DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Terry Pluto's Browns Notebook: Steinbach, Russell, Quarterback and More

Browns' big worry not quarterback
Lineman, cornerback positions present more important dilemmas
By Terry Pluto
Scribbles in my Browns notebook...

• While they don't say so, it's no secret that the Browns would like to sign free agent Eric Steinbach, the outstanding guard from the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns want him as a guard to replace free agent Cosey Coleman. They also have major questions about veteran guard Joe Andruzzi, who is having physical problems. Finding guards is one of the key quests for the offseason.

• Here's the hitch: Some teams might want Steinbach as a left tackle. If they do, that raises his price tag enormously. Think of the offensive line as a baseball bullpen and the left tackle as the closer, the guy making the big cash. Most scouts think that Steinbach would be an acceptable tackle, but he's developing into a big-time guard. The Browns would prefer him at guard.

• The Browns hope Isaac Sowells can develop into a starter at guard or tackle. He was the team's fourth-round draft pick a year ago out of Indiana, where he was a left tackle. He had a major ankle sprain and some other physical problems that set him back in training camp.

• Hank Fraley played well enough at center for the Browns to make an offer for him to return -- and he supposedly has a strong interest in coming back. While Fraley is no LeCharles Bentley, the Browns think he's OK. Besides, they know they have bigger problems looking for two guards and at least one tackle.

• When the Browns decided to hire Rob Chudzinski as offensive coordinator over Jeff Davidson, it was clear that Davidson wanted another job. The Carolina Panthers hired him as offensive coordinator. Panthers coach John Fox has a good relationship with Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, and it was Weis who spoke out strongly for Davidson. Weis and Davidson worked together under Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots.

• The problems between General Manager Phil Savage and Davidson were typical of a coach/GM. The coach favored his veteran players, especially Andruzzi. Savage wanted to look at someone else at guard because he thought that Andruzzi was so banged up physically. There might have been some other disagreements, but the main problem was the Browns did not want him back as offensive coordinator.

• Steve Marshall is the new offensive line coach. He was out of football last season, still being paid by the Houston Texans. He was paid off by the Texans when coach Dom Capers and the rest of the staff were fired. It seems suspect to hire a coach who had so much trouble protecting the quarterback for the expansion Texans, but the good news is Marshall was one of Nick Saban's first hires when he went to the University of Alabama. Marshall had an out in his contract with Alabama that allowed him to go to the pros, which he did when the Browns called.

• Confession time: Other than coordinators, it's very hard to judge how most assistants perform. You never know what is their area of responsibility, etc. At least, that's my view. With the coordinator, you can see the play calls. But even then, it's possible the head coach overrules them. So is Chudzinski a good pick to run the offense? I have no idea.

• It took a three-year contract to get Chudzinski from the San Diego Chargers, where he knew he was on a short string as tight ends coach because coach Marty Schottenheimer appeared headed out the door following 2007. Schottenheimer was fired Monday night. The Miami Dolphins wanted to talk to Chudzinski for offensive coordinator, so the Browns decided to push hard and keep the Ohio native home.

• Chudzinski is working on his relationship with wide receiver Braylon Edwards. He already knows Kellen Winslow well, because Chudzinski was Winslow's tight ends coach in college. He also was with the Browns as an assistant in 2005 when Winslow was injured.

• The Browns are high on quarterback coach Rip Scherer, who was the second choice after Chudzinski for offensive coordinator. They gave him the title of ``assistant head coach,'' the same one that Davidson received a year ago when the New York Jets wanted to hire him as an assistant.

• When it comes to evaluating young quarterbacks, the Browns find it hard because they went through two offensive coordinators last year, the offensive line was a mess and running back Reuben Droughns had a poor year. How much do you blame Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson for that? It's not an easy question, even though some fans think picking a quarterback would solve many of the problems on offense. If so, they are conning themselves.

• You're Jerry Rosberg. You have been the Browns special teams coach for the past six years through three coaches. Everyone likes your work. Your contract is up. You are a free agent, and the Atlanta Falcons make you a nice offer. The Falcons have a new head coach, and you figure that he has to be around for a few years. You like Romeo Crennel, but this is his third year -- and who knows if there will be a fourth? That's why Rosberg left -- security. It also has to be discouraging for him to have been through six years of all the trials (and few successes) with the Browns.

• The decision to replace Terry Robiskie with Wes Chandler as receivers coach obviously is an attempt to connect to Edwards with a coach who can command his respect. The Browns, with a recommendation from team scout/adviser Paul Warfield, turned to Chandler, who made four Pro Bowls and caught 56 touchdown passes in his distinguished career. His last job was coaching the receivers for the Minnesota Vikings in 2005. Chandler can tell Edwards, ``Look, I played the game. I was good at it. Here's how it works, here's what you need to do.''

• Edwards is telling the Browns that he plans to start fresh in 2007 and that he learned from some of his mistakes last season. The Browns are glad to hear that and hope he follows through. It's not an excuse but it's a fact that Edwards is only 23 and was handed a $17 million bonus at the age of 21 -- and that's not exactly the ideal prescription for maturity. Sometimes, these young guys with lots of cash only learn some things the hard way -- when they are embarrassed.

• Savage and his scouts are spending massive amounts of time checking out linemen on offense and defense. Savage knows the defensive line needs help quick. Ted Washington will be 39 on opening day. At 34, Orpheus Roye is showing some age. Alvin McKinley is a free agent, and the Browns are not sold on him as a starter. They like Simon Fraser as a backup but think that they need, at least, two defensive lineman to boost the 3-4 defense.

• The Browns will talk to free safety Brian Russell, but it's a long shot that he'll be back. The reason is the Browns are confident in young safeties Brodney Pool and Sean Jones. They are very worried at cornerback, where they have only Leigh Bodden as a healthy veteran starter. So you can talk offensive linemen, defensive linemen and cornerbacks as big needs -- and bigger keys to next season than drafting a quarterback high.

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/16686711.htm

The problems between General Manager Phil Savage and Davidson were typical of a coach/GM. The coach favored his veteran players, especially Andruzzi. Savage wanted to look at someone else at guard because he thought that Andruzzi was so banged up physically. There might have been some other disagreements, but the main problem was the Browns did not want him back as offensive coordinator.

If that is true..it makes me feel Opie has a better pulse on the Oline than we thought..Davidson wanting Druzzi in and Opie wanting Druzzi out..well guess what?
Now he has the opportunity to replace him..

Savage and his scouts are spending massive amounts of time checking out linemen on offense and defense. Savage knows the defensive line needs help quick. Ted Washington will be 39 on opening day. At 34, Orpheus Roye is showing some age. Alvin McKinley is a free agent, and the Browns are not sold on him as a starter. They like Simon Fraser as a backup but think that they need, at least, two defensive lineman to boost the 3-4 defense.


Opie U need some help?We here at Dawgtakers scout also..and some of us are good

Good read

Good article, hes right about the needs and the I feel the same he does about the QB position. I know some of you disagree and thats fine. You have all the right in the world to not like charlie or DA. I dont know if I like letting Russel go, but if they feel that Pool is ready to step up and be a starter then so be it. With him concentrating only on Safety, having another year under his belt, Jones emerging and having another offseason, a verteran presence at Corner (cough Clements cough) hopefully all will be ok.

Shore up the lines, get a corner in here, and get someone to share the load with droughns. If thats Wright or Harrison fine but just make sure they can do it.

Very good read.

phil sees what we see.....Druzzi is old, and not very good anymore.

Good read.

This article gave me a little peace to an otherwise very nervous state of being when I think of the Browns and this offseason.

I hope it's all true, and as our offseason plan develops, I hope we see some of these ideas come to fruition.

"So you can talk offensive linemen, defensive linemen and cornerbacks as big needs -- and bigger keys to next season than drafting a quarterback high."

Thats all true..but if JT is gone (likely) what OL, DL or CB would you have us pick at 3 or 4 ? Phil already has the answer in his head..we just have to wait 73 days to hear the words.

Logic and common sense.

GOTTA love THAT!

Quote:

---

hats all true..but if JT is gone (likely) what OL, DL or CB would you have us pick at 3 or 4 ? Phil already has the answer in his head..we just have to wait 73 days to hear the words.

---

Theres plenty of D-line to pick from but they can be had a few picks lower as well. If thats the case I would say we should be able to trade out because that means that Calvin, Peterson and one of the QB's are still available and there has to be someone who would be willing to move up to get one of these guys. His injuries scare a me a little but I dont think I would be upset if we drafted Peterson.

Quote:

---

How much do you blame Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson for that? It's not an easy question, even though some fans think picking a quarterback would solve many of the problems on offense. If so, they are conning themselves.

---

Ok you all pretty much know that I'm of the mind that Charlie needs more time to see how he'll work with a better line,,,that's if we get one..

But now that Pluto is agreeing to an extent,,,,,, I'm beginning to question my own thinking

LOL

That's ok, Terry

Quote:

---

The reason is the Browns are confident in young safeties Brodney Pool and Sean Jones.

---

Copy that...And for good reason...Pool should be ready by now...Year 3...Save the cap money and Hamilton's healthy...No need to spend a penny here...

Corners???...Gotta think they go for one FA...Even if it's Harper...Much bigger is the need to upgrade the trench...Sands and/or Smith...

They will take a CB in the draft..U basically have Bodden and who else?

U know this...

A Corner beyond the TOP FIVE will never be squat his first year...And maybe nuttin' more than a nickel in years 2 and 3...

Minter should be that Nickel/Dimer...I expect Holly to make this roster for what he's shown...As a NICKEL...

We need a DAY ONE STARTER...And it would benefit us to make that particular player BETTER than Bodden...

NO Draft pick's gonna work...We keep draftin' Corners we're gonna be BABIES in the Secondary forever...

BALL-UP and go get Clements or Samuels...

Then turn the attention to the OL & DL...I want NO PART of this BS "VALUE PICK" crap come rounds 3/4/5...Especially at RB/WR/TE/QB/LB/CB/S...

COMMIT to the Damn Offensive and Defensive Lines....Heavy on one side and medium on the other for now...REVERSE it in 08...

I think he already damned our line. There is no need rub it in *L*

I like Roderick Hood from Philadelphia as a FA CB if Clements and Samuels are too expensive. And I would like to draft a CB in the draft who can be a good backp corner and replace Northcutt as punt returner if Savage has determined Perkins can't be that guy. Bodden, Hood, Holly, Minter, and Perkins/Draft Pick at corner combined with Pool, Jones, and Hamilton as safeties could be a good, young defensive backfield, especially if a we get more of a pass rush from a hopefully improved defensive line.

Toad ..I know about Clements but he wants TOP $$$$$$$$ and will be in demand..we aren't getting into bidding wars for FA's..


DND ...DON'T GET up in a tinsy when Phil pulls the trigger on a CB..He was looking at DB's in the senior bowl and this draft is fairly deep in corners..I EXPECT Opie to lock up a FA CB , but he's going to come back in the draft and try to get one just like he did before..DB's are highly sought after in a 34 ..we went through a ton of them only to have ONE DECENT one emerge..Holly, and I expect him to replace McCushion..
So..if I forsee things a bit don't get shocked..especially in the third rd..

Now I said the Clements thing jokingly, but I think he's on our radar. I know we'll get a corner via free agency because there isn't one worth a top-10 pick, and we can't get an immediate starter in the 2nd.

Whycan we not get a starter in RD 2 ?
I'm testing U ...

HeatDawg We didn't get into a bidding war with Philly, Bentley spurned them to come here..big difference..
With the holes we have I think Phil is going to be cautious about who we OVERPAY for
I say overpay cuze the better CB's will COST...and we also need a starting OG..

We offered a contract to Bentley after Bentley was close to signing one from Philly from everything I've read. Certainly, Bentley's agent would have told Phil we have to do better than what Philly had on the table. How many times did that possibly go back and forth? Even if it was just once, by bidding against Philly's offer, even once, wouldn't that be considered getting into a bidding war?

Bentley had stated well before that he wanted to come back to Ohio, so it opened up..Phil had to offer up a jack amount comparible to Philly..in fact they thought he was ready to sign ..
Plus I never heard it(maybe someone else did) stated that Opie actually OUT BIDDED them..
BUT here's the thing..the contract to Shaffer wasn't tiny either..SO THERE'S a bunch of money tied up between the two..and Baxter..

Good read and good points.

Druzzi is old and his knees ain't gonna hold up much longer...Steinbach would be a perfect fit to this offensive line. The middle 3 could be a strength in 2007 if we land Eric and LC is back...

RG - Steinbach
C - Bentley
LG - Fraley

That could be very well be a very good interior Oline to protect one of our young QB's next year whoever that may be.

Like Pluto said, Cornerback is weak right now with little depth. Bodden, the only vet that is able to play as of now, and Holly...is all we have right now..unless you want to count Ralph Brown, which who I really doubt could be back in '07...

Pretty good article.

Quote:

---

While they don't say so, it's no secret that the Browns would like to sign free agent Eric Steinbach

---

Steinbach is going to command big money, whether it is as a LT or LG. I still don't see how he would want to come to the Browns when he can get big money from a good team.

Quote:

---

The Browns hope Isaac Sowells can develop into a starter at guard or tackle. He was the team's fourth-round draft pick a year ago out of Indiana, where he was a left tackle. He had a major ankle sprain and some other physical problems that set him back in training camp.

---

Pluto forgot to mention that Sowells struggled w/all facets of the game even when he was healthy.

Quote:

---

Hank Fraley played well enough at center for the Browns to make an offer for him to return

---

This was supposed to be public knowledge by now. Wonder what's going on?

Quote:

---

The problems between General Manager Phil Savage and Davidson were typical of a coach/GM. The coach favored his veteran players, especially Andruzzi.

---

Once again, Pluto neglected to mention the differences of opinion on Shaffer and Leon.

Quote:

---

but the good news is Marshall was one of Nick Saban's first hires when he went to the University of Alabama. Marshall had an out in his contract with Alabama that allowed him to go to the pros, which he did when the Browns called.

---

What a steal......our OL will be fixed.

Quote:

---

Confession time: Other than coordinators, it's very hard to judge how most assistants perform. You never know what is their area of responsibility, etc. At least, that's my view. With the coordinator, you can see the play calls. But even then, it's possible the head coach overrules them. So is Chudzinski a good pick to run the offense? I have no idea.

---

This statement is going to be out there for most of you. However, position coaches are WAY more important to the success of the team than the head coach........at the NFL and collegiate level.

Quote:

---

even though some fans think picking a quarterback would solve many of the problems on offense. If so, they are conning themselves.

---

Interesting.

Quote:

---

That's why Rosberg left -- security.

---

What? The Browns are not a stable franchise? *L*

Quote:

---

The decision to replace Terry Robiskie with Wes Chandler as receivers coach obviously is an attempt to connect to Edwards with a coach who can command his respect.

---

Despite what the board thinks of Robo......he is very respected in NFL circles.

Quote:

---

Edwards is telling the Browns that he plans to start fresh in 2007 and that he learned from some of his mistakes last season.

---

Gawd.......I hope that is true!

Quote:

---

It's not an excuse but it's a fact that Edwards is only 23 and was handed a $17 million bonus at the age of 21 -- and that's not exactly the ideal prescription for maturity.

---

Sorry Pluto.......but, that is an excuse. A lame one, at that.

Quote:

---

They like Simon Fraser as a backup but think that they need, at least, two defensive lineman to boost the 3-4 defense.

---

Fraser would be okay in the rotation, but he is not a starter.

We do need DL help..........in a BIG way.

Quote:

---

The Browns will talk to free safety Brian Russell, but it's a long shot that he'll be back.

---

Anyone else notice that the D struggled big-time once Russell quit playing? I didn't like the signing, but I was wrong. He played pretty damn good.

Quote:

---

They are very worried at cornerback, where they have only Leigh Bodden as a healthy veteran starter. So you can talk offensive linemen, defensive linemen and cornerbacks as big needs -- and bigger keys to next season than drafting a quarterback high.

---

Too many interior needs. It would behoove the Browns to wait another year to fix the cb position.

Quote:

---

Steinbach is going to command big money, whether it is as a LT or LG. I still don't see how he would want to come to the Browns when he can get big money from a good team.

---

U just don't get it Vers...U don't get it...

Besides the Browns NAME...It goes further for an athlete...

Being a part of an up and comer is big in these guys minds...Jesus...How many solid VETS have we brought here in the past???...On a BUILDING team...One they KNOW they will be a MENTOR for while here and NOT HERE FOR LONG...Yet they still come...

And don't be so damn gullable to think it's for the money they couldn't get elsewhere...lmao...

Quote:
The Browns will talk to free safety Brian Russell, but it's a long shot that he'll be back.


Anyone else notice that the D struggled big-time once Russell quit playing? I didn't like the signing, but I was wrong. He played pretty damn good.

Glad you brought that up Vers ! I thought Pool was a reach ( # 2 ) and no , he is not the player Russell is !

Agreed, I would like to see us resign Russell, he gets much love from me the last two seasons. Fraley is a must to resign imho.

then my dream would be to bring in these 3 on top of that:
CB - Clements - i live in Bills country and this guy is GOOD

DL - Sands - Oaklands LB's got to run all over the place and make plays.There D was pretty good, it was there O that stunk worse than us.

OL - Steinbach - yeah i know , big surprise here LOL. I wouldn't be displeased with Dielman either.

I'm looking a little stronger at A. Samuels. I think he's close to the same basic quality and can be gotten a little cheaper. But I'd be very happy at the upgrade either would provide.

Quote:

---

I used to believe that until we got Bentley. With the amount of money available to us and little time to put a winner on the field for Opie, it wouldn't surprise me to see him go after Clements, especially with the way he's gathered Ohio boys.

---

I don't know Toad,,,, I think that Samuels is a better fit so if we are gonna spend big bucks,,,, Ohio boy or no,,,I go with samuels instead of Clements...

besides, Bentley is/was a special player.... it remains to be seen if he can come back, I'm hoping he can.

Remember what u just said about Russel. I might come back and haunt you......... In a good way

Nice article... makes me feel a little better about Phil... good to hear about Edwards too. But I'll believe it when I see it.

Good read.... I enjoyed the honesty and candor in it. No fluff, no filler, just good information.


Lots of revealing info in there, let's hope that we've gotten the ship righted and headed the right way now. For what it's worth, I couldn't agree more with the needs as listed: OL/CB/DL. In my opinion, litterally every other position group can be put on hold or in maintenance mode this offseason.... those other three though, they are of the Do or Die variety. They don't merely have holes... those units are closer to not existing at all.

Wow, when you sit and think about it after this article...the Browns are up a creek with out a paddle.

3 holes on the o-line
2 holes on d-line or 3...depending on how you look at it
1NFL caliber starting corner who is injury prone on the roster
questions at QB
questions at RB

And no depth at any position except for TE.

Good luck Phil....