Cleveland Browns NFL Team Column
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| 4 March 2008 |
Derek Anderson, did he stay or leave Cleveland?
The Browns main issue as the clock wound down to the start of free agency was QB Derek Anderson, but he had to know he wasn't the only roster spot the Browns were pondering over . Even know some fans might not have been happy with Derek and Derek's agent and the way they drug this out until the beginning of free agency before signing a contract the fact is Derek Anderson has been signed for three more years. A few hours after Derek Anderson hit the free agency market he must have decided Cleveland wasn't such a bad place to be afterall and he signed a multiyear( 3 yrs), deal worth 24 million (over 15 mill guaranteed). "This is where I want to be " Anderson told his agent " Lets do the right things to get this taken care of".
One of the main questions now is this, where does this leave back up QB Brady Quinn? Brady had to be thinking in the back of his mind that he was going to have his chance to be # 1 after riding the bench last season. I will give Brady credit when talked to by the media after the signing was announced he said he's coming into camp with the mindset that he's going to try and be the best he can be to lead the Browns , so at least he is saying the right things and even though Savage is making it sound like Derek is the # 1 QB no ifs ands or buts, Coach Romeo Crennel is saying competition only helps the team and everyone involved so Brady can only help his cause by having a good training camp.
Other issues for the Browns to look at now:
Linebacker Chaun Thompson. Doesn't really sound like a do or die situation with the Browns 2nd round pick from the 2003 NFL Draft. Savage when asked about Chaun and his future with the Browns replied "We've been working with Chaun SOME "...we would "like to get him back, but he might like to see what's out there ".
Thompson did play in all 16 games last year. The soon to be 28 year old linebacker (B.D. 5/22/1980), only had one sack last season to give him 10.5 for his career. Special teams was an area where Chaun stood out with 16 tackles which put him 4th on the team.
O-Lineman Lennie Friedman sounds like a player GM Savage would more likely want to hold onto. A possible UFA who the Browns acquired through a trade with the Bears at the end of training camp in 06 when the Browns found themselves between a rock and a hard spot at center because of injuries and retirement.
" We will try and bring Lennie back " Savage said ..."He was very valuable to us on special teams and he can play guard and center". The Duke product has played in all of the Browns 32 games the last 2 years.
CB Devon Kelly (RFA), has been with the Browns since the eve of training camp 06, becuase of injuries, had depth issues in the secondary. " He has been tendered up to the 2nd round level". Savage also said "we'd like to keep him. He's been very good for us.
Devon had an outstanding 06 season tying for the team lead with 5 picks, one of which he returned 57 yards for a score, and got another TD for Cleveland when he recovered a fumble and returned it 40 yards for a score. Also played last season in 7 games where he helped strengthen both the nickel and the dime defenses along with the special teams.
DE Simon Fraser. A local product from Upper Arlington, Ohio and also a buckeye from Ohio State, was signed in 05 as a rookie free agent. Simon a (RFA), has not been offered a tender. Simon who has played in 46 games the last three seasons had 4.5 sacks in 06. Also played a role as a special teams player and backup DE all three seasons.
Savage said about Simon...Even though we did not tender him doesn't mean we closed the door entirely on signing him back. " It just wouldn't be at the number the tender required".
DB/Special Teams Nick Sorensen UFA. Savages comments about the free agent the Browns picked up just after the bye week last season " we're hopeful to bring him back". Nick was important to the team the 2nd half of the season on special teams along with security as a back up at safety. Even though Sorensen only played in 9 games, he tied for 5th on the team with 14 tackles on special teams.
CB/ Ricardo Colclough UFA , The Browns claimed the CB off waivers last Oct.31. The 2nd round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 04 is a guy Savage would like to have back, but he is leaving the choice up to him to see if he has any other takers out there.
Free Agency or Draft...Which is better ?
Sometimes how teams are built don't always follow the same blueprints, sometimes not even the GM of that teams blueprints. Browns GM Phil Savage has long stood by the principle of you build good teams through the draft-- not free agency.
Well the Browns ( Phil Savage), have picked up some of their pieces for the puzzle through the draft with key additions like Braylon Edwards,Kamerion Wimbley,and Eric Wright.
But to help strengthen the O-line and also the defensive side the main additions ( 4 of 6 on the offensive line that started for the Browns in 07) were, you guessed it free agents. And the free agency market also as important for Cleveland as the three players who played the most on the defensive line also came through the free agency pool.
Ryan Tucker who is entering his 12th season this fall, signed with the Browns through free agency in March 2002, Ryan has played both positions to the right of the center, Right Tackle and Right Guard during his years with the Browns.
Kevin Shaffer joined from the Atlanta Falcons March 11 2006 though free agency. Played both right and left tackle. The free agent pickup looked upon as the biggest improvement since returning to NFL in 99 was LG Eric Steinbach, who the Browns signed March 2, 2007.
Right Guard Seth Mckinney started 8 games in 07 before a season ending shoulder injury, also a free agency pickup March 14,07.
Only players on the front line who aren't free agency pick ups were Thomas and Hank Fraley. Fraley came to the Browns in a trade prior to the season and was due to become a free agent in 07 but the Browns made sure that wouldn't happen by signing him to a new contract last March.
Along the defensive line you have to go all the way back to the year 2000 when Orpheus Roye was signed as a free agent, Orpheus was released by the team Wednesday. Shaun Smith who appeared in 15 games, starting 11 playing at Nose Tackle and Defensive End was signed as a free agent March 16, 2007. Also signed March 16th Robaire Smith who started all 16 games at right Defensive End.
Ted Washington who started at Nose Tackle for the Browns in 2006 and one game in 07 came through the free agency on March 13, 06. The reason some teams may seem to go another way to get all those pieces is mainly because through the draft a team can realistically olny build one position at a time. The plan of using free agency along with the draft seems to be working, for now.
Another plus of having less positions that have to be filled this instant , the new plan on the black board can be to draft to get new blood in to be with the team for years to fill in for the grizzled or soon to be grizzled Veterans.
The 2008 off-season main areas of concern or immediate attention listening to GM Savage has to be the Defensive front 7 and more specific the d-line. Now whether this is through the draft and or free agency, who knows what good ole Phil might have up his sleeves this year.
Free agency updates as of March 04, 2008:
The Browns did pick-up DT/DE, Corey Williams from the Packers who played NT in Green Bay who plays the 4-3. Corey will most likely play the DE here in the 3-4. Williams who is known for his quickness in getting to the QB, recorded 14 sacks the last 2 years. Cleveland gave up their second rnd pick for Williams.
Savage (Cleveland's GM), who had 37 million cap space when free agency started isn't waisting any time improving the Browns, he also went out and picked up Shaun Rogers from the Detroit Lions for CB Leigh Bodden and a third rnd pick. At 6'4" 357 lbs Shaun will be a big space eater and spell Shaun Smith which will give Cleveland a lethal two some at NT.
Savage also helped out the offense by picking up ( WR) Donte Stallworth who played for the New England Patriots last season. Donte the 6 yr-vet signed a 7 year deal. The 6 ft 200 pounder has played for New Orleans, Philadelphia and last season with the Pats. Donte who has 279 receptions in his career to go along with 4213 yds. and 31 td's. Last season with New England had 46 catches for 697 yards and 3 TD's. Career high 70 receptions for 945 yards with New Orleans in 05.
| 22 Febuary 2008 |
Cleveland Browns Draft Needs For the 2008 NFL Draft
Yes it is close to that time of year again. All you Dawg Pound fans, and other NFL fans April is just around the corner. Which positions should GM Phil Savage and Head Coach Romeo Crennel be focusing on?
Area # 1 of major concern: Nose Tackle. Consider these stats against the rush the Browns finished 27 th overall, 129.5 yds per game on 4.5 yds per rush average given up. They also gave up 14 rushes of 20 + yds. Against the pass a shade better coming in 24 th overall 230.1 yds given up per game. Also 50 passes of over 20 + yds. Overall Cleveland finished 30 th, giving up 359.6 yds per game, that's right only 2 teams in the NFL finished worse overall, Buffalo Bills who gave up 362.9 yds per game and finishing last Detroit Lions giving up 377.6 per game.
Area # 2 of concern: Linebacking Crew. Kamerion Wimbley & D'Qwell Jackson are developing into a great tandem, but more depth would be nice security. Andra Davis & Antwan Peek are better then average, but once again depth is great security to have.
Area # 3 to look at: Wide Receiver. Another wide out would be good to pick up , especially since this looks like it will Joe Jurevicius last season.
Area # 4, and this may depend what the Browns can pick-up in free agency and whether or not Derek Anderson signs the contract offered by the Browns ( which in my opinion would be his best option ), or if he is tendered and another team signs him and then Cleveland would get their first and third round draft picks. Another running back or D-back may help here.
Most of my picks I looked at with the glass half empty, in other words, if the Browns do not get the extra two picks from QB Derek Anderson signing with another team. As I mentioned above free agency can change everything, so strap on your pads pigskin fans and here we go. In the area of improving the D-Line: A possible sleeper Kendall Langford ( DE/LB), 6-6, 275 lbs., 4.97 (40). College: Hampton. Very aggressive player. Finds ball quickly & diagnosis the play just as quickly.
Another possibility : Phillip Merling ( DE/LB ) 6-5, 272 lbs., 4.73 (40). College: Clemson. Outstanding size/speed combo. Size and athleticism to play OLB.
# 3 .Derek Harvey ( DE/OLB ) 6-4, 260 lbs., 4.67 (40). College: Florida. Outstanding first step. Changes directions quickly.
# 4. Quentin Groves ( DE/OLB ) 6-3, 254 lbs., 4.6 (40). College: Auburn. Great speed and hands from his basketball exp. Can play DE or outside rushing LB.
# 5. Darrell Robertson ( OLB/DE ) 6-4, 247 lbs.,4.76 (40). College: Georgia Tech. Vocal team leader, outstanding speed off the edge. Explodes off the snap. Maybe a better fit @ OLB in 3/4 defense.
# 6. Shawn Crable ( DE/OLB ) 6-4, 245 lbs.,4.65 (40). College: Michigan. Capable of playing DE/OLB in both 3/4 and 4/3. Outstanding size/speed combo. Biggest asset ability to pressure and disrupt the backfield.
Another way the Browns staff may want to go is to pick up a defensive tackle to shore up their poor defense against the run. One of the best young talents out their may be a DT by the name of Kentwan Balmer out of North Carolina. 6-5, 298.,4.95 (40). Kentwan is a possible up and coming great DT. He is hard for the 0-line to handle because of his ability to collapse the pocket. Some have even said don't be surprised if he moved to DE.
Another possible pick-up at NT is Pat Sims out of Auburn. 6-4 , 312.,5.00 (40). Pat already has good NFL size and a frame capable of handling growth and adding mass. Very athletic and quick feet for his size. Defends well against the run, and is improving defending the pass.
# 3. Trevor Laws. Notre Dame .6-1, 295. 4.9 (40). Trevor was a good player on a bad Notre Dame team. Gets in the backfield often and causes problems. Motor always running. Does a great job of getting under the O-Linemans pads and keeping them occupied so his LB'S can make plays.
As far as looking at picking up a quality wide-out, Limas Sweed out of Texas looks very tempting. At 6-5, 218. 4.5 (40). He has great size, great long arms which make him hard to defend. Runs great routes for just coming out of college, part of this could be because he is a 5th year senior, so he already has the experience to step right into a NFL system. Can take a screen pass to the house with his speed and great ability to stab passes out of the sky. One weakness or drawback may be how he recovers from surgery on his wrist that ended his senior season. His combine times could determine if he falls in the draft.
Another choice could be Lavelle Hawkins WR out of Cal. 5-11,187. 4.4(40). Very quick, can outrun most DB'S, can also beat zone coverage. Weakness: Doesn't catch with his hands. May have trouble getting past pro DB'S like he did at the lower level.
# 3. Earl Bennett 6-1, 205. 4.48(40). College: Vanderbilt. Good route runner, nice height. Immediate NFL impact. One possible weakness he is great at nothing, but also good at everything.
Here are some other possibilities: If the Browns look at a running back a possible sleeper later in the draft may be a RB out of Rutgers . Ray Rice 5-9, 195. 4.53 (40). Rice could give Jamal Lewis breaks here and there (that is as long as the Browns keep Lewis).
Ray is a well-built athletic with great lower body strength.Above average power for his size, and gains yards consistently after the first hit. Has great vision to go along with first step quickness and acceleration and if that isnt enough to keep the d on its toes also shows great lateral agility and that pretty much sounds like the whole package. Sure handed receiver and shows good technique in pass protection.
If Cleveland gets a higher draft pick Aqib Talib at CB May be worth taking a look at. Out of Notre Dame 6-2, 203 . 4.45 (40). All the tools needed to be a shut down corner. Has the heighth and talent to shut down receivers (even the taller ones). Has the speed to catch back up if he makes a mistake in coverage. His one weakness may be needs to work on his foot work.
| 20 Febuary 2008 |
Trouble for future Browns QB Quinn?
Some of you may have read and or heard about an altercation involving Brady Quinn, the back-up quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, some of his friends and a group of gay men. According to reports coming out of Columbus ,Ohio, sometime around 2:30 am New Years Day a group of men including Brady Quinn, were shouting anti-gay slurs towards this group. When the officers arrived on the scene, according to a spokeswoman for the Columbus police dept., Brady Quinn was involved in a argument with another man, but according to reports not the original man who made the call.
According to information being released the original person making the call said he as afraid for his safety and he wasnt staying around to wait for the police to arrive. Although this person did say Brady “ wasn't as involved as” others. Jason Thompson ,who was involved in argueing with Brady Quinn when officers arrived, was arrested on the scene when he ignored officers request to back away. Brady and his group was very cooperative and did back away when requested to by the officers.
During the interview with the owner of the La Fogata grill, he said Quinn's group gave him no problems while they were there for their New years eve celebration. All the alleged shouting occurred outside. Now whether Brady was involved in any punches actually being thrown, or anit-gay slurs being said, he might need to re-examine who he hangs out with.The important word is MIGHT , only the people actually involved know what actually happened.
Brady hopefully realizes he represents the Cleveland Browns and NFL every day, whether he is in uniform or not. He is just starting what could be the most important part of his life, he needs to make sure he is doing whatever it takes to keep up his image as a role model ,no matter what pro athletes may say ( Charles Barkley a few years back), they are role models to our children and they need to be always aware of what the situation is around them and whether the people they are hanging out with are the best way to represent themselves.
| 11 Febuary 2008 |
DEREK ANDERSON'S Pro Bowl Performance
Northeast Ohio TV Sports talk shows were already all over the Browns QB Derek Anderson before the Pro Bowl game was even over. Yes it's true, Derek threw for 10 out of 26, for 103 yards and one interception. And to be fair he also had more then a few overthrows and his usual behind the back of his receivers. But what did the people calling in to complain expect from Derek. He was throwing and trying to communicate with players he had only practiced with for a few days. Another thing fans need to take into account is the fact that Derek had a better first half of the season then the second half. To be more precise a better first 7 games then the last 9.
The first 7 games Derek completed 119 out of 209 passes. Along with completing over 50 % of his throws . Derek also threw for 17 TD'S to go along with 8 interceptions. Also during that time Derek had one game where he threw for 5 TD'S, and another with 3 TD'S. Along with the two great games throwing for 8 of the 17 TD'S, the picks also came in streaks, 5 of the 8 in two weeks, 2 against Oakland in week # 3, and 3 in week # 5 against New England.
The last 9 games was like night and day compared to the first 7. Derek threw only 12 TD'S along with 11 picks. Overall Anderson completed 179 out of 318 passes attempted. Only one game did Derek throw for more then two TD'S during this 9 game period. One game during this period he threw 4 picks, that game turned out to be a very important game, some people would say the most important. That game was against their interstate rival the Cincinnati Bengals, a win in that game, which just happened to be in week # 16, and the Cleveland Browns would have made it to the playoffs.
Now, does this mean the Cleveland Browns fans should get ready for another roller coaster season in 2008. Who really knows. What we do know is this 2007 turned out to be a lot better of a season then just about anyone would have predicted before last season started, and another fact last season was Derek's first full season, (15 games anyway, close enough to a full season), and for that reason before we put Derek into the Hall of Fame, or before we throw him on the junk pile of washed up QB'S, lets at least see how he does in training camp along with Brady Quinn. That is as long as he's still around the latest news has his agent not being satisfied with the latest offer from the Browns front office.
Who knows if Derek's agent is going after 5 or 6 seasons? If the Cleveland Browns are only going for a max 3 seasons, which in this reporter's opinion is the most he deserves after 1 good season, Derek's agent should tell him to take three if that's what is on the table. Another thing if they are in search of Tony Romo or Matt Schaub money, which is 67.5 and 48 million respectively, they need to put that out of their minds.
If I was Cleveland Brown GM Phil Savage I would stick to my guns, give the max tender offer and see if any other teams would be willing to give up first and third round picks, the Browns need to still improve their defense and two picks to go along with their second round pick they already have could go along way to improving their lackluster defense. The free agency pool could also help out but thats a subject for a later listing.
| 09 Febuary 2008 |
Browns send 2 more to Hawaii
I guess even a team that didn't make it to the playoffs can get some respect, now with QB Derek Anderson, and TE Kellen Winslow going to the Pro Bowl that will make the total 6 Cleveland Browns heading west for the best in the NFL.
Some people may be wondering if Tom Brady may have elected to miss the official last game of the year even without the tender ankle and that whole losing the Super Bowl, which ever is the case Derek Anderson will play in the Pro Bowl.
Kellen Winslow will delay his knee surgury , his fourth, to participate in the Pro Bowl, he is playing because of Antonio Gates dropping out because of a toe injury he got during the playoffs. The last time the Browns sent this many to the Pro Bowl was 1994.
Derek Anderson who started the season as Charlie Frye's back-up ended up with over 3700 yards passing and threw for 29 tds, and just missed making the playoffs because of a tie-breaker. Kellen finished the season with 82 receptions and over 1100 yards.
The other 4 Browns going to Hawaii are KR Joshua Cribbs, WR Braylon Edwards, LS Ryan Pontbriand, and OT Joe Thomas.The last Browns player to go to Hawaii was Jamir Miller in 2001.
Derek Anderson was offered a multi-year contract recently by the Browns, so far no word back from Derek's agent, Anderson will become a restricted free-agent if he doesn't agree to terms with the new deal, which will mean the Browns will offer a tender offer of 2.6 million for one year. Stay tuned for the latest.