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Browns report: Strategy and personnel

Jan. 5, 2007
The Sports Xchange

Strategy and personnel ? Inside slant ? Notes, quotes



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Romeo Crennel is standing up for quarterback Charlie Frye, saying he would be comfortable with Frye as the starter next season.

"I've said that all along," Crennel said. "My stance hasn't changed, but that doesn't mean that we wouldn't bring someone in. I've said before that Charlie is good enough to win with. I'm not backing off that statement. Every position gets evaluated. We'll see what happens."

Frye was 4-9 as a starter in 2006, his first full year on the job, and that gives him credit for the Kansas City game which the Browns won with Derek Anderson at quarterback in the second half. The score was 14-14 at halftime.

Crennel said Anderson will be involved in a competition, but he said Frye has 'a leg up' on Anderson. Anderson was 0-3 as a starter and suffered a separated shoulder. He threw eight interceptions in the brief time he played.

COACHING CAROUSEL
Most of the changes on Romeo Crennel's coaching staff will be on the offensive side, starting with Jeff Davidson. Davidson took over as offensive coordinator from Maurice Carthon Oct. 23 and did nothing to give the offense a spark. He was handicapped because he inherited Carthon's playbook, but with Davidson calling plays the offense was kept out of the end zone in three of the last six games.

Receivers coach Terry Robiskie is likely on his way out. He was a holdover from four years of Butch Davis. Robiskie did not control Braylon Edwards well.

The Browns could take their time finding replacements from current playoff teams. Crennel needs experienced offensive coaches because his background is on defense.

FREE AGENT UPDATE
One thing is certain for the 4-12 Browns; no franchise player exists among the free agents to be.

The contracts for wide receiver/punt returner Dennis Northcutt, center Hank Fraley, defensive end Alvin McKinley, safety Brian Russell and offensive lineman Cosey Coleman expire this year.

Getting Fraley under contract is important because of the uncertainty of LeCharles Bentley, who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon. Bentley is vague about his chances of playing next season.

Coach Romeo Crennel wants Russell back. Russell is not as fast as the other three safeties, but he makes up with wisdom what he lacks in speed.

FEELING A DRAFT
The Browns will draft third or fourth, pending a coin flip with the Buccaneers. The Browns would love it if Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas is available when they pick. Shoring up both lines has to be a priority. If they do enough in free agency to fix the line they could use their first pick on Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson or Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch.

TEAM NEEDS

Guard: The Browns need two starting guards. Joe Andruzzi gave it his all in 2006 but it was not enough and Cosey Coleman won't be re-signed. Eric Steinbach would be a perfect fit.

Defensive end: Both ends need to be replaced. Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley had 11 sacks with no help in front of him.

Cornerback: Gary Baxter is determined to be the first player to come back in one year from twin patellar tendon tears. The Browns need a starter in case he fails.

MEDICAL WATCH
Guard's Joe Andruzzi and Cosey Coleman will have 'clean out' surgery on their knees.

--Linebacker Matt Stewart needs surgery on a finger injured late in the season.

--Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. will have surgery to remove scar tissue from his right knee. He said he will do his rehab in Miami.

--Quarterback Derek Anderson is recovering from a separated shoulder. At this point surgery is not required.

Copyright (C) 2007 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.

Linkage

Tee hee



Druzzi gone, Coleman, gone Cutt gone...Resign Hank.

Russell?? eh, I'd say gone but maybe not.

BRANCH or Joe Thomas.

End or Tackle, you pick, matters zero to me.

Getting away from the staph... (I know...bad joke).

Actually a bit disappointed he will be down there. Thought he might stay in Cleveland. Can't say I blame him.

Robisky is gone... most of this stuff is retread,,, but... there is already newer info out... odd.

eg. contracts have already been offered and cutt didn't get one

It matters to me in the sense that, a NT's job is fairly straight forward and a good rookie can come in and have an impact right away... being a good LT has a bit more of a learning curve, even for the most talented of prospects so if the ultimate goal is to compete for the playoffs in '08, I'd rather have my LT with a year of experience and rookie NT than the other way around... JMHO.

Yeah, I posted it mainly because of the Thomas endorsement & the statement that we need 2 guards and 2 ends. Not that we don't know this already.

Please don't do anything foolish in "Sunshine State" KWII!

Show maturity and responsibility to the Browns and their fans......you owe them that much.

Ia gree with you on that, but Branch would play End here if he came this season and eventually move to NT. Lord knows we needs Ends NOW. I am not saying we don't need a LT now ( see sig change <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) but like you said, it will take him a year.

I hope not though. if the "real deal" Marcus Mcneil can start day one, I don't see why a top of the first round pick couldn't pla LT day one.

[color:"red"] The contracts for wide receiver/punt returner Dennis Northcutt, center Hank Fraley, defensive end Alvin McKinley, safety Brian Russell and offensive lineman Cosey Coleman expire this year.
[/color]
Dropcutt-his production expired long ago..
McKinley-good bye!
Coleman-see above.. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

FYI... everyone but cutt got a contract offer....

I know that..doesn't mean I want Coleman/McKinley back <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Using the Browns and strategy in the same sentence is an oxymoron.

Give me a break, RAC can't be dumb enough to put his head coaching career on the line for either one of these losers. Can he? <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> If he does then at this time next year we will be calling on Mr. Cowher. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

He can until he adds another QB. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Bitter, party of one. <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

Cal I think you get it! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I told yall we should get the Steinbach boys... both would fit well i think...

I keep forgetting about Stienbach,,,,,That's a kid I would love to have as a FA.........

How does this look as the Oline,,

RT Shaffer
RG Bentley
C Fraley
LG Stienbach
LT Thomas

Of course you can flip the guards..... Would that be intersesting?

I really think you will do yourself a favor to forget Bentley.

My fingers are crossed, but I'm resigned to the idea LeCharles won't be back til 2008.
If at all.

I will say the news blackout from Berea regarding LeCharles isn't too encouraging.

I talked to an orthopedic rehab guy that said it's quite possible to come back from the patellar surg. I'm kind of doubtful, it's a pretty big deal for an athlete to come back 100% from this.

Are you talking about next year.........or are you suggesting that he will never come back?

Vers,

I don't know. I'm not sure anyone knows. The surgery itself has to be a pretty routine thing, but.. you add in staph.. another op to clean that out.. it's one thing to expect a normal schmo to go back to his insurance job, but quite another to hope that a Pro Bowl Center is going to be able to come back and battle it out in the middle of 300 pounders.

Sign Fraley. <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

I was thinking that Bents wouldn't be back in '07, but was holding out hope he could return in '08.

I agree on signing Fraley. Hey Saint........I wonder when the constant instability of this franchise is going to factor in on who wants to sign here?

You aren't the first person nor will you be the last to wonder if our problems, losing record etc will keep potential FA's from wanting to come to Cleveland. It's no different a process when we decide to take 2 different job offers, buy a new car etc.. we mentally process all the variables..

I'm sure the thought crosses players minds when they review all the factors. Money plays a big part in this decision.

Yes, it does.

Consider this. Unless a player has ties to Cleveland, i.e. Joe and Bents being from the area or McGinnest to RAC, why would they come to Cleveland over a team like Philly, Indy, San Diego, etc unless the Browns offer them way more money? The constant changing of coaches and the continuous losing cannot make Cleveland a desired location.

Additonally, won't it hurt the team in the long run if they have to overpay for players?

Just something to consider.......

The author states the pickins in the FA. are not all that much this year , and then gos on to say

FEELING A DRAFT
The Browns will draft third or fourth, pending a coin flip with the Buccaneers. The Browns would love it if Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas is available when they pick. Shoring up both lines has to be a priority. If they do enough in free agency to fix the line they could use their first pick on Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson or Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch.

.. How can you fix the line in " FA " this year ! When will folks ever learn ? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

IMO.. Overpaying for an ice cream cone hurts.

I don't have answers for this. I figure market conditions will work themselves out. Let's not forget we have a lot of cabbage and cap room. Gawd willing, we will hit the FA market in a smart way.

I think everyone realizes last year Phil did good things getting Bentley. Injuries were not Savages fault, nor were they the S & C coaches fault.

I'm willing to bet cash that Savage signs a FA Guard the frippin second the FA period opens up.

No motorcycles permitted beyond this point. And stay away from the manta rays fer gawd's sake!
Da Browns! Be a fan of the future! Hang tough today! <img src="/images/graemlins/azzangel.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/saywhat.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes1.gif" alt="" />

"peen
Not exactly showing overwhelming enthusiasm, dedication, and motivation is he?
Da Browns! Be a fan of the future! Hang tough today! <img src="/images/graemlins/azzangel.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/saywhat.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes1.gif" alt="" />

Are you speaking of this upcoming year or forever Peen?

So,, let's think about this,, if you have Shaffer at RT, Thomas at LT, Stienbach at one guard spot and Fraley at center,,,, even without Bentley, it's a pretty decent beginning,.,,, I don't have a whole lotta names to pencil in outside of perhaps sowells (who's still a ? in probably all our eyes)..

And of course it raises questions as to whether or not Shaffer can play RT and who knows if Thomas will actually turn out to be the Stud LT that we all want and hope for... Leaving only Fraley and Stienbach as the only real knowns...

But look at the prospect of that versus what we've had for the last several years,,,,, it's not a stretch to think that those guys could be better..

In fact, if Savage pulled that off and it didn't work out, I'd still say he did everything he could to make the line better... I'd have no complaints because it looks and feels like sound decision making....

Now, if your telling me that Bentley is lost for only next season and should return the following,,, then we just got a whole lot better wtihout making any more changes...

To me,,, That's progress.

I looks like a lot of people are writing Tucker out of the picture WAY, WAY, to early

[color:"orange"]My prediction for O-line next is as follows:

LT Thomas
LG Shaffer
C Fraley
RG Tucker
RT Sowells



I don't think Bentley will be back in 2007 but do expect him bak in 2008.

I believe we will resign Fraley.

Sowell will not play OG. Reading between the lines ( Not filling in at all despite the rash of injuries even falling behind Rob Smith then playing some RT) suggests that Sowells hasn't been able to transition to OG as hoped. Though in the Houston game he didn't look too bad at RT.

Tucker, if he can come back is still a solid lineman but has slowed and is no longer a tackle in my opinion. I think he would be a tremendous upgrade at guard. If Tucker does not make it back then either Matua/Smith or a rookie OG from the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round.

Shaffer is an enigma. Despite him getting paid more than his worth, he and Fraley are our 2 top lineman this year. If we do not draft Thomas he obviously stays at LT. If RAC does not feel Sowells can man the RT spot Shaffer will move there. Also if we do draft Thomas in the 1srt then an OG in the 2nd or 3rd then the rookie guard has a chance to start with Shaffer moving to RT.

Hopefully we add a FA or 2 as well[/color]

[color:"orange"]Saint & Vers...regarding Bentley and his possible comeback to the NFL and playing in the PIT.

[color:"white"]JON STINCHCOMB

"Considered one of the top blockers in the 2003 NFL Draft, Stinchcomb showed potential in his first two seasons before suffering a season-ending knee injury in training camp last year. With the ruptured patella tendon now healed, he is expected to compete for a spot in the lineup. Known for his character, intelligence and maturity, he was a four-year starter at Georgia. Stinchcomb has appeared in 10 games since joining the Saints, primarily on special teams.

2005 - Missed entire season after rupturing his right patella tending in training camp."

[color:"red"]"he is expected to compete for a spot in the lineup."

[color:"orange"]Not only did he compete but I believe he has been the Saints RT the entire season and had a career year.

How much did the Staph infection retard Bentley's comeback??? I don't know but I don't think it added another 12 months.

I don't think he will be ready for training camp but he will be far into his rehab by then. It will not surprise me one bit to see Bentley on our PUP list at the beginning of 07 and be there back from rehab ready to replace...or pick us up if we get some injuries on the OL.

Now as for our OL....Thomas is a must.

I still have high hopes for Shaffer to be an above avg LG...I don't see him being a great RT or RG. Another big ??? mark we got is Tucker - he still has game if he can get whatever ails him back together. I'd love to see him at RG and extend his career a bit.

I want us to go after Leonard Davis...he will be expensive but I want him at RT.

Thomas...Shaffer...Fraley/Bentley...Tucker...Davis
I'd like to see Sowells working back at OG - during Tucker's illness he split his duties between OG n RT. After Tucker was gone he spent all his time at RT cause of our need. Smith didn't show me much at OG. I really liked Freidman and I wish him to be our backup OG/C along with any mid round rookie we pick up again.

JMHO

Same could be said for Bentley,,, the difference if there is one, is that we at least know what's wrong with Bentley,, the scary thing about Tucker is, we don't... Nobody's talking so there is bound to be speculation that he's gone for good....

I've heard everything from a physical injury to a mental problem,,, I have no idea what to believe.

well, eo, if your right about Bentley, then my dream of moving Shaffer to RT, drafting Thomas, keeping the Hankster at Center and having Bentley at LG and either Stienbach (if we can get him) or as you say, Tucker or Sowells or an as yet unknown at RG....

Or if Bentley can come back during the year, and we can't keep Hank,,Then maybe go with Friedman at Center until Bentley comes back, and still move Shaffer to RT, Tucker at RG, Stienbach at LG and still draft Thomas for LT...

Oh my goodness, I'm starting to confuse myself now <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

[color:"orange"] eo - looks like we agree on Shaffer and Tucker as potentially better OG's than OT's.

In regards to the Staph infection a lot of variables are present. 1st how delayed was the diagnosis. The longer the infection was present before it was treated the more damage it can do. I think I read that he had a 2nd surgery. I am not sure if that is true but it wouldn't surprise me. The question is what did they have to do? Was it just a scope to wash out the infection or was it more intensive and what damage had been done to the tendon. Potentially the infection could set his rehab back just about a month (time for the 2nd surgery then 2-4 weeks of iv antibiotics. Potentially it could be significantly longer if there was significant damage done to the tendon and potentially he could even need another surgery to further repair the tendon which would set his rehab back to where it began. [/color]