings. But many of it is superficial and does not depict the heart and soul of the team and what is being built not only by Savage but by RAC. A lot of Drama stuff if you are a Soap Opera kind a guy...I like the Football stuff I have seen.

The only misrepresentation though I saw is your suggestion of the handling of Edwards. I think he handled it just fine. And I'm a no-nonsense kind of guy. But you act like coaching is a snap - there is a fine line in dealing with personalities and being disciplined. Quite Frankly all he did was not air his wash in public...I see no fault in this. If you feel there was no discipline then you are bias in your judgment...its not like you've been a fan of his from the get go...after all you've already gave us your Monday Qbing on the Who you wanted for the job...like it was your choice and your interviews in the first place.

One thing about the Grimm fans. I find it quite interesting that he was not given the Steeler job and here he is this great Head Coach in some fan minds...still playing 2nd banana. But I got to laugh at the experts here telling me who their 1st 2nd and 3rd choices were

Me - I wasn't in on the meetings and interviews I just knew I wanted to see a good organization put in. I see great practices being held - excellent camps...for you to say you see a lack of leadership and site Practices as a reason...I got to just laugh at your claim I see our young talents being taught the right way.

I don't see things handed to anyone...including Edwards, Thomas, Quinn n Wimbley. Actually only one of them started from day one so far...Who was that? And don't that tell you something? And if Thomas starts from day one...I will know he EARNED it. Btw did Edwards start day ONE? Nah...so you know what - I see a fan who didn't like the choice of RAC cause Gosh knows...he knows better than them who did the picking. And then sees just what he wants to see.

A thousand things happen during a season...Positive and Negative. Ya can pick away with these little Negatives and make your case. I'm just looking and the big picture and see a lot to be thankful for. And NO WAY am I claiming RAC has been perfect. I think he has a lot of learning to do. But in noway has our record been a direct cause and effect by his lack of Prowess of a head Coach. I think a lot of the promise we have in cultivating a young team is directly cause n effect by his Leadership and the organization he has put together here along with his leadership. I like him a lot and think he's got us in Positive Direction for a Long Term Solid Franchise which if I remember was what we were looking to achieve...not a fast fix.

JMHO - and I'm sure you got yours.

j/c

We all know Anderson has a strong arm. We all know Frye has mobility. We all know Quinn was a darn good college QB.

What none of us know is how they will do in this offense when things are at real speed and they have Ray Lewis bearing down on them.

So, IMO, all this stuff is just filler. I try not to pay attention to it too much because it just frankly doesn't mean anything.

JMHO

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Leadership quality. Romeo doesnt have it. Nolan and Grimm are natural leaders. You can see it in every practise.

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I really don't know how good of a head coach RAC is, because he has had inferior talent in key positions since he's been here, but I do know you are full of crap on the leadership angle.

I know for a fact that his players do respect him.

BQ needs to sit, and we should have gotten a vet QB is my stance.

Who'd a thunk .... posters wanting BQ to start more than me .. *LOL* ..

pretty ironic that no one wanted him more than me .. and now I will be one of the very few that won't be crying cause he isn't playing when Frye and DA fall flat on their faces .. *L* ...

I agree with you, Diam. I want him to sit and learn because he, as we discussed before, has all the things you need to be a great QB in this league. I don't want to rush that just because so many think we have to win it all this year. Let him sit and learn and grow. It's too bad we have a fan of microwaves....they want everything in an instant.

I think it's easier to find new articles this way instead of having to fish through other threads for new info and articles instead of the discussions going on.

I'm personally hoping Frye wins out and is named the starter by early Training Camp- no later. It will give the offense an identity and a leader instead of dragging this thing out. I'd rather see Quinn learn a while before jumping into the fire so he doesn't get burned.

LOL......but you have a brain.

We both want BQ to start, just not before he's ready. And hell, I want the team to be ready too.

Bro.........do you know how ugly these guys are gonna be if Chalie or DA starts ahead of BQ this year? The Fire RAC crowd will be out in full force. It will be similar to their moronic rants last year in regards to Mo.

Lets just hope RAC is smart enough to not listen to the fans who are wearing dunce caps.

More struggling...

lincoln

New offense a challenge for Browns

Thursday, June 14, 2007
Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

Browns minicamp ends today, but summer school is just beginning for the offensive players trying to grasp new coordinator Rob Chudzinski's complicated scheme.

"We've come a long way, but we've got a long way to go," Chudzinski said. "They have to study film and study the playbook. They have to visualize themselves running the plays."

Chudzinski's scheme, similar to the Norv Turner-style offense that features a complex numbered-route system and plenty of shifting and motion, is so foreign that quarterback Charlie Frye will forgo the usual summer hiatus to hang around the Browns facility.

"That's where the film's at," Frye said. "I don't want to take too much of a break and have to re-learn. I'm ready to take it to step two. The season comes fast, so you have to be ready."

Chudzinski, part of San Diego's top-scoring offense last season, threw so much at the players so fast that they looked like the Bad News Browns on the first day of organized team activities. Rookie Brady Quinn threw three interceptions, Frye threw two and more balls ended up on the ground than in receivers' hands. What's more, passes were often thrown to phantom receivers.

Motion? Yes. Poetry in motion, hardly. But the whole unit has looked much better in minicamp.

"The first week or so, the motion was causing a lot of confusion," Frye said. "But we've been studying and getting guys lined up faster. It'll cause defenses a lot of problems because we're not coming out in a static formation like we did last year."

With more movement per practice than a "Dancing with the Stars" episode, Frye urged his teammates to work out hard during the month off. "We need to come into camp in really good shape," he said.

Receivers won't be the only ones on the move. Frye will also finally get a chance to throw out of the pocket more.

"Chud thinks that's one of my strengths and he's allowed me to do more of it," Frye said.

"It's something that the defense has to gameplan for. I wanted to do more of it last year, but we didn't get to it."

Like the quarterbacks, the receivers and backs have struggled to master the new scheme.

"In addition to all the motion and formations, there's numbers to deal with," receiver Joe Jurevicius said. "One minute you're this number and the next minute you're that number. It's confusing, but I think once we focus on fewer plays, it'll be a lot easier."

Jurevicius urged his teammates to study during the break.

"We have to stay in our books," he said. "We have to be professional and learn the new way. I'm not saying spend three hours a day, but keep your head in that book once or twice a week so we're not going back to step one when we come to camp."

Even running back Jason Wright, a two-time first-team Academic All-American at Northwestern where he was a double major in psychology and pre-medicine, finds the scheme tricky.

"There's just a lot," Wright said. "It's multiple formations, multiple shifts, multiple attack plans. It covers the gamut which is great for us, because we have the talent to pull it off and coach Chud has the mind for it."

But isn't his Northwestern education coming in handy?

"I don't think anybody's education comes in handy with this," Wright said. "It's hard. But you can see the improvement that's already taken place, and it's like, 'This is really, really going to be good.' "

But can it be good this season?

"Absolutely," Wright said. "We've got plenty of time."

Chudzinski planned from the start to throw the whole playbook at the offense to see what it could handle.

"If you spoon-feed them, you never really get to the things you need to and find out what you need to find out," Chudzinski said. "You throw as much at them early on as you can and you see what sticks and how guys assimilate that and how they perform."

The new scheme has leveled the playing field with the quarterbacks - and their grasp of it will largely determine who starts on opening day.

"They're all struggling," coach Romeo Crennel said. "But they're going to keep working at it. They're going to work at it while we're gone, and they're going to work at it when we come back and then we'll see who can pick it up the best."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

mcabot@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

I guess we read different boards bro ... I dont see many of any posters other than Peenie and Ammo that want BQ to start from day 1 .. ALMOST ALL want either frye or DA to start against Pitt .. now once they fall on their faces the menZas are gonna start crying for BQ to come in ... thats when the trouble will start ... not from week 1 ...

well depending on how TC goes .. *LOL* ....

B .. u agree with me .. the board must be getting to me .. I have to be getting dumber if we agree ..