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Antwan Peek: Man on a Mission

LB Antwan Peek (Jeff Wills, theOBR.com)
By Lane Adkins
OBR Football Analyst
Posted May 20, 2008

Hidden under a blow-out loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007 was an injury which hindered Cleveland Browns LB Antwan Peek all year. Now healthy, Peek is eagerly looking forward to the new season. In an exclusive talk with the Orange and Brown Report's Lane Adkins, Antwan Peek says of the Browns: "This is our time".

Antwan Peek may be from Cincinnati, but the outside linebacker bleeds the brown and orange of the Cleveland Browns.

After arriving in Cleveland without the fanfare of some other recent free agent acquisitions, outside linebacker Antwan Peek is a man on a mission to make his mark in Cleveland Browns Stadium this fall.

Those who have seen him play throughout his career know that Peek plays with reckless abandon, matching a "never give up" philosophy that he has held throughout his life. It is a philosophy he's needed at times in his career, mostly recently battles with injuries which slowed him down significantly in 2007.

"You can't take anything for granted when you are competing and surrounded by some of the best athletes in the world. Football is a physical game, it takes a toll on you physically and mentally," Peek told the OBR in a recent interview, "To stay at this level, you need to produce, to fight, be willing to sacrifice all you have.

A player does these things, if they want to win and be respected by the guys we go to battle with, day-in and day-out."

The career sacks leader (27.5) for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, Peek was a third-round draft selection of the young Houston Texans. After a productive 2005 season in Houston, where he had six sacks and was in on 46 tackles, Peek was presented with an unexpected challenge.

After replacing Dom Capers, new Texans head coach Gary Kubiak decided to change their defensive philosophy. The resulting shift to a 4-3 defensive scheme by the Texans meant that Peek had to move from outside linebacker to defensive end.

"I liked playing in Houston, but they changed the defensive scheme (to the 4-3) and I did not get the playing time I wanted. The change in scheme was an adjustment, one I was sure I could make, but things happen for a reason." Peek said. "After the 2006 season, I was a free agent and ready for a challenge and opportunity to play. Coming to Cleveland, I knew Coach Grantham and knew the base defense (3-4).

An ability to play aggressively in the Cleveland's 3-4 defense lured Peek to Cleveland prior to the 2007 season.

"With the opportunity to play in a system I knew, I thought I could become a real part of something special in Cleveland."

The Browns had identified Peek as a player with high upside prior to the 2006 free agency period, and aggressively pursued him from the onset of free agency. Peek was chased by other teams, but signed with the Browns due to the defensive scheme and belief the tide was changing in Cleveland.

With his sights set on a role at outside linebacker, Peek was solid in training camp, earning himself the starting job opposite Kamerion Wimbley in the Cleveland defense.

"I was back in the 3-4, the guys we have here were solid and I really looked forward to playing and having a chance, a chance to win," Peek says, "As a defense, we got better as camp went along, I was becoming comfortable in my role and everybody was set on the same page, ready for the season."

Then, the wheels blew off the wagon in the season opener against the Steelers.

Because of the devastating loss and ensuring changes at quarterback, many observers may not remember what happened to Antwan Peek in Game One. But it had a significant impact on the Browns defense.

Peek's season changed dramatically during that game, as the linebacker suffered a knee injury which would hinder him throughout the remainder of the season.

"I tore the meniscus in my right knee. I had the option of surgery - which would have put me out and no help to the team - or playing with the knee and doing what I could do. I didn't want to sit, so I played, that is who I am," Peek said. "Then the ankle gave me some problems later in the season."

Peek he remained competitive, but the injuries robbed him of some of his burst and quickness, key assets that make him a standout coming off the edge.

As the season progressed, staying on the field became increasingly difficult, as the ankle sprain kept him out of two games (coaches decision) late in the season.

With the Browns in a fight to make the playoffs, the hungry linebacker was not going to stand on the sidelines without laying everything out there. The Cleveland defense was markedly improved in the second-half of the season and were playing well down the home-stretch.

"Man, we were right there, in the race. That's all you can ask for as a player... that opportunity. Not only for ourselves and the organization, but the fans. The fans gave us energy, they pumped me up, we wanted to win badly, we were so damn close," Peek told the OBR, "It took us awhile to get it together, but everything was working together, the offense, the defense, in the end we just didn't make enough plays to get the job done."

Following the disappointing near-miss of the playoffs, Peek underwent surgery to repair the knee and diligently rehabbed in preparation for a next season.

As with many of the players in the Cleveland locker-room, Peek gives one the sense of unfinished business and a focus on the 2008 season.

As free agency loomed, the Browns consummated a trade with the Green Bay Packers for defensive lineman Corey Williams. Then, in sudden fashion, the organization secured a deal with the Detroit Lions for the services of Shaun Rogers.

The two moves should create a striking ripple effect of changes within the Cleveland defense, which will alter the way that linebackers and defensive backs will be utilized.

Peek looks forward to playing behind the refurbished line.

"You can't imagine what it means to get a guy like Shaun Rogers or Corey Williams in here, much less both these guys. We go from guys up-front getting worn down and beat-up to having these guys in here with Robaire (Smith) and Shaun (Smith). We are not going to be pushed around. It's going to get nasty. It's just huge man, these guys can create push, keep bodies off us (the LB's), which will let us run and make plays," Peek said.

There are more differences in Peek than just a recovered knee and help on the defensive line. The linebacker seems remarkably fit and is playing at a more comfortable weight than he was at this time last year.

During the 2007 season, Peek played at the heaviest weight of his career, because of Cleveland's concern about their defensive line. Peek had to be physically larger in the Cleveland defensive scheme to combat the physical pounding of opposing offensive linemen. At close to 265 pounds, Peek was required to play his outside linebacker position somewhat differently than he did in Houston, or envisioned when coming to Cleveland.

"I was about 13-pounds heavier than my normal playing weight (250-255-lbs) last season and I felt it did slow me down a little. This year, I am back at my normal weight, I'm healthy and it is going to make a difference."

Healthy, with a taste of success and with new weapons, Antwan Peek is ready to show Browns fans what he can do: "With the guys we have here, we are going to get after it. You haven't seen the best of Antwan Peek, we are going to go and take ours, this is our time. We are going to win for the fans, for this organization and lastly for ourselves, I can tell you that."

Link

The second guy who claimed he had to play overweight because of the poor DL.

I can't see how playing overweight would help even if the DL sucks.

pretty cool article...

I saw glimpses of what a beast Peek could be at OLB, and he was injured... so I can only imagine what he will do when healthy.

Can't wait...

So, there I was, fast asleep in my man cave,, Little did I know that Peek had a knee injury.. I thought it was just the ankle that bugged him all year.. and on top of that, I had NO idea he had had surgery.

And now, so quickly, he's at the OTA's and according to at least one other article on these boards, he's been impressive.

Who knows if this is a bit like looking at things with Brown colored glasses, but it sure makes me think that maybe we will be OK at OLB this year..

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I can't see how playing overweight would help even if the DL sucks.

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The reason is because if the DL sucks and can't block the opposing OL, the LB finds himself having to fight off and shed the OL blockers who get to him very quickly.

Although with speed and technique a smaller player can overcome vs. the bigger one, (see DQ when he's playing well), that added weight can make the battle more even. The drawback is that it slows down the LB if he is used to playing lighter.

This year, with an improved DL who should be able to keep their OL off our LB's or at least slow them down considerably, Peek can play at a lighter weight as he shouldn't have OL on him so quickly. In this case his speed and technique can be enough to shed blockers and the lighter weight can help him play quicker which is what he needs coming off the edge.

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"You can't imagine what it means to get a guy like Shaun Rogers or Corey Williams in here, much less both these guys. We go from guys up-front getting worn down and beat-up to having these guys in here with Robaire (Smith) and Shaun (Smith). We are not going to be pushed around. It's going to get nasty.

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Really like the sound of that.Hope it's just not talk.

I've been in his coener since training camp where he looked good. The knee injury was a suprise to me. I had looked back at the news clips from last season and I never saw any mention of a knee problem. I wonder if they tried to keep that hidden, and just talked about the ankle.

Great article. Thanks for the read, it brings up many good points that should make our defense so much better this year. Brings up items that I never really thought of.

Very good read….I wasn’t aware of his weight increase last year. I have been a fan of Antwan Peek sense before he was drafted. He was very high on this old Drafnik’s wish list for the Browns.
Now we have him and he is finally healthy, I really expect to see some solid play from him this year.

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we are going to go and take ours, this is our time. We are going to win for the fans, for this organization and lastly for ourselves, I can tell you that."

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Exactly !....Let's hope that Peek can get things going at OLB....the Talent is there and it appears that the desire to succeed is as well ....

It's amazing he was even able to play almost the entire year and rack up three sacks plus two half sacks. Healthy, reduced weight, second year in the system and with a solid D-line, I'm looking forward to seeing more than just solid play. They can't double both Wimbley and Peek, if the D commands their double teams, somebody's gonna get the TE and sometimes an RB. A healthy, productive Peek helps keep the double off Wimbley or he gets to the QB if he doesn't, as long as he's not tied up by a lineman. At least that's what I saw flashes of last year. In any case, he has the opportunity to be the answer at pass rusher opposite Wimbley, I hope he stays healthy and makes the most of it.

Solid play was an understatement, but by solid I mean to the level I expected him to play in this league.
Some pass rushers give you 90% others give you 100%, but with Peek we will be getting 110% and on every play.

I’ve always thought he would develop into a fine pass rusher in the league…..Like I mentioned in another post.
Any hybrid DE / OLB coming into the league is going to take some time to develop into a complete
Player.
He already has the 1st attribute and that is his pass rushing abilities or potential. He already has that attribute or he wouldn’t have been considered a prospect to make the move from DE to OLB.
The second attribute in playing the 3-4 OLB is being able to hold your corner against the run.
This might take some time, because now you do not have your hand on the ground.
The third attribute is pass coverage.
This will usually determine weather or not the prospect will be able to successfully make the move.
Last season I think he showed some good improvement in that category.
This excites me about the possibilities, because this tells me he has taken the final step in his development process.

Honestly didn't see a lot from him in pass coverage, probably because I wasn't paying attention, but I did see him get to the sideline a couple times, chasing down plays. If you're right and he can take that next step, being able to play the pass and the run well, we'll have something pretty special. I've always seen him more as a role playing pass rusher, but I'd certainly love to seen him develop into the total package.

Same here...if he and Wimbley could stay disciplined on the running plays, they would be a total package of a force.

Im excited as well to see him 100%. With Peek, Orr, and McGinest rotating we showed have a solid rush.

While I do like the optimism in this article, I also remember the complete lack of discipline in Peek as a player last year. While he might improve as a pass rusher and even a bit in the run game, the fact that he doesn't maintain his zone and contain the RB while rushing the passer kills us.

I was hoping he'd only be our OLB on obvious passing downs because he gets burned by the RBs. Although physically being better might help him, he also needs to improve his mental game which has been an issue since college according to many reports

At least that's what I saw last year.

I completely agree. He needs to take notes from McGinest on how to stay disciplined.

Even though he was playing hurt last season…he still was able to have his best year as a pro as far as PBU.

j/c:

I'm amazed at how bad certain journalists are. It took the guy forever to make each of his points. Jesus, say what you want to say. You're not writing a suspense novel.

The article was also a little misleading. Especially the part about the defense looking so good during pre season and then it fell apart because of a bad first game and Peek's injury.

With all of that said............hopefully Peek can do a decent job. I think he might bring some pressure. I worry about his discipline in the running game. I do know we need a lot more production from that position than we received last year.

I'm sorry to read about any player let alone our own going into a season and sustaining an injury in game one.

I know I for one wrote him off as a possible replacement for McG. I thought he had a little ankle thing and just seemed that he didn't have that Pass rush that was his reputation or I thought our expectations were just too high.

Actually now hearing about this injury I'm sort of happy in a way - if you know what I mean. It actually shows that the expectations of Peek to be that SOLB pass rush to make the rest better in their pass rush...combined with the additions of Rogers and Corey to be able to pin their ears back...along with Robaire who did pretty good as a DE.

We just might have that pass rush necessary to get by with a very young CB unit!

Good news and an apology to Peek for ASSuming what we saw last season was all he can bring.

JMHO

I LOVED this pick up when we got him... I thought he played well here in Houston and I really look for him to step it up this year. Didn't realize that he was hurt last year. Hopefully with our new DL he can step it up... I expect big things from our LBing crew this year.

If our DL can maintain gap integrity, the LB play against the run should improve. The main thing an OLB has to do is to not give up his corner and turn the play inside, but if the DL can’t keep their gap integrity then his holding the corner wont make much difference. The team defense must improve against the run, because even if one of the front 7 is out of position, it can effect
The effectiveness of the defense as a whole.

I know what you mean. Having Peek back and with the addition of Orr and possibly Hall, we might actually have something here. I also like hearing about the corners working to be more physical at the line and within the first five yards. With a new line, the ability to stop the run, pass rushing from both sides and physical, athletic corners corners, I'm looking to see a disruptive force out there this year on D. If Bell can work his way into the line up it could get ugly.

It looks like we will have to keep 5 OLBs on our roster for next season.

Alex Hall couldn’t have a better mentor then Willie McGinest.
Hall IMO must be maintained on the 53 man roster…his potential is very high. It’s also very highly likely that he will be taken off waivers or the scout team by another team.

It looks like David McMillan will be battling for the 5th and final spot in that group with Orr.

From all appearances, it looks like he has nothing but upside, and is supposedly a freakish athlete. With Willie, Kam, Peek and Orr in front of him, he has a golden opportunity to bulk up and learn the job right. I hope he makes the 53.

j/c:

Hope you guys are right.

I do realize the d-line has a lot to do w/the LBers effectiveness. However, I just didn't see Peek do a good job against the run. I also think that was the knock on him before he came here.

I wish I shared your optimism, but I still think the defense is going to be vulnerable this year. I also think it will be our downfall. I have been wrong before. At this time last year, there is no way I thought the offense would have been as good as it was last year, and I thought the QB situation was putrid. So, who knows.......maybe the D will make leaps and bounds this year. I really doubt it, but I guess it is possible.

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I wish I shared your optimism, but I still think the defense is going to be vulnerable this year. I also think it will be our downfall.

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I would agree that the defense may be the most vulnerable part of the team, given the situation with the DBs and the unproven nature of this "new" unit and staff. The knock on Peek against the run may or may not still be valid but Willie will most like be the primary run stopper. Hopefully the D won't be our downfall, but will instead keep us in games, improve along the way enough to play well heading into the playoffs. That's all I really hope for in the grand scheme.

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I think the Defesne will be determined by our Corner Backs....even though it all starts up front, our Corner backs need to do their job too.

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I hear many say this, but living in the Pittsburgh area, I've watched many a Steeler team ,with very subpar corners, become very dominant. The front seven is the key just as the Oline is on offense. I believe our corners will benefit greatly from the push that should happen with our new additions. As for the LBs, it is a fact that they have not been able to play the way the defense is structured. If they can benefit from Dlineman keeping blocks off them, the corners job will be much easier, as will the safeties.
It's all wait and see, but I have to think this defense is going to be way ahaed of last year, in all categories.

j/c

Another Peek piece:

Peek and valleys for Browns linebacker
By MIKE McLAIN Tribune Chronicle

BEREA — The 2007 season got off to a rocky start for Browns linebacker Antwan Peek, and it didn’t get any better along the way.

In fact, things didn’t improve for Peek until he had surgery on his injured knee five days after the end of the season. The surgery was to repair a meniscus that was torn early in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Healthy once again and looking forward to the 2008 season, Peek might be one of the few players happy to be on the field for voluntary offseason training activity (OTAs) practices.

“It’s always good to be healthy, especially when you’re going to make a difference for the team,” Peek said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’m glad to be back out here with the fellows. I’m picking up the schemes a lot better than last year, and I’m feeling comfortable out there.”

A healthy Peek could be a key to improving a weak pass rush that generated just 28 sacks last season. Outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who set the team rookie record with 11 sacks in 2006, had the team lead with five.

Peek was signed in March of 2007 to prevent offenses from gearing their blocking schemes to slow down Wimbley. The injury prevented that from happening. Although he was able to avoid going on injured-reserve and missed just two games, Peek was well below 100 percent and finished with just 24 tackles and four sacks.

“I move around and like to mix it up a little bit,” said Peek, who had a career-high six sacks in 2005 with the Houston Texans. “It was hard to mix it up because of my injury. Pass rushing is about setting the guy up. Now I feel healthy enough that I can mix up my moves a lot more. I’m not limited to trying to be the guy up the middle. I can bring my spin move and jerk side to side.”

Peek had the option of playing through the pain or having surgery. The timetable for a return after surgery was about five weeks.

“They were saying four to six weeks, but I didn’t feel comfortable with that,” Peek said. “I was kind of like, ‘I’m going to fight through it. If it bothers me, it bothers me, and I’ll have to get the surgery. If it doesn’t, then I keep going.’ I went as long as I could until it got too much for me.”

The Browns entered the offseason with two major defensive goals. One was to add help up front to bolster the defense against the run. The other mission was to add spark to the pass rush.

Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams were acquired in trades to help the line. The Browns used their first draft pick (in the fourth round) on UNLV inside linebacker Beau Bell, and they signed Shantee Orr to provide speed on the edge.

Wimbley and Willie McGinest are expected to start on the outside in the base defense. Peek will play on passing downs.

“Antwan has a burst off the edge,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “He has some strength and toughness. He has a better base in the defense this year. I expect him to be a valuable member on defense.”

Peek won’t reveal what goals he has set for sacks, but a smile crossed his face when thinking about next season.

“I have my goals, but I’ll save that for the end,” he said. “I have high expectations for myself. I’m going to keep making myself better. I’m sure it will show when the season starts.”

He can’t wait to get it started.

Link

j/c Another Peek piece:

Peek and valleys for Browns linebacker
By MIKE McLAIN Tribune Chronicle

BEREA — The 2007 season got off to a rocky start for Browns linebacker Antwan Peek, and it didn’t get any better along the way.

In fact, things didn’t improve for Peek until he had surgery on his injured knee five days after the end of the season. The surgery was to repair a meniscus that was torn early in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Healthy once again and looking forward to the 2008 season, Peek might be one of the few players happy to be on the field for voluntary offseason training activity (OTAs) practices.

“It’s always good to be healthy, especially when you’re going to make a difference for the team,” Peek said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’m glad to be back out here with the fellows. I’m picking up the schemes a lot better than last year, and I’m feeling comfortable out there.”

A healthy Peek could be a key to improving a weak pass rush that generated just 28 sacks last season. Outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who set the team rookie record with 11 sacks in 2006, had the team lead with five.

Peek was signed in March of 2007 to prevent offenses from gearing their blocking schemes to slow down Wimbley. The injury prevented that from happening. Although he was able to avoid going on injured-reserve and missed just two games, Peek was well below 100 percent and finished with just 24 tackles and four sacks.

“I move around and like to mix it up a little bit,” said Peek, who had a career-high six sacks in 2005 with the Houston Texans. “It was hard to mix it up because of my injury. Pass rushing is about setting the guy up. Now I feel healthy enough that I can mix up my moves a lot more. I’m not limited to trying to be the guy up the middle. I can bring my spin move and jerk side to side.”

Peek had the option of playing through the pain or having surgery. The timetable for a return after surgery was about five weeks.

“They were saying four to six weeks, but I didn’t feel comfortable with that,” Peek said. “I was kind of like, ‘I’m going to fight through it. If it bothers me, it bothers me, and I’ll have to get the surgery. If it doesn’t, then I keep going.’ I went as long as I could until it got too much for me.”

The Browns entered the offseason with two major defensive goals. One was to add help up front to bolster the defense against the run. The other mission was to add spark to the pass rush.

Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams were acquired in trades to help the line. The Browns used their first draft pick (in the fourth round) on UNLV inside linebacker Beau Bell, and they signed Shantee Orr to provide speed on the edge.

Wimbley and Willie McGinest are expected to start on the outside in the base defense. Peek will play on passing downs.

“Antwan has a burst off the edge,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “He has some strength and toughness. He has a better base in the defense this year. I expect him to be a valuable member on defense.”

Peek won’t reveal what goals he has set for sacks, but a smile crossed his face when thinking about next season.

“I have my goals, but I’ll save that for the end,” he said. “I have high expectations for myself. I’m going to keep making myself better. I’m sure it will show when the season starts.”

He can’t wait to get it started.

Link

Quote:

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“Antwan has a burst off the edge,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “He has some strength and toughness. He has a better base in the defense this year. I expect him to be a valuable member on defense.”

Peek won’t reveal what goals he has set for sacks, but a smile crossed his face when thinking about next season.

“I have my goals, but I’ll save that for the end,” he said. “I have high expectations for myself. I’m going to keep making myself better. I’m sure it will show when the season starts.”

He can’t wait to get it started.

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I’ve been waiting to see if Peek can have a break out year now since he was drafted by Houston……
“Antwan has a burst off the edge,” Yeah, just ask anyone who has to practice against him.
Finally it also seems we have a Coach who feels you should play your players to their strong suit, by rotating Willie and Antwan he gets the most out of their talents as a whole. Together we might get a pro-bowl player, from two players at one position.