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...possibly now Cowher.




Not saying you approve of him because I don't know if you do or not, but...

As a Browns fan I can't understand anyone wanting Cowher here as HC.

The man is an icon and the face of the Steelers. Why would we want that here?

The images of him laughing on the sidelines when they were kicking our ass so many times makes me sick. That's the last face I'd want to see on our own sidelines.

Have we no pride at all?

Hell, we may as well consider Joey Porter.


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As a Browns fan I can't understand anyone wanting Cowher here as HC.




Speaking for myself, Cowher is a proven winner, and was before he won the Super Bowl. Furthermore, he's a good egg, not just a good coach. That seperates him from even remote comparisons to Joey Porter.

I'd love it if Cowher came here. I don't really care where he coached first. I think very few actually do.


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There are my two kickers.

If AP were considered the next Tomlinson, he'd be ranked right there with Johnson as the surefire, can't-miss prospects. He's not. Neither is Thomas.

So all things being equal, it's harder finding that rock of a left tackle than it is finding a really good running back.

By the way, did I allready mention that any connection between LT being on Chud's former team and the chances of us taking Peterson increasing is completely ludicrious?

Here's another one: Since Rivers was taken as a rookie and put on the bench, it could mean that we're going to take Quinn and sit him behind Frye for a year, then let them compete for the job.

Wait, here's another one: Since McNeill was taken in the 2nd round, it means that we'll take a defensive player with the 1st round pick, knowing that we have a real chance at taking a good left tackle who can start as a rookie in the 2nd.

The more logical discussion as it pertains to Chud is what kind of offense is he going to run. I think a former TE's coach dictating to Savage who he wants in the first round is rather outlandish...........





It's not as outlandish as you think, but I don't agree with the reasons people have given relating his experience in San Diego. Sure, seeing LT play might make an O coordinator want a back of similar caliber... but who doesn't want an LT? By no means does that mean we're going to look at Peterson just for that reason - I agree with you there 'Toad. However, there are several other *hints* to me that Peterson might be the direction we're leaning.

Savage said he wanted to hire a coordinator who would utilize our current impact players (like Braylon and Kellen) and any new additions to establish an offensive identity. Chud has said that he's going to be a "run-first" coach but is going to add in a good amount of pass and be an "attack-style" offense. We definitely have the pieces in place for the passing game portion of the attack-style (with the all-world TE and a talented wideout), but in no way, shape, or form are any of our current RBs capable of executing their half. They simply aren't explosive enough - they're more of a grinding carries group.

I know full well that Savage isn't going to bend his draft intentions just because his offensive coordinator wants him to. However, Romeo and Phil were impressed enough with his run-first attack-style presentation to hire the guy. I can't imagine that if Phil is looking to draft towards a more conservative offense or is looking defense early in the draft, that he'd hire a coordinator with a more aggressive philosophy that Phil has no intention of giving the necessary weapons to operate. Chud was hired because his philosophy probably fits Phil and Romeo's vision (moreso than, say, Greg Knapp's).

If we're truly going to be an explosive, non-conservative offense that revolves around the running game, the draft pick IMO is clear as day. For an attack-style running offense, you need a running back capable of executing. That's Peterson.

By no means am I saying that he's the pick, but as I see this organization move forward and issue statements based on the future, I get the impression we're leaning towards Peterson more than any other player. He makes a huge impact in the present while making a ton of sense in the future as well - one of the few players in the draft who can offer that.

JMHO of course, but the writing on the wall is getting clearer by the day.


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I agree with you there 'Toad. However, there are several other *hints* to me that Peterson might be the direction we're leaning.




As long as we're both in agreement that Chud's time around LT has little to do with the increase of the odds that we'll take a back (Peterson or otherwise) in the 1st, we'll talk.

Quote:

We definitely have the pieces in place for the passing game portion of the attack-style (with the all-world TE and a talented wideout), but in no way, shape, or form are any of our current RBs capable of executing their half. They simply aren't explosive enough - they're more of a grinding carries group.




I wholeheartedly agree about our types of backs, with the exception of Harrison, who's nothing but a receiving threat right now. Still, wouldn't any offensive OC be smart enough to utilize the talents of Winslow and Edwards? I think Savage would laugh a guy out of the room if he didn't talk up Edwards and Winslow. That doesn't suggest they might be leaning towards a RB because of the offensive scheme.

Besides, tell me about an "attack style" when we'd be a "run-first" team. My mental image of "attack" would be an offense that goes down the field and takes more chances. With that thought in mind, I'd be thinking a quarterback with a stronger arm or an offensive line that can buy the WR's and QB the time to let the longer patterns form. RB would be further down my list in that regard.

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I can't imagine that if Phil is looking to draft towards a more conservative offense or is looking defense early in the draft, that he'd hire a coordinator with a more aggressive philosophy that Phil has no intention of giving the necessary weapons to operate.




Hehehe.........I hate to go all broken-record on you Spectre, but there isn't an offense that functions which doesn't have a strong O-line

I can't equate anything in Chud to a shift towards Peterson. To me, you build the lines then go from there.

Now, the arguement that I CAN see Opie making is that he'll decide to take Peterson in the 1st, then draft a couple of guards in the 2nd and 3rd. Of course I'd vehemently disagree with it if he passes on Thomas, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't see how a guy could attempt to rationalize such a move, especially if he fixes other parts of the line before the draft.

It's all reading tea-leaves right now, even for those trying to bank on "inside" information. From what I've gathered of team needs, draft histories, and Opie's own words, I think Thomas is still the clear favorite. Here's some of the things I'm using to base an opinion:

Quote:

Also, Savage said it's not out of the realm of possibility that left tackle Kevin Shaffer could move to right tackle at some point if the Browns draft a left tackle.



That's off an article posted on clevelandbrowns.com.

Also:
Quote:

There are fewer left tackle prospects than prospects at most other positions. Phil Savage, Baltimore's director of college scouting, says the Ravens start out with 25 prospects on their board who can play tackle, compared with 50 who can play on the interior. And less than half of those 25 have quick enough feet to play the left side, where players must be both strong enough to stop a power rusher and quick enough to head off a speed rusher coming around the corner on the quarterback's blind side.

"The level of excellence at guard and center is so low compared to left tackle," Savage says. "A sixth- or seventh-round guy can play on the interior, but probably not at left tackle."



That's going back a few years, but the reality of the situation remains the same. Here's more from that article:

Quote:

If history is a guide, left tackles chosen in the first round won't be busts. Picking a tackle in the first round is like picking a hamburger from an intimidating menu--it's the safest thing to do.

In the past 10 drafts, 81 percent of the 43 tackles chosen in the first round have played like first-round picks--or in the case of some younger players, at least have shown the promise to play at a first-round level. That is a phenomenal "hit" rate compared with other positions. Only eight tackles drafted in the first round since 1992 have performed clearly below expectations--Arizona's Ernest Dye, Philadelphia's Bernard Williams, Miami's Billy Milner, Kansas City's Trezelle Jenkins, Green Bay's John Michels, Pittsburgh's Jamain Stephens, Washington's Andre Johnson and Oakland's Matt Stinchcomb.

If McKinnie and Williams are picked in the top 10 and don't succeed, they will be true aberrations. In the past 10 years, every tackle chosen in the top 10 has been a success. Eight of the 12 top-10 picks chosen as offensive tackles since 1992 have been to the Pro Bowl--and a handful, like Tony Boselli, Jonathan Ogden, Willie Roaf and Orlando Pace, could be Hall of Fame-bound.

The low bust factor can be attributed to the fact that it's easy to evaluate left tackles.





The facts are that Opie's butt is on the line here. He can't risk any more picks that aren't safe. He threw the dice on Edwards, and the probability that he'll turn the corner are less than desireable. He's about to lose his first head coach, and has fired some coaches to buy time (as well as ineptitude). He needs to throw strikes on draft day, and historically speaking, taking a left tackle is the best bet.

There's more, but you can get the picture.

Combine all of the above with the fact that it's far easier to find good backs outside the first round but not left tackles, and I see a situation where Thomas is the favorite.

Now, what happens if Phil finds a flaw in his game? What happens if they find something in his knee at the combine? Then all bets are off.


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I'd love it if Cowher came here. I don't really care where he coached first. I think very few actually do.





What, you still up?

Many feel the way you do. But to me it's like helping the guy, who stole your wife, to be King. It's good to be King.

Bill Cowher didn't steal the our wife. But he sure took our dignity a few times with some sound ass whoopin's. Yet he didn't act like the other coaches who've done the same thing. He laughed showed us up. He took a special glee in seeing his Steelers effortlessly execute the game plan against the Browns.

He stood on his sideline, his sideline, laughing and grinning and slobbering all over his famous chin in an unintentional mockery that I took as insulting. Who among us liked seeing him so damned happy and pleased with himself? He wasn't laughing at us. Get that straight. He's a respectable man. He was smiling like a proud father that his boys were takin' it to the crosstown rival. I hated that.

Can I get a witness?


It was understandable he felt that way. Those were Browns vs. Steelers games. We all know what that game means to us. It means the same to them. To him.

He had a right to be happy. I just felt he was rubbing it in our face. Not running up the score. As I said, he's a respectable man. And coach. It wasn't his fault that his Steelers were far superior over the Browns. They couldn't help it. They showed up. We showed up. They wooped our ass. Real good too. Easily most of the time. He took great joy in that. He showed it too.

He laughed all the way to the bank. Literally. On national TV even. And other times. The Cowher chin, the black and gold, the, "Spitball", as Bang Cartoons characterizes him in their continuing saga of The Justice Guys. A parody take-off on The Justice League cartoon. In it, famous NFL personalities, mostly players, coaches and GM's, play the role of cartoon super heros and take on the worlds and the NFL's problems with varying levels of success. The super heros change once in a while depending on whom is making headlines. But Spitball is the captain and he's always there. Always in charge.

Bill Cowher is the Steelers. The players, that 3/4 defense, Big Ben, Hienz Ward, (whom their stadium is named after by the way), Jeronme freaking Bettis, the record, the SuperBowl and anything else you want to add that is representative of the Pittsburgh Steelers. All of that is his. That is his team. Bill Cowher and the Pittsburgh Steelers for 15 years. Who on this planet, not living in a cave, does not immediately associate Bill Cowher with the Steelers. And vice versa.

Do you know the names of all the NFL teams coaches? Sure you do, Given itme to think about it. But few actually do. Sure a lot of fans take a deep interest in the NFL so they keep up on it. But the average fan doesn't, and there are a heck of a lot more of them.

They are every bit the rabid fan on game day and take great pride in a win and equally great pain and sorrow in a loss. And like we all do, they muster back that pride by the next Sunday and are ready, optomistic and hopeful for a win because they are fans. But they don't know more than a small handful of coaches. The ones who are currently in the news. They could care less really. Their deep interests are in other areas.

But stll, they know Bill Cowher and his Steelers. His Steelers and Bill Cowher. We all know who that is.

I have great respect and even admiration for Bill Cowher. Both as he carries himself as a person and in his coaching abilities. I've always tipped my hat, even after a disgracefull loss, to his ability to have his players ready to play. He is a fine coach; an excellant coach. One of the best. Obviously.

But I don't want him here.

It would be like having Terry Bradshaw hanging around on the sidelines. Talking to everybody, giving advice, sharing funny stories about the scrumptious gumbo in Louisiana and the people who eat it.

It just doesn't fit. It can't fit. It can try to fit, but it won't be able to fit.

The idea is wrong in from it's very conception.

I'm not calling anyone wrong because they believe Bill Cowher is one hell of a coach and could very well be the perfect coach to turn this team around and bring us back to prominence. . That is a very intelligent and accurately deduced conclusion. It just leaves out the part where Bill Cowher is the Steelers.

We are the Browns. Remember the Alamo for cryin' out loud.

Bill Cowher, the Steelers coach, took them to a SuperBowl and won it. Then the Steelers coach went over to the Browns and took them to one too and won that! What an accomplishment for Bill Cowher. Everybody remembers Bill Cowher. He was the coach of the Steelers...

Bill Cowher would never be remembered as the coach of the Browns. He damn sure won't be here 15 years. It would be his association with the Steelers that would come to mind first. Not if he won a SuperBowl with the Browns. What would come to mind first at that point would be what a good coach Bill Cowher is to have taken two different teams to the SuperBowl. Then in that discussion, the Steelers would have to come first. They are cronologically first and he was there for 15 years. One of only two coaches in 38 years. The Steelers coach coaching the Browns.

I would feel like the proverbial red-haired step child.

Anyone hate their step-dad? I never had one. But if Bill Cowher were my step-dad, I would hate him.

We can't help make him King. He is already King. We can only be one of his subjects.

Did I mention he's the Steelers coach?


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What, you still up?




Some toad's are nocturnal

Some feel the way you do as well. I can see both sides.


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They are every bit the rabid fan on game day and take great pride in a win and equally great pain and sorrow in a loss.




Hey dub, I resemble that remark!

I can agree with you on the whole but it sure would be nice to have a winning, competitive team.

I really don't see Cowher or Marty, coming to, or back to Cleveland. Though I could see Marty coming here before Cowher. However, enough money would get anybody here.....but.....I think the Browns really want to go with mostly youth as Coaches or at least it appears that way.

I know RAC is 50 something but I think Phil (or whomever hired him) thought he was the best candidate and right man for the job at the time he was hired. However, if RAC gets canned at some point, I think we will be looking for a younger HC. Just a gut feeling I have. Somebody to be our Bill Cowher.

I see your point, it's the same with Miami, Don Shula is Mr. Dolphin down here and nobody since he's left coaching has done very well and they're always compared to Shula. I believe Shula also coached the Baltimore Colts and took them to the S.B., didn't win, but he's not known for that; he's known for the undefeated team and the Dan Marino era.

However, I see and feel Toad's side of it too. I've been bitter/heartbroken ever since "The Drive" and "The Fumble", watching all of these other teams go through cycles of being contenders, making the S.B. and winning it (especially teams in our division) and we just continue to be the same. Nothing but a S.B. win will take that away. I still passionately root for the Browns each and every week, in fact, my sister called me psycho for screaming at the T.V. during the 2002 playoff game.

BTW, I can name quite a few HC's, past and present.


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Just clicking to add PD article...

Browns' offense has new director
Chud' bolts Chargers for his beloved team
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter
Former Browns assistant Rob Chudzinski passed up a chance to run the highest-scoring offense in the NFL to return to Ohio and help turn around his beloved Browns.

Chudzin ski, a Toledo native and lifelong Browns fan, would've been inter viewed for the Chargers offensive coordinator job, but the Browns hired him for that role Saturday before San Diego could get a chance.

"Based on the last time I was here, I think you all know how I feel about this place growing up a Browns fan," said Chudzinski, 38. "It's close to my heart and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to come back."

Chudzinski so loves the Browns that he opted to take over the NFL's 31st-ranked offense over one that finished fourth -- and one that finished 30th in points with 14.9 per game rather than one that averaged an NFL-high 30.8 points.

What's more, he left behind quarterback Philip Rivers, running back LaDainian Tomlinson -- who set an NFL record with 31 touchdowns this season -- and tight end Antonio Gates. Is he crazy?

"I tried to fit LaDainian in my bag, but I couldn't bring him with me," Chudzinski kidded. "Again, it goes back to my feeling for the Browns. It was a decision I made with my heart and head. I like challenges. If you're a coach and you don't like challenges, you shouldn't be coaching."

Chudzinski took a red-eye flight into Cleveland Thursday night, spent all day Friday interviewing in Berea and got the job late Friday night. While he was impressing the Browns with his presentation, Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was in Miami accepting the Dolphins head coaching job.

"This position came up first," said Chudzinski, better known as Chud. "I was ready to go back to San Diego and we worked it out prior to that. The Chargers wanted me to talk to them. A chance to come home and be part of this organization again is what brought me here."

Chudzinski coached 10 years at the University of Miami (Fla.), including the last three (2001-2003) as offensive coordinator.

In those three seasons, the Hurricanes went 35-3, won a national championship and finished in the top 10 on offense every year.

Browns coach Butch Davis hired Chudzinski to be the tight ends coach in 2004. When Davis resigned with five games remaining, Chudzinski was promoted to offensive coordinator under interim head coach Terry Robiskie. The Browns went 1-4 in those games with rookie quarterback Luke McCown, winning the finale in Houston.

They represent Chudzinski's only five games as a play-caller in the NFL.

After the 2004 season, Chudzinski had a one-minute phone conversation with newly hired Romeo Crennel, then took the Chargers tight ends job, a role he's had for the past two seasons. Under his guidance, tight end Antonio Gates made the Pro Bowl for the second and third straight years. Chudzinski also learned from one of the best in Cameron.

"He's been working with the high-powered offense of the Chargers," Crennel said. "That offense runs the ball, throws the ball and scores points. He presented a well thought-out plan for this offense and what he wants to do with it."

Chudzinski described his philosophy as "attacking."

"I've been lucky to be around attacking styles of offenses that are built on a balance of run and pass," he said. "It utilizes the special and unique talents of the players and gives your playmakers a chance to make plays for you."

He coached tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. at the University of Miami and was here with him in 2004, although Winslow was out after the first two games with a broken fibula. He said he feels he can handle the strong personalities of Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards. In addition to Winslow, Chudzinski coached live wire Jeremy Shockey at Miami.

"Leadership is building relationships with those guys, and they're obviously going to be a big part of our plan," Chudzinski said. "A strong personality, passion and desire to win is what you want out of them. I'd rather have that than players be the other way."

Chudzinski says he was close with Winslow at Miami and they've kept in touch.

"That's always how I've been with players," Chudzinski said. "There has to be a trust factor. I have to do everything I can to help them and they have to reciprocate."

The other two coordinator candidates on the staff, offensive line coach Jeff Davidson and quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer, might move on. Davidson is expected to interview for the Cardinals' offensive coordinator job. The Browns would like Scherer to stay.

Chudzinski declined to offer an opinion on quarterback Charlie Frye or other players.

"I haven't looked at all of the film," he said. "I want them to have a clean slate."

He said he was undaunted by the potential rebuilding of the offensive line.

"We certainly have work to do, but that evaluation process has to happen first," he said.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

mcabot@plaind.com, 216-999-4670



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BROWNS STRIKE FAST TO CHANGE OFFENSE
Savage cites Chudzinski's plan of attack as main reason for hiring coordinator
By Terry Pluto
The Browns moved quickly to hire Rob Chudzinski as offensive coordinator.

It will take a while to see whether it's the right move because Chudzinski is a 38-year-old with only three years of pro coaching experience.

This much is certain: The Browns really wanted the man who was tight ends coach for the San Diego Chargers the past two years.

General Manager Phil Savage asked a few times whether the Browns could interview Chudzinski to run the offense. The Chargers turned him down. According to NFL rules, a team must allow an assistant to interview with another team only if the opening is for a head coach.

On Wednesday, Savage asked again.

This time, the Chargers allowed it. Things were unraveling with the Chargers. Coach Marty Schottenheimer was nearly fired after last Sunday's playoff loss -- despite a 14-2 season. He's under contract for 2007 but turned down an extension for 2008.

Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was named coach of the Miami Dolphins on Friday. The sense is that Schottenheimer didn't want to stop Chudzinski from a new opportunity, especially because the coaching situation with the Chargers was so shaky. It's a safe bet that 2007 will be Schottenheimer's last with the Chargers.

On Wednesday night, Chudzinski was given permission to talk to the Browns. He prepared for the interview on Thursday, took a red-eye flight from San Diego to Cleveland on Thursday night, and arrived early Friday morning.

``I think I got about two hours sleep,'' he said. ``Then we talked all day.''

Coach Romeo Crennel and Savage liked what they heard.

``He was very organized; he has a clear plan for the offense,'' Savage said. ``It revolves around making sure our plays are called around our playmakers. Get the ball to Braylon (Edwards), get the ball to Kellen (Winslow), get the ball to our running backs in the right spots.''

Savage praised everything from Chudzinski's neatness and attention to detail (``Not a single misspelling in his presentation, it was really organized'') to his leadership ability: ``He's a good people person; I think he can relate to our guys.''

Savage said he wants coordinators to be head-coaching material one day because leadership in the job is crucial. He said defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has the right stuff for that: He interviewed to be head coach at Michigan State. Savage believes the same is true of Chudzinski.

The Browns knew Chudzinski could end up as offensive coordinator of the Chargers, or perhaps in that job with the Dolphins under Cameron. The Browns didn't want to let him out of the building Friday without a commitment. They struck a deal Friday night, then rolled him out for a hurried news conference Saturday morning.

Most offensive coordinators receive a three-year contract, and it's believed that's what was given to Chudzinski.

Why come here?

So why would Chudzinski want the job?

``I like challenges,'' he said.

Well, he's got one with this offense.

In Crennel's two years, the Browns have ranked last in scoring each season.

Chudzinski should know what he faces.

After being at the University of Miami from 1994 to 2003, he was hired as the Browns' tight end coach for two reasons: 1) Coach Butch Davis knew and liked Chudzinski from Miami. 2) Chudzinski had coached Winslow at the school.

A native of Toledo who grew up cheering for the Browns, Chudzinski has stories of playing football outside with neighborhood kids while having the TV pointed out the window so they could watch the Browns at the same time. He dreamed of playing for the Browns.

His first season here had to be a nightmare.

He was thrown into the hopeless swamp of being interim offensive coordinator for interim coach Terry Robiskie. That's because 2004 began with great expectations and ended with a panic attack/resignation by Davis... five forgettable games under Robiskie... and a 4-12 record.

When Savage was hired as general manager, he talked to several of the coaches on the previous staff. He was especially impressed by Chudzinski. But this was before Crennel was hired, and the Chargers gave Chudzinski a chance to coach there.

So Savage let him out of his contract to take a job that was a sure thing rather than gamble on what would develop with the Browns. But he kept Chudzinski in the back of his mind, hoping one day to bring the coach back to the Browns.

Long list

When the Browns needed an offensive coordinator after this season, Chudzinski's name was high on the list. But the Chargers' reluctance to allow an interview forced the Browns to move in a different direction.

They began with a list of 21 names. It was cut to 10 when other teams would not permit their coaches to interview. Some coaches declined to pursue the job, partly because the Browns are 11-25 under Crennel and there's a lot of pressure to win right now -- or changes could be made again next season.

The Browns ended up interviewing six candidates, Chudzinski being the last.

Friday was Crennel's first meeting with Chudzinski. Other than a brief phone conversation a few years ago, they had not spoken. Crennel said he liked Chudzinski's approach, his success developing plans for Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and his experience in college.

Chudzinski said he called plays for three years under Larry Coker at the University of Miami, where he was offensive coordinator from 2001 to 2003. His offense helped showcase Winslow's talents, and it made Ken Dorsey relatively effective.

Unlike the hiring of Crennel's first offensive coordinator -- Maurice Carthon -- Chudzinski has no long ties with the head coach or general manager. Crennel and Carthon had worked together for years under Bill Parcells.

Chudzinski's coaching mentors have been Davis, Coker and Schottenheimer.

``If he's out of any school (of coaches), it's probably Jimmy Johnson,'' Savage said. ``I think he has enough background to do this job.''

Chudzinski stressed to the Browns that he'd be a ``run-first'' coach, but he'd play an ``attack-style offense.''

Crennel said of the Chargers that ``they run the ball, they throw the ball, they score points... He presented a well-thought-out plan of how to do that... He's a young guy, and he covered all the bases. It was comprehensive.''

Freedom to coach

The offensive coordinator is a crucial position with the Browns because Crennel is more of a defensive coach. He gives the coordinator a lot of freedom to shape strategy and make decisions, not just on play-calling, but also as to what players are on the field in every situation.

The Browns have to get this right because they must pick between Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson as their quarterback. They need to put together an offensive line. They must make sure that Edwards doesn't become a distraction, and that Winslow is used effectively.

Chudzinski said he's not committing to a quarterback or doing anything other than stressing that ``everyone has a clean slate.'' He just got the job and wisely doesn't want to make any statement he might have to retract later.

Chudzinski has an excellent relationship with Winslow dating to college, but one of his first goals will be to get to know Edwards.

Savage has said several times that those two players will be ``the faces'' of the offense. He added that the coordinator must ``bring an identity'' to the offense.

Because Chudzinski stressed the running game in his interviews, it would not be a shock if the Browns pick a back in the first three rounds.

The Browns still have Rip Scherer and Jeff Davidson on the staff; both interviewed for the job that went to Chudzinski. It's possible that both might end up elsewhere. They have stirred interest among other teams.

The Browns said they are talking to candidates for other assistant positions.

``But we wanted to get the coordinator issue settled,'' Savage said. ``We feel good about Rob; now we can build the rest of the staff and begin putting his system into place.''


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terry Pluto can be reached at terrypluto2003@yahoo.com. Sign up for Terry's free, weekly e-mail newsletter ``Direct from Pluto'' at www.ohio.com.
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man if that's not saying all the right things, i don't know what does.

He said he feels he can handle the strong personalities of Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards.

he already handled the strong personalities of shockey and winslow. they may be asses off the field, but man they sure did perform well on game day. that's all we can hope for really.
welcome back home chud. i hope it's a long long stay this time.


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Romeo has lost all power. He is a eunuch. he has little power and a singular purpose on this team....to hold the clipboard.

Romeo has just a little more input than I as to who is drafted and who is on his staff at this point.

In his PC he was reading notes about Chud when he introduced him. Had he actually known about the guy, he would have known them. Heck, he didn't even know Chud coached Winslow while at Miami!!??




Peen,, in case you haven't realized it yet, I have this thing about people making statements like this as if they were fact when in reality, they are you opinion...

First off, it can ONLY be your opinion that he has lost power... you couldn't possibly know that..,unless of course you work inside the Berea complex,,,, I don't think you do...

So let's call it what it is,,,,,Your opinion,

As for him not knowing Chuds credidentials,,,,Again, , it's not like he doesn't have 50 things going through his mind... Also, to be fair, when has Romeo been perfect in a Presser,,, The answer is NEVER.. so what's new about this one.

Just some food for thought,,, Nothing more, nothing less.


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General Manager Phil Savage asked a few times whether the Browns could interview Chudzinski to run the offense. The Chargers turned him down. According to NFL rules, a team must allow an assistant to interview with another team only if the opening is for a head coach.

On Wednesday, Savage asked again.

This time, the Chargers allowed it.
...................................................................................

They began with a list of 21 names. It was cut to 10 when other teams would not permit their coaches to interview. Some coaches declined to pursue the job, partly because the Browns are 11-25 under Crennel and there's a lot of pressure to win right now -- or changes could be made again next season.

The Browns ended up interviewing six candidates, Chudzinski being the last.







Knox...Now we know why the past couple weeks have been quiet on the home front concerning the Browns search for an OC.

It was not that Savage was not trying, but alot of teams not allowing Savage to interview potential candidates. Good thing Savage does not take "no" as a final answer and continued to ask the Chargers if he could interview Chud.

Given Crennel's situation plus the Browns record over the last couple years, it has to be hard to find the right fit.

But as we all realize, any coaching hire is a gamble, but having someone who wants to coach for the Browns is a plus.


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So let's call it what it is,,,,,Your opinion,




No kidding??

Daman....nearly everything written on the board is opinon based. I don't see it as necessary to claim that on every post.

Yes, it is my opinion.


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Oh all right,,, if you insist....


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Oh all right,,, if you insist....




I am not insisting on anything. That is your opinion. Lets be sure we call it as such!


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mac that was an excellent last article you posted. it answered alotta questions i had about rac, ope, and chud.
one thing that's on my mind now is the QB situation. if we do in deed go to an attack type O, we must have th QB to run it. since we have two totally different style QB's and no apparent run game, do we utilize CF's mobility to compensate for the run game? do we pick up an RB to fit this style of play and go with a (imo) smarter QB in anderson? or do we pick up another QB because the two we have just plain suck?
this will be a very interesting off season, and one i can't wait to get started again.


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i forgot to comment on this.......

According to NFL rules, a team must allow an assistant to interview with another team only if the opening is for a head coach.


that answered the question i had on another thread. they eliminated the "lateral move" phrase altogether in this ruling, which makes it more understandable.
thanks


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if we do in deed go to an attack type O, we must have th QB to run it.




Say hello to Brady Quinn or Russell...If indeed the downfield throws increase with Chuds...

If we go with Peterson it's an unknown commodity as far as throwing to em' outta the backfield...He never did it at Oklahoma...Not enuff to come to a conclusion anyways that he's a weapon outta the backfield...

As far as Off Tackle runs that he can cut back or break outside???...YEAH he's the one...LT like in that matter...But the catching part comes into play with Peterson...It's unproven...

NOW...

If we go QB...So be it...And folks...If we do go QB...I'd get used to the fact that a Quinn or Russell will be on the field LONG BEFORE THE SEASON'S OVER...Possibly by GAME ONE...

RB???...So be it...Peterson could be a major weapon and set us up for the long haul...Brey...Winny2...Peterson...Solid three headed monster...And FRYE will be the QB if we go anything other than QB at 3 or 4...

Chud's hiring has NOTHING to do with this...But I'm solidly thinking we'll be going OFFENSE at 3 or 4 this year...We will not pass on a QB or Peterson for Branch or Adams...WHY???

3-4 Defensive Ends and OLB's can be had in rounds 2 and later...

Right now I see...

QB/RB/OT in One...

D Front 7 or OG in Two...

OG or D Front 7 in Three...

And that's not going for POSITIONAL NEED...There will be plenty of rated guys at those positions to justify the picks and staying within those positional boundaries in rounds 2 and 3...

NOW...

This Pathetic OL Situation We Have Here YET AGAIN...

If Thomas is sitting there for us it means BOTH QB's are gone...We now have the decision to make about Thomas or Peterson...NO BRAINER...It's Thomas 10 Days Outta Ten...

Now I'm LOST...


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As curly of the three stooges used to say,,,,,,Ohhhh Wise guy hey ?


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Savage said he wants coordinators to be head-coaching material one day because leadership in the job is crucial.




You know, I was kinda joking earlier on this thread when I said,, maybe Chud was brought in to be the replacement for RAC next season if the team doesn't improve...

Because of this comment,,,, maybe I wasn't that far off

Maybe I should joke around more often?


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.. " After the 2004 season, Chudzinski had a one-minute phone conversation with newly hired Romeo Crennel, then took the Chargers tight ends job, a role he's had for the past two seasons. "

Haven't got a clue ( no smart ass comments here ) as to how he will do . Do have a question ? Base on the above , and what little I can get my hands on , Who hired this young man ? Don't want to get into the lame duck thing , BUT ? .. Is 2007 another " Building year " ? Our we going to tread water ? Can you really rally the troops around RAC ?

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Peen and several others have been asking that very same question..

It's just my opinion (did you see how easy that was peen ) but if Savage or Lerner wanted RAC gone, I think they would have bit the bullet and done it now. Thus I think that RAC is still considered an intergral part of the team and is probably consulted on all major Player and Coach moves... I really believe that..

Then again, I also believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy so take what I say with a grain of salt


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Hey I'm still into Santa , but the tooth fairy never did right by me

I just want a winner in The City BAD ! .. I really want to believe , really I do ! .. BUT ?

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Quote:

Savage said he wants coordinators to be head-coaching material one day because leadership in the job is crucial.




You know, I was kinda joking earlier on this thread when I said,, maybe Chud was brought in to be the replacement for RAC next season if the team doesn't improve...

Because of this comment,,,, maybe I wasn't that far off

Maybe I should joke around more often?




If that is the case, how about joking that we make the playoffs in 2007 and win the SB in 2008?


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I pretty much agree.

I do see a better than remote chance one of the QBs and Thomas being on the board. Calvin Jonnson is really going to wow people in the combines.

Once they actually see the guy up close...a cut 230, 6'4"...legit 4.4-4.5 speed with a 45 vert, he is going to cement a few more opinions on him and could stiil go #1 overall.

I think he probably should...the guy is the best athelete/football player to enter the draft in maybe 5 years.

He is exactly the kind of guy savage looks for.....if Johnson is there when we pick....he is the BPA by a long shot and Savage might take him if he can't trade.

I am not saying that to pimp the guy as someone I want....but he fits all of the criteria Savage has talkied about.


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Crennel said of the Chargers that ``they run the ball, they throw the ball, they score points..




LMFAO... and this is why he only has experience at coaching defense...

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If that is the case, how about joking that we make the playoffs in 2007 and win the SB in 2008?




I'll try to fit that in for ya.....


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LOL....when I heard that on the vid of the PC I was thinking Romeo would be better served to just remain mute.


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LMFAO... and this is why he only has experience at coaching defense...




This would be really funny if it weren't so true. I desperately hope that Chud knows exactly how to run an effective offense. Because our head coach is proving to be offensively impotent.


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j/c:

A few thoughts:

I don't know have a positive or negative take on the hire. We'll see. What's interesting are the takes from the posters. *L*

Almost all are positive. The couple that were negative were ridiculed. Why? Because we have hired so many great coaches in the past several years? Or, is it because of Chud's great resume? LOL

Then, we have posters, like Daman and BrownBomber, who criticize "opinions." Of course, those were negative opinions........and all the positive "opinions" are not questioned. I love hypocrites.

I don't see how hiring Chud helps anyone determine who we will draft? It's just more wishful thinking on the part of the guys who really want a certain player.

A poster mentioned something about the fans attacking Chud in November. I disagree. Chud will get a free pass this year. It will be RAC's head on the proverbial chopping block.

ddbubia...........I completely disagree w/you on Cowher. I'd love to have him as our coach.

Actually, I was hoping we would hire Cowher next year and bring in the young Shottenheimer as our OC. That kid has a BRIGHT future.

Wonder what happened to all tha speculation about the Browns being able to lure a big-name OC here? Can this hire be any more obscure?

Did Savage really say that he was most influenced by Jimmy Johnson? LOL.....Sorry, Butch was Chud's main mentor. I find that extremely ironic and wildly amusing.


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man if that's not saying all the right things, i don't know what does.

He said he feels he can handle the strong personalities of Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards.

he already handled the strong personalities of shockey and winslow. they may be asses off the field, but man they sure did perform well on game day. that's all we can hope for really.
welcome back home chud. i hope it's a long long stay this time.




Somewhere he talked about discipline as well..... I liked seeing both those statements


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Got a good chuckle out of that myself,mentally adding "occasionally they punt or turn the ball over".
What are we getting with Chud?
Nothing the Chargers did on O can be attributed to him,that's Cameron's doing.
Gates is an all-pro TE,but IIRC,he was pretty good before Chud.He got better under him,but that could have been due to his natural growth as a player,as much as coaching.
We could lookat what he did with the Browns.He didn't get the opportunity to coach Winslow,but Heiden and that other guy did ok,nothing great.
We could look at his Miami days.
He did well with Shockey,Winslow,Portis,Macgahey,and the many more NFL probowlers he had there.On the other hand he also did well with Dorsey and PP in his backfield,that could be considered good coaching.
I don't know if he's a good coach,niether does anyone else.I do know he's an Ohio boy,that counts for something.
In the end we are getting a young sprout from the Butch Davis branch of the coaching tree.That's an irony I'm finding hilarious.


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I'm not too thrilled with this signing.

But, whatever, the FO sees something in him. He'd better turn out to be everything they see in him.

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Quote:

Quote:

Crennel said of the Chargers that ``they run the ball, they throw the ball, they score points..




LMFAO... and this is why he only has experience at coaching defense...




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Brian is OC for the Jets, so why would he move to Cleveland if Cowher became coach?.


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Quote:

LOL....when I heard that on the vid of the PC I was thinking Romeo would be better served to just remain mute.




I can see his HC interview when we hired him right now...

Phil Savage: "Romeo, what dimension do you feel you could bring to the Browns Organization?"

Romeo Crennel: "I would want a team that could score points on offense by running and passing the ball."

Phil Savage: "And what would you want to bring to the defensive side of the ball?"

Romeo: "A team that tackles the opponent and keeps them from putting up points."

Sorry for the fiction... Just cracks me up and says alot about why he may have had to wait so long before someone gave him a shot...

Let's just hope he leaves ALL things on the offense ALONE... Maybe Chud could take over the "Challenge flag" duties as well...

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Who said he wanted to?


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was wondering where that was coming from as well...

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Savage praised everything from Chudzinski's neatness and attention to detail (``Not a single misspelling in his presentation, it was really organized'') to his leadership ability: ``He's a good people person; I think he can relate to our guys.''






Next time one of your kids asks why they need to do better on their spelling tests in school, be sure to remind them of this...

This quote also makes me wonder just how bad the spelling and grammar is in other presentations by coaches.

I don't know this guy from Adam - and I have no idea what a tight-ends coach does - so all I can go on is what that powers-that-be have to say. I'm just glad that they did not get a re-tread from another team.

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Savage praised everything from Chudzinski's neatness and attention to detail (``Not a single misspelling in his presentation, it was really organized'') to his leadership ability: ``He's a good people person; I think he can relate to our guys.''






Next time one of your kids asks why they need to do better on their spelling tests in school, be sure to remind them of this...

This quote also makes me wonder just how bad the spelling and grammar is in other presentations by coaches.

I don't know this guy from Adam - and I have no idea what a tight-ends coach does - so all I can go on is what that powers-that-be have to say. I'm just glad that they did not get a re-tread from another team.




This little tid bit of info doesn't look good for 123.

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