GOR, Browns Open Camp Edition

Browns Camp Opens
Some observations follow as Browns Camp opened this week.

First, let us cool down the Super Bowl talk. Everything fell into place in 2007. An extremely weak schedule – including facing some of the worst quarterbacking imaginable, an almost injury-free 17-week ride and the ball bouncing right more often than not, all contributed to a solid 10-6 season last fall.

Much like the Indians of 2007, the Browns had things go their way. Ask the Tribe’s hierarchy and fan base how things can change quickly from one season to the next. Injuries and players underperforming contributed to the Tribe being sellers instead of buyers before Major League Baseball’s first trading deadline of July 31.

The point is the Browns will not sneak up on anyone this fall. In order for Cleveland to take the next logical step – a playoff appearance – they will need to once again stay relatively healthy, have players perform up to expectations and find ways to beat teams with winning records – something that rarely happened in ’07. Otherwise, they could fall back to .500 or worse and leave Browns scratching their collective heads once again.

Now it is time to get into the specifics as camp gets rolling.

The Browns have among the best special teams in the NFL – thanks in no small part to standout return man Josh Cribbs, who has home run potential on every touch.

Offensively, the Browns have the most explosive offense they have had since this observer has been watching them play – that’s since the early 1970s folks.

The offensive line is coming off an amazing season which saw them keep a statue of a quarterback (DA) upright and often untouched all season look. The running game features a 1,200 yard back in Jamal Lewis. And the receiving corps features a pair of young, athletic Pro Bowlers. Name me the last time the Browns had two receivers earn Pro Bowl status in the same year? You figure it out.

The defense however stil has major question marks even though the team spent the off-season revamping the front three in their 3-4 set. The linebackers are average at best by NFL standards, and the secondary is especially vulnerable, especially at corner, with the departure of Leigh Bodden – the team’s #1 cover corner of a year ago.

The key question that dogs this team - no pun intended - is can this defense consistently get off the field on third down in 2008?

A strong season from the newcomers up front and a bounce-back season from Kameron Wimbley would go a long way toward answering that question in the affirmative.

And no, we won’t touch the quarterback situation. We are making this a DA bash free zone until further notice.

But rest assured, this observer will not be joining DA widening fan base until he minimizes the meltdowns and consistently plays well on the road against quality opponents. Those are the best signs indicating that an NFL quarterback has arrived.

Here are a few suggestions for the Browns as they prepare to open this September.

Play Winslow at wide receiver more once the bell rings, especially now since third down specialist Joe Jurevicius is out indefinitely. Playing K2 out wide would save the wear and tear on his body having to take hit after hit from safeties and 240 pound linebackers. It would also work the size and strength advantage he has on NFL corners.

By the way, it’s time to remind you of Romeo’s dumbest statement ever as Browns Head Coach. He said it three years ago when protecting his beleaguered offensive coordinator and friend Maurice Carthon.

“Kellen Winslow is not a wide receiver. He’s a tight end,” stated the coach in a press conference. Right. And LeBron James is not a small forward. He’s only a big guard.

It’s okay Romeo. We all say stupid things. I wanted Michael Vick in Cleveland before it was discovered he preferred to train dogs to fight instead of spending time studying film on his third down reads.

Our second suggestion involves acquiring a quality, veteran NFL cover corner prior to game #1. Do it Phil, sooner rather than later. It makes little sense to invest so much on beefing up the run defense in the off-season and not following it up by making sure you haven’t created another leak in the secondary (Bodden departure).

Third, get Cribbs more touches. Put him behind center on short yardage situations occasionally. Use him on the end around. Use him as a decoy. Just use him. As of now, it does not look like he has taken to being a legitimate NFL receiver, but that may change with more work and reps. What we do know is he is electric with the ball in his hands. You don’t have to throw it to him 20 yards downfield to make him effective. Be as creative as possible with this unique talent.

Finally, tie Winslow to the bench during pre-season. He’s had numerous surgeries on his legs already and generally takes a beating when he plays. There is nothing for him to prove during the pre-season. Take a long look at the rest of the tight ends and keep him strapped to the bench as much as possible until September rolls around.

There will be more to come as September approaches.

Brett Favre
Someone explain to me why a business (Green Bay Packers) worth somewhere between $750million and 1 billion is about to let, in effect, an inexperienced novice (Aaron Rogers) be its CEO instead of a proven commodity that has brought positive profits time and time again for its board of directors (the organization) and the company shareholders (fans).

The Packers deserve what they are about to get in 2008. Never have I seen such a lack of common sense judgment on such a grand scale in sports. No one in their right mind believes Rogers is a better quarterback than Bret Favre right now. That includes everyone from the eight year old Pack fan in Madison who loves his Green Bay pajamas to every GM in the league and everyone in-between.

Someone remind the Packers it’s still a business and they are making a potential horrible business decision for 2008. It's simple - Why roll the dice when you don’t have to?

J.J. Hickson
Cavaliers’ rookie power-forward J.J. Hickson averaged 19 points and nearly eight boards in the NBA summer league recently. We’re told he impressed everyone. I’ll wait to see if the 2008 first round pick (19 overall) is in Mike Brown’s rotation come November. That will impress me much more. Until then, it’s just summer league.

Casey Blake
He could be gone soon as the trading deadline approaches, but we believe the Tribe should offer Casey Blake a two-to-three year deal worth the ML average of $5-6 million per. There is something to be said for versatility and consistency. Blake has proven his worth. If he turns it down, then deal him before the 31st. If he accepts, you have someone who can be plugged into four different positions and do a decent job for you both in the field and at the plate.

Till next time.