Chomps' Blawg

Jeff Walcoff
Staff Writer
Jeff Walcoff is an opinionated lifelong Clevelander and Ohio State Buckeye alum who understands what it's like to grow up a sports fan in Northeast Ohio.

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May 29, 2008

Things we learned at OTAs...

• Maybe you didn't need OTAs to figure this one out, but the Browns appear more than set at the quarterback position. A more-confident-than-ever Derek Anderson has been showing off his strong arm, while Brady Quinn looks better and more comfortable in the pocket as his backup. And, as a player and unofficial coach, Ken Dorsey is one of the league's most valuable No. 3 quarterbacks. The six-year NFL veteran is a master of the Browns' offense and has started 10 games in the league.
• The defensive backs might not be as hopeless as some are making it seem after the loss of Daven Holly to a season-ending knee injury. Both Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald have looked good and extremely capable during practices and Mike Adams has done a fine job as the team's nickel back. New signee Terry Cousin, a 12-year veteran, also has lots of experience in the slot. Meanwhile, the team's rookie cornerbacks are slowly coming along and a few could make a case to be the team's fourth or fifth corner come the season. That group appears to be led so far by UNLV's Mil'von James, who was signed after a successful tryout during rookie minicamp.
• After just a few weeks of non-contact drills it's already becoming apparent the Browns' defensive line should be much improved over previous seasons thanks to the sheer presence of Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. While it's difficult to tell much about Williams this early, Rogers' physical presence alone shows you what the guy can do as a nose tackle. And while he doesn't yet have pads on, it's amazing to see how quick the 340-pounder can move. The Browns now have four legitimate big bodies in Williams, Rogers, Shaun Smith and Robaire Smith and have some promising backups in guys like Louis Leonard, Melila Purcell, Chase Pittman and rookie Ahtyba Rubin.
• The competition for the team's fourth and fifth receiver spots is growing more competitive by the day. Travis Wilson was singled out by head coach Romeo Crennel Wednesday as a player having a great showing during OTAs, while offseason pick-up and five-year veteran Kevin Kasper appears quick and able as a possible option in the slot. Draft pick Paul Hubbard looks the part as an NFL receiver and everyone knows Joshua Cribbs would love more time on the field. Alcorn State undrafted rookie Nate Hughes, meanwhile, also has turned some heads early.
• The depth on the interior offensive line is remarkable considering how thin the team has been there in years past. The club has quality starters in Eric Steinbach at left guard and Hank Fraley at center -- and even after the loss of veteran right guard Ryan Tucker until August with a hip injury, the club still has plenty of capable options in Rex Hadnot, Seth McKinney and Lennie Friedman.
• It seems we say this every year, but running back Jerome Harrison looks fast on the field and ready to have a breakout season. We'll see how much the Browns choose to give the perennial training camp and preseason star the ball come the regular season.
• Veteran punters usually aren't kicking at full strength at this point in the offseason, but Dave Zastudil has looked great in practice, booming several big kicks off his leg and into the arms of various returnmen, led by Cribbs. The Browns have one of the best trios of specialists in the league with Zastudil, kicker Phil Dawson and Pro Bowl long snapper Ryan Pontbriand, not to mention some of the best coverage and return units around. Whoever can help those units will go a long way in determining the last few roster spots at the end of training camp.

May 8, 2008

Notes on McGinest, Jurevicius and more

A few quick items on a Thursday during the offseason...

• Browns linebacker Willie McGinest told SI.com this week 2008 will be his 15th and final season in the NFL. He spent the first 12 years of his career with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowls, before signing with the Browns in 2006. McGinest is two games shy of his 200th NFL game. He has recorded 807 career tackles with 85 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions. McGinest has managed 7 sacks in two seasons with the Browns but has made his primary impact in the running game, where he has been one of the team's most effective linebackers. Most of all, McGinest has provided an immeasurable veteran presence along the defense from which nearly everyone around him has benefitted. McGinest is perhaps the most respected player in the Browns locker room.
• That brings the list of potential retirees on the Browns this season to two. Receiver and Northeast Ohio native Joe Jurevicius also has said on numerous occasions 2008 will be his 11th and final season. In doing so, Jurevicius will get his wish to finish his career in his hometown, playing for the team he rooted for as a kid. Jurevicius has made 323 career catches for 4,119 yards and 29 touchdowns. He had one of the best seasons of his career in 2007 with 50 catches for 614 yards and 3 scores. It was the third 50-reception season of his 10-year career. But after a grueling season in which he played all 16 games, Jurevicius asked Browns management to go out and find a new No. 2 receiver for the 2008 season, moving him to the No. 3 role. The team went out and got former Patriots receiver Donte' Stallworth. Jurevicius has played for the Giants, Buccaneers, Seahawks and Browns and won a Super Bowl ring with Tampa Bay in 2002. Thanks to the signing of players like Shantee Orr and Stallworth, and the drafting of Paul Hubbard and Alex Hall, the Browns appear to be preparing for life without McGinest and Jurevicius.
• According to an article this week in USA Today, former Browns guard Joe Andruzzi (2005-06) recently received news that he's clear of the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with which he was diagnosed in May 2007. Andruzzi told USA Today's Jim Corbett that while he's considered a comeback in the NFL at age 33, he's "pretty much retired". Andruzzi also has been through a series of knee and shoulder surgeries and lost 50 pounds during intense chemotherapy, which he has since regained.
• Asked during a rookie minicamp press conference who is the player in his career who came from the most unlikely scenario to earn a spot on a roster, Browns general manager Phil Savage said fullback Charles Ali, who came to rookie minicamp last season as a tryout candidate from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. According to Savage, due to a glitch Ali was incorrectly listed by the league as a junior, which means NFL teams around the country weren't scouting him. Savage received a tape of Ali at very late notice, watched it at a slow moment during the draft and decided to give him a shot the following weekend. Ali immediately turned heads with his blue-collar style of play and earned a spot on the Browns as a rookie. He appeared in 13 games for the team in 2007 playing mostly on special teams.

April 18, 2008

6 reasons to still watch the Draft

A lot of you might be considering watching something else or doing some yard work the weekend of the 2008 NFL Draft. After all, the Browns aren't slated to pick until the fourth round. But there are still plenty of reasons to tune in at 3 p.m. on April 26 to see just where the top college prospects land.

Here are six reasons to watch:

1. To keep an eye on the division: The Ravens pick eighth and 38th overall and the Bengals pick ninth and 46th. The Steelers pick 23rd and 53rd. Mock drafts have the Ravens selecting anyone from Ohio State lineman/linebacker Vernon Gholston to Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin to Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan if he slips that far. Mock drafts have the Bengals taking players like McKelvin, Boise State tackle Ryan Clady and USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis. Either way, both teams should get impact players early in the first round.

2. To follow the Ohio guys: There aren't as many big-name Ohio prospects as there were a year ago in the draft when Ted Ginn Jr., Brady Quinn and Anthony Gonzalez all went in the first round but there's always a decent contingent. Michigan receiver Mario Manningham of Warren G. Harding High School will likely be taken somewhere between the late-first and third round after some recent negative reports, while fellow Wolvertine linebacker Shawn Crable of Massillon Washington projects into the fourth round. Massillon Perry grad Kirk Barton of Ohio State is a projected fourth or fifth-round pick. Click here for a full look at the Ohio prospects in the 2008 NFL Draft. Gholston, meanwhile, is ironically a Michigander, but the Buckeye will likely be gone in the Top 10 picks.

3. For the drama: It might not compare to a fourth-and-goal in the closing moments of a game, but the draft has had its share of drama over time. Who could forget Eli Manning looking more miserable than a duck in the desert holding up a Chargers jersey after the team picked him first overall in 2004 before he was traded to the Giants minutes later? Every year something exciting happens, whether it's Dan Marino being passed on by 22 teams and falling to No. 27 overall in 1983 or the Colts passing on Ryan Leaf to take Peyton Manning in 1998. Last year, the Browns were at the center of the drama when highly-touted quarterback Quinn took a slide down in the draft and was quickly snatched up at 22nd overall by the team he wanted to be with all along.

4. Because draft coverage is entertaining: Years and years ago, the draft took place behind closed doors with little coverage from the media. When the idea first arose to televise the event, some thought television producers were crazy for thinking people would want to watch hours of names being read. But these days, the draft broadcast is a spectacle. Some of the most colorful characters in sports analyze the weekend, complete with highlights, interviews and a breakdown of nearly every pick - on TWO networks.

5. Because the Browns can still get someone good: Of course the Browns are still hoping to score a couple big-time contributors in this year's draft, but there's reason to believe they can do so. The Browns have picked up their fair share of quality second-day picks in recent years. Linebacker Andra Davis was a fifth-round pick in 2002, while Pro Bowl long snapper Ryan Pontbriand went in the fifth round in '03. The Browns got linebacker Leon Williams in the fourth round in '06 and picked up cornerback Brandon McDonald in the fifth round last year.

6. Just in case: Phil Savage continues to reiterate that the team will likely sit back and watch the first day of the draft, where this year only the first two rounds will take place. So while a trade into the first or second round is unlikely, don't completely count out the club trading up early on Day Two if a player high on their draft board slips lower than expected. After last year's move to get Quinn 22nd overall anything is possible.

March 4, 2008

Favre mixed longevity with greatness

As you all now know, football said goodbye to a true legend Tuesday with the retirement of Packers quarterback Brett Favre.

Favre finishes his career with an active streak of 255 consecutive games started at the quarterback position -- a number that spans nearly 16 full NFL seasons.

Not a whole lot of things in the NFL span 16 seasons, except for maybe the tenure of a long-time coach or equipment manager.

Cal Ripken, Jr. had a similar streak. He played in 2,632 consecutive games (spanning 16 Major League Baseball seasons) for the Baltimore Orioles. But Ripken's streak, although unquestionably impressive, is secondary to Favre's in terms of matching both longevity and performance.

Favre is the league's all-time leader in touchdown passes (442) and passing yards (61,655). Ripken has the longevity and was a perennial all-star, but didn't quite put up the types of numbers Favre did during his career.

Derek Anderson fell one short of a Browns franchise record with 29 touchdown passes in 2007. He'd have to throw that many every season for the next 14 years plus a game to surpass Favre's career touchdown record.

Favre's third start in his long streak came against the Browns on Oct. 18, 1992 (yes, he's started every game since Sept. 27, 1992). I was at that game, but don't remember the young Favre's efforts in the game. And why would I? He was just like any young, undistinguished quarterback at the time.

Reading the Packers media guide, I see he finished with 223 yards on 20-for-33 passing for an 80.7 passer rating. It would be his worst career game against the Browns.

Favre played against the Browns just four times in his long NFL career, splitting the series, 2-2.

His last game against the Browns was Romeo Crennel's first win as head coach -- a 26-24 tilt for the Browns at Lambeau Field on Sept. 18, 2005. During the game, Favre threw for 342 yards with 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions for a 98.9 passer rating.

That game wasn't event close to his best as a Packer against the Browns, however. During wins over the Browns in 1995 and 2001, he threw 3 touchdown passes and no interceptions in each game.

In a 31-20 win over the Browns in '95, he was near perfect, completing 23-of-28 passes for 210 yards for a 133.6 passer rating. It was Favre's last trip to Cleveland. He would never play in Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The '01 game was just another one of Favre's great games in cold weather. It was 24 degrees with light snow at Lambeau just two days before Christmas.

Overall in his career, Favre had an impressive passer rating of 105.3 against the Browns.

But Favre wasn't just a football player. He also stakes claim on possibly the best and most underrated sports cameo in any movie of all time. Not to ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen the film (if you haven't, where have you been for the last 10 years?), but his appearance in There's Something About Mary is simply a slice of sports/cinema greatness

His monotone voice and subpar acting is about what one would expect from a professional athlete, but the comedic value bleeds through into an undoubtedly unexpected and humorous appearance.

I remember having to explain who he was to the girl I saw the movie with, along with, of course, why Ben Stiller pronouncing his name "Fav-ruh" was funny.

But that just shows how important Favre was to the sports world even then prior to the breaking of any significant records. He might not have been Michael Jordan in terms of recognition, but he was nonetheless a recognizable face in the sports world capable of pulling off a bit part in a major motion picture.

The sports world will miss Favre for countless reasons not the least of which is his inspiring, gritty play to go along with his memorable jovial attitude.

As for his playing career, I, for one, will never forget watching Favre play through countless injuries -- broken thumbs and sprained ankles -- to continue his famous streak. And I most certainly will never forget his incredible four-touchdown performance during a win over the Oakland Raiders in 2003 just a day after his father unexpectedly passed away.

Those are the moments legends are made of.

Brett Favre is an unquestioned first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee. In fact, the league should waive the mandatory waiting period and induct him this fall.

He's the model of what an NFL legend is and should be.

February 25, 2008

Garcon impresses during workouts

Mount Union wide receiver Pierre Garcon had an impressive showing during workouts at the Combine.

Among wide receivers, he finished tied for fourth in vertical leap at 36.5 inches and third in the bench press (20 reps at 220 pounds). He also finished tied for 10th in the 40-yard dash (4.48 seconds), tied for seventh in the broad jump (10 feet, 9 inches) and ninth in the 20-yard dash (2.57).

Ohio State defensive lineman Vernon Gholston finished tops among players at his position in the bench press, recording 37 reps.

The stud of the quarterbacks, at least athletically, was San Diego's Joshua Johnson. Johnson finished with the top 40 time (4.55), the top vertical leap (33.5), the top 20-yard dash (2.63), and the top 10-yard dash (1.58).

February 22, 2008

SI cover boy Jackson offers speed

It's not every day a player from Appalachian State is featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

In fact, it's only happened once.

While printed on the cover not for an individual feat but rather for his team's shocking upset victory over Michigan in September, that player was Mountaineers wide receiver Dexter Jackson.

In the 34-32 victory at Michigan Stadium, Jackson had 3 catches for 92 yards with 2 touchdowns.

Now, he's the only Appalachian State player at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine.

Meeting with the media Friday, he said the win over Michigan helps him in his prospects for playing in the pros.

"They probably look at my film and say, 'Well, look at who he played', but Michigan was one of the top teams this past season," he said.

Asked how often he hears questions about the win over the Wolverines, he simply said, "I get it a lot."

At 5-9 and 182 pounds, Jackson isn't a big receiver, but he has significant upside as a speed receiver.

Jackson joined the track team at Appalachian State last year and, running for the first time, won the 200-meter dash and finished second in the 100-meter dash at the Southern Conference Track and Field Championships.

Following his senior season at Appalachian State, Jackson played in the 2008 East-West Shrine Bowl and also was a late addition to the 2008 Senior Bowl.

He received an especially big endorsement at the Shrine Bowl when his team's coach, NFL legend Dick Vermeil, praised him.

"He's been very impressive to me," Vermeil told the NFL Network during the week of practice leading up to the game. "He has a chance to be one of those kids who can make big plays."

Jackson could be an ideal fit for the Browns who are searching for a speed receiver to complement their big targets, Braylon Edwards and Joe Jurevicius.

February 19, 2008

Combine a hectic scene

From what is seen on the TV broadcasts, aired the past couple years and once again in 2008 on NFL Network, the NFL Combine is an extremely organized and efficient machine.

Players take turns under the RCA Dome running drills and are timed with absolute precision.

Even the parts not televised -- the interviews and medical exams -- sound exceptionally efficient and orderly from their descriptions.

And really, on the inside, the Combine is run with great meticulousness despite involving more than 300 athletes and hundreds of coaches, scouts, and members of the media.

But the scene outside the Combine -- through the hallways of the Indianapolis Convention Center -- is pure pandemonium.

The hallways are bursting with energy and life as players are paraded down to the media room past a gauntlet of activity.

Swarms of media members gather outside of the workroom hoping to snag an interview with a passing general manager or head coach, or simply to schmooze with one another. Camera crews are scattered, also trying to land interviews and capture the day's events. Meanwhile, opportunistic fans with duffle bags full of mini-helmets and other memorabilia are littered throughout the crowd, waiting for a head coach or college prospect to come walking by and agree to an autograph or photo.

All the while, employees from each of the league's 32 teams zigzag down the hallway, heading from one end to another, to their attached hotel rooms, to meeting rooms, to the RCA Dome and back.

Meanwhile, the Convention Center is rarely limited to the NFL Combine. There are usually other conventions going on at the same time in neighboring rooms, bringing throngs of others to the already busy building.

Two years ago during the Combine there was a cheerleading competition taking place, bringing dozens of teams of cheerleaders from around the country to thehectic hallways. Teams practiced and prepared for their event in every corner of the Convention Center while NFL prospects and coaches strolled by.

Heaven forbid the innocent ladies care about anything but professional football.

It's a wonder the Sirius radio crews can broadcast from the hallway considering the traffic and noise.

You likely won't see the hallway at the NFL Combine on NFL Network during the week-long coverage, but it's surely one of the sights to see at the annual gathering.

It's a small yet frenzied piece of disorder in what is an otherwise orderly event.

February 5, 2008

Winslow worthy of Pro Bowl selection

After weeks of speculation as to whether Antonio Gates would be healthy enough to play in the Pro Bowl, the Chargers tight end has finally bowed out of the league all-star game.

That means first alternate Kellen Winslow will go to the big game on the heels of an outstanding season that saw him set a Browns record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,106 on 82 catches.

What a great finish to what was a memorable campaign.

Truthfully, it probably should've never come to Winslow having to be selected as an alternate, however. Legendary Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez had Winslow topped this year with 99 receptions for 1,172 yards, but it was Gates whose numbers didn't quite match Winslow's.

Gates marked 984 yards on 75 catches in 2007. The one place he did better than Winslow was touchdowns, where he had 9 to Winslow's 5. Gonzalez also had 5.

Even though the voting only is supposed to consider the current season's performance, career accomplishments no doubt affect Pro Bowl voting by fans, coaches and fellow players.

But even taking thatinto account, during the past two seasons Winslow is on equal footing with Gates and Gonzalez. In the past two years (2006 and '07), Winslow ranks second in the NFL among tight ends in both receptions and receiving yards behind Gonzalez but ahead of both Gates and the Cowboys' Jason Witten.

Winslow has marked 171 receptions for 1,981 yards and 8 touchdowns, just one catch behind Gonzalez at 172 for 2,072 and 10 scores. Gates leads them all in touchdowns with 18, but has only 1,908 yards and 146 catches. Witten has 1,899 yards on 160 receptions with 8 scores.

Regardless of where those four rank within themselves, Winslow has undoubtedly earned himself a spot as one of the top four tight ends in the NFL.

The next-closest tight end in terms of production the last two years is the Giants' Jeremy Shockey who has marked 123 catches for 1,242 yards and 10 scores during the past two years, but during that span, Shockey never had more than 66 catches or 623 yards in a season.

Four tight ends go to the Pro Bowl. Unfortunately two must go from each conference and Gonzalez, Gates and Winslow all play in the AFC. Since Gates and certainly Gonzalez' success in the NFL has spanned longer than Winslow's (once again, career accomplishments coming into play), they've earned the nod each of the past two seasons.

But the initial selection doesn't matter. Winslow is still headed to Hawaii and even if he wasn't one of the first players selected, he'll appreciate his first Pro Bowl nod even if it comes as an alternate.

Surely, his chance to be initially selected for the Pro Bowl will come. There's no reason to believe his production is going to fade just yet and one would have to think he'll eventually prove himself worthy enough times that he'll earn a selection ahead of Gates or Gonzalez during a season in which he puts up bigger numbers.

And even if not, Gonzalez, soon to be 32-years-old, isn't getting any younger and hopefully Winslow will be a proven vet in the same shoes years after Gonzalez' career comes to an end.

ON ANDERSON--I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Browns' quarterback, Derek Anderson, who the same day as Winslow's addition to the Pro Bowl became the first Browns quarterback since Bernie Kosar to be assigned to a Pro Bowl roster.

Worthy of its own blawg entry, Anderson went from having a largely unsuccessful preseason and entering the regular season as an afterthought and backup to being the team's most valuable player, nearly setting a team record for touchdown passes.

But being a team MVP doesn't get you to the Pro Bowl. It's astonishing that one player can experience such a vast spectrum of emotions in one year. Now, he's being considered among the league's elite, headed to Hawaii as an all-star.

Congratulations to Anderson for a truly memorable season.

ON PONTBRIAND-Not to pat myself on the back too hard, but I was one of the few people who didn't criticize Butch Davis in 2003 for drafting a long snapper in the fifth round. It's relative common knowledge around NFL circles that most fifth-round picks don't end up contributing too much to a squad beyond maybe some help on special teams or as a backup. And probably more don't even make their team's roster than become starters, let alone stars.

Pontbriand was an unconventional pick but he's proven through five years in the league that he's one of the best at a role that while it's likely the least recognized on a football field, can win and lose games. Bad snaps cost teams points and the Browns have been virtually free of them for the past five years thanks to Pontbriand's contributions.

I'm not quite sure how the Chargers coaches decided Pontbriand was the AFC's top long snapper (do they watch for this on film?) but either way, he was given the nod and it was certainly deserved.

January 19, 2008

Random thoughts from the Blawg Pound

Random thoughts and views here at the Blawg Pound...

• ON THE DRAFT--It's strange entering this time of year with the Browns having no first-round pick. Heck, even if they did have their first-round pick it'd be strange entering this part of the season with the club not holding a selection within the Top 10. It's strange preparing for the Combine knowing the elite prospects probably won't be an option for the Browns. But sitting pretty at the 53rd overall pick (where the Browns are currently slated to pick first) might just be a last resort for the team. General Manager Phil Savage has said this is a solid draft through two rounds so it's hard to imagine a draft guru like himself is going to be okay with watching from the sidelines for the first six or so hours.
• ON THE QBS--If you're looking for an opinion on the team's much-discussed quarterback situation in this blawg, you're not going to find it. On one hand, this club has been through enough starting quarterbacks during the last several years and Derek Anderson can provide consistency. On the other hand, Anderson has value on the open market. I don't envy Savage and Romeo Crennel for having to make this decision. But if what Savage said last week sticks, it appears as if they're going to head into next year with both QBs on the roster.
• ONKELLEN--In theory, fans and media should never wish an extended recovery from injury on a player, but I'm torn in terms of hoping for Chargers tight end Antonio Gates' quick recovery from a dislocated toe. If Gates can't make it to the Pro Bowl, that means Browns tight end Kellen Winslow goes, which would be great to see. Winslow wasn't among the league leaders in Pro Bowl fan voting at tight end in the AFC this year despite having a season that was on par with that of Pro Bowl selections Gates and the Chiefs Tony Gonzalez.
• ON MEL TUCKER--Browns have witnessed first hand what new Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker's influence has done to groom young defensive backs like Sean Jones, Brodney Pool, Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, but his influence over high-quality defensive backs doesn't end there. At Ohio State from 2001-04, he worked with All-American safeties Mike Doss, Will Allen and Donte Whitner (three All-Americans in four years as defensive backs coach). He also coached cornerbacks Chris Gamble and Ashton Youboty -- both future first-round picks -- as well as NFL draft picks Derek Ross, Donnie Nickey, Dustin Fox and Nate Salley. Yes, that's nine draft picks in four years. He's also a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, which is a nice source of pride for me seeing that I attended elementary school in the district.
• ON STAYING IN SCHOOL--Speaking of the Buckeyes, it's encouraging to imagine what the team's defense is going to be like next year, losing only one of several underclassmen who were at one point expected to declare for the NFL draft. While defensive end Vernon Gholston is headed for the pros, both linebacker James Laurinaitis and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins will likely be preseason favorites for awards and should help the Buckeye defense continue to dominate in the Big Ten. The only question is, will an extra year of experience help them defend a spread offense, especially with Rich Rodriguez bringing an open attack to the Big Ten?
• ON THE BIG TEN--Rodriguez' new offense at Michigan should really shake up the largely archaic Big Ten. The bad news is, defending a spread offense at a school with that type of recruiting base and talent could be tough early on for the Big Ten's elite competition, especially Ohio State. The good news is, it should go a long way in helping to prepare Big Ten teams for bowl games against quicker, more creative squads like those Ohio State has run smack into the past two years.
• ON A BLUE-CHIPPER--Rodriguez' move to Michigan and the school's subsequent switch to the spread sets the stage perfectly for the school to land the nation's No. 1 quarterback recruit, Jeannette, Pa.'s Terrelle Pryor. Few things can say, "We promise we'll start you right away" better than a school's most experienced returning quarterback transferring, as Michigan's Ryan Mallett decided to do recently. With no one in line to start and an offense perfect for the mobile Pryor being installed, it sounds like a marriage made in heaven. But not so fast. Pryor still also is considering Ohio State, Florida and Oregon and recently added national champs LSU to his list. But Michigan isn't the only school seeing quarterbacks transfer in fear of seeing Pryor added to the mix. The Buckeyes' Rob Schoenhoft announced last week he'd transfer to Delaware after Ohio State moved him to tight end before the BCS Championship Game. Speculation is that the move of the team's backup QB might've been to help make the decision to go to Ohio State easier for Pryor.
• MORE ON A BLUE-CHIPPER--Now I'm not on the inside of any of this. I've never spoken to Pryor and probably haven't read much more about it than a lot of you, but this Buckeye alum isn't too optimistic about seeing Pryor in Scarlet & Gray this fall. Although it really has little to do with how the team would do with him at the helm, a second championship loss largely blamed on inferior speed can't make a great impression on a top-level recruit like Pryor, especially when both championship losses came against teams he's also is considering. Hopefully the Buckeye recruiters are sending Pryor plenty of film of the team's 2006 offense when Troy Smith ran the show.

January 7, 2008

After '07, Chud worthy of extension

The numbers can be recited over and over.

The Browns scored a whole lot of points in 2007 and several players put up some pretty impressive stats.

But no where on the stat sheet -- not next to Derek Anderson, Jamal Lewis or Braylon Edwards' name -- will you find Rob Chudzinski.

Offensive coordinators don't get to set team records or personal bests and very little is known about what exactly they do other than that they take part in designing the offensive system that allows their players to put up these sorts of numbers and, usually, they call the plays -- although sometimes the head coach does that.

When Chudzinski came to interview for the Browns' offensive coordinator position last January, he had only served as a tight ends coach and an interim offensive coordinator (with the Browns in '04) in the NFL. And while he did work with Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates in San Diego, that and his interim coordinator stint were about as far as his resume stretched in the pros.

But he came to Cleveland with some detailed notes and a few interesting ideas. The homework he had done on the Browns' offense and its personnel impressed general manager Phil Savage and head coach Romeo Crennel. It was enough to land him the job.

At the time, it was undoubtedly a risky measure. The Browns needed to solve their problems on offense, preferably sooner rather than later. The team ranked 30th in the NFL in points per game (14.9) in 2006. The year before, they were last in the league, scoring only 14.5 points per game.

They ranked a slightly better 27th, averaging 17.3 points per game in '04, and scored 15.9 points per game in '03 to rank 29th in the NFL.

Until '07, the 21.5 points per game they averaged in '02 was the best since the team returned to the NFL in 1999. Even that was only good enough for 19th in the league.

Meanwhile, the club had won only 19 games since their playoff season in '02. The decision as to who would be the new offensive coordinator was undoubtedly a big one. They needed change -- and fast.

It was a nice feel good story to have Chudzinski -- a Toledo, Ohio native who grew up rooting for the Browns -- in charge of the team's offense. But that wasn't going to be good enough to bring some much-needed continuity to the coaching staff in Cleveland.

But with quarterback questions stretching into the regular season, a running back outsiders were saying was out of gas, and a newly revamped offensive line, the Browns' offense scored 402 points and put up 25.1 points per game to rank eighth in the NFL. Against all odds, Chud did the job and then some.

The unproven quarterback threw 29 touchdown passes -- one away from tying a team record. The worn-down running back rushed for more than 1,300 yards. The line, with little time to play with one another, allowed 13 sacks in the final 15 games of the season.

If you ask tight end Kellen Winslow, who set a Browns' single-season tight end record with 1,106 yards in '07, he'll tell you Chudzinski is a genius. Perhaps Winslow is a bit biased, but if anyone knows Chudzinski, it's certainly Winslow.

Chudzinski was Winslow's offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at Miami (Fla.), a post Chudzinski held from 2001-03 after five years as tight ends coach at the school and two years as a grad assistant.

A first-team All-American and one of the most prolific tight ends in Miami history, to this day Winslow credits much of his success to Chudzinski, who was only 33 when he and Winslow first initiated their coach-player relationship.

Slowly, fans and followers of the Browns are learning what Winslow had said all along about their young offensive coordinator, who will turn 40 in May.

And after what the Browns offense accomplished in '07 under Chudzinski's guidance, continuity should no longer be a problem. If he was thinking about going anywhere before, the Browns smartly signed Chudzinski to a 2-year contract extension Monday that'll keep him in Cleveland through the 2011 season.

December 28, 2007

Go for the win

One thing is hard to debate: Sunday's game between the Browns and 49ers means very little in the standings. That is, unless the Titans and Colts post the first tie in the NFL since 2002.

This is situation, however, creates a whole new debate. And it's the one nearly everyone has an opinion about this week heading into the Browns' season finale: Should head coach Romeo Crennel play his team at full-go to try to get his squad back on the winning track before a possible playoff berth or should he play it safe, make sure his starters stay healthy and play some reserves Sunday?

This writer likes the former.

Resting starters and playing backups are for teams who already have reason to feel good heading into the postseason -- teams like the Colts who already have accomplished something, e.g., winning a division or clinching a playoff berth. Or, it's for teams who have nothing to play for and can use the time to give young players some experience.

The Browns still have a need to mount momentum before the postseason or even perhaps before the offseason.

After losing its ability to secure its own playoff berth, another loss Sunday makes the team appear as if it's backing into the postseason. The Browns haven't lost consecutive games all year. A week before starting the playoffs is no time to do it. If the team ends up in the playoffs and must head to San Diego to face the Chargers next week, it can't feel good coming off consecutive losses and heading to face one of the hottest team's in the NFL.

Even if the Browns don't make the playoffs, finishing the season with a win always provides at least a little momentum heading into the offseason. With a loss and no playoffs there will be an undeniable sense of disappointment despite the team's positive season. There would be an overwhelming feeling of miss opportunities. With a win, the team can tell itself it finished 10-6 overall and 7-1 at home. Some disappointment is unavoidable of the club doesn't make the postseason, but it's not nearly the same feeling if the season ends with a win as opposed to a loss.

Meanwhile, Derek Anderson is coming off his worst performance of the season in the form of a 4-interception day against the Cincinnati Bengals during which his passer rating was a season-low 53.4. There's an unquestioned need to get Anderson back on track, especially if the team lands in the playoffs and needs to be operating on all cylinders for a postseason game a week later.

Having said all this, Crennel might very well choose to let Brady Quinn make his NFL debut Sunday against the 49ers as well as let several other reserves play. And if he does, there are some good reasons for it. The team doesn't want its players to get injured before a possible playoff game and could use the extra rest. Meanwhile, getting some young players, especially Quinn, some experience can't be considered a bad thing.

But personally, I'm for going for the win.

December 18, 2007

Offense boasts Edwards, alternates

The Browns offense has exceeded all expectations in 2007.

The unit ranks fifth in the league in points scored (368) and 10th in yards per game (348.8). This, after ranking 30th and 31st in the league in the two stats, respectively, in 2006.

They've scored 39 touchdowns after scoring 22 during all of last season.

Now, their performance throughout the year has helped place one of their players -- receiver Braylon Edwards -- into the 2008 Pro Bowl.

Edwards has made 1,170 yards on 69 catches this season.

Edwards' year has been symbolic of the offense's as a whole -- both consistent and potent, and at times unstoppable.

Just as the Browns offense has faced little resistance in scoring this season, so has Edwards. He recently tied a team record by scoring his 13th receiving touchdown of the year.

He has scored in nine of the team's 14 games and has marked four 100-yard receiving performances.

His best days mirror those of the Browns.

During the Browns' largest output of the season -- 51 points vs. the Bengals on Sept. 16 -- he marked 146 yards on 8 catches with a pair of touchdowns.

In their second-largest output -- a 41-point day against Miami on Oct. 14 -- he scored three touchdowns.

But the effort has been bigger than just Edwards, and that is shown with the many Pro Bowl alternates on the Browns roster.

The club might have just one Pro Bowl selection on the offensive side of the ball as of now, but several more could be headed to Hawaii before the game comes on February 10.

Quarterback Derek Anderson, left guard Eric Steinbach, rookie left tackle Joe Thomas and tight end Kellen Winslow will go if anyone ahead of them at their position is unable to make it.

One Pro Bowl selection on an offense is one thing. Five would be another.

And while all five likely won't make it to the big game, there's a good chance at least one more will.

Each player has his own claim at the Pro Bowl.

Anderson ranks among the league's best at the quarterback position and is fourth in the AFC in touchdown passes (26).

Steinbach and Thomas anchor an offensive line that has scarcely allowed Anderson to be sacked (only 11 times in the team's last 13 games, in fact) and has helped Jamal Lewis top the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

Winslow, meanwhile, is tied for first in the AFC in receiving yards by a tight end (971) and ranks second in the conference in receptions at his position (71).

Those kinds of numbers aren't put up by offenses that are just average.

That's why the Browns offense is in the position it is in -- to have one player already headed to the Pro Bowl and several more waiting in the wings as well.

No matter who else ends up attending, simply having that many players so close to going is additional evidence of the outstanding season the team has had on the offensive side of the football.

Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski should be proud.

December 7, 2007

Unsung Browns providing coverage

With an offense putting up record numbers of points and a roster full of viable Pro Bowl candidates it's hard to find time to talk about special teams coverage units.

That's what these blawgs are for.

Thanks to Joshua Cribbs, after watching the first 12 games of the season any Browns fan should now fully understand the impact great field position can have on a team throughout a season.

Therefore, the same can be said for a coverage unit that can prevent big returns and put the opposing offense on a long field.

Worthy of this sort of appreciation, the Browns have some of the better coverage units in the NFL.

The kick return coverage team ranks eighth in the league, allowing an average of 21.5 yards per return.

The team's punt return coverage unit ranks 18th in the NFL, allowing 9.3 yards per return. A big part of that is a 94-yard return for a score the club allowed against the Seahawks. Take that return out of the equation and they're only allowing 5.6 yards per return, which would rank tops in the league.

Comprising the units is a fierce set of players, most of whom don't see the field very much other than their contributions on special teams.

They're reserve defensive backs, linebackers and running backs with a lot of pride for what they do.

"(The pride) isn't just with the return units," defensive back Nick Sorensen said. "Obviously those guys know they have something special back there with Cribbs but we also take a lot of pride covering kicks. Guys work together and understand that you have to work hard and fly down the field to be productive."

Fellow special teamer Mike Adams said there's a fire needed to play special teams.

"In special teams you always have to have enthusiasm," Adams said. "It's a pride thing. You don't want anyone running a kick or punt back on you.

"It's more personal because it lasts for about 10 seconds and you have to go hard. Everybody has to go hard. On offense and defense, one person can slack off but on special teams you can't do that."

Sorensen joined the Browns on Oct. 22 after sitting out the first several weeks of the '07 season. He was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 27 after four years with the team.

He immediately stepped into a special teams role and has made 9 tackles there so far this season.

It's been the perfect marriage between a team looking for a solid special teams contributor and a player looking to get back onto the field.

"That's what you keep training for and stay optimistic for is to be playing again and then go to a team that's in a position and doing well," he said.

Sorensen has played exclusively on special teams this year. Adams and rookie Brandon McDonald play in the defensive backfield in nickel and dime situations but have made their biggest impact of the season so far on special teams with 15 tackles a piece.

Kris Griffin, who was placed on injured-reserve earlier this week, ranks fourth with 14 tackles. Fellow linebacker Chaun Thompson has 11.

These players (minus Griffin) await a stiff challenge Sunday in the Jets' Leon Washington -- one of the top returnmen in the NFL today.

Washington ranks second in the league in kick return average (30.6) behind Cribbs.

There's some extra desire to shut down the opposition this week not only to slow Washington and help Cribbs in his bid for a Pro Bowl appearance, but to show improvement after the unit allowed a big return at a critical time in the game during last week's loss to Arizona.

With the Cardinals leading, 21-18, in the fourth quarter, Steve Breaston took a kick 59 yards to the Browns' 40-yard-line, setting up a Cardinals field goal.

When asked Friday, Adams used an unrepeatable expletive to describe his emotions after the return Sunday. Sorensen talked about moving forward.

"No matter who we're playing, coming off a big return we want to correct that and see what we did wrong," Sorensen said. "On top of that we have a kickoff returner who has scored three touchdowns on kickoff returns (Washington) so there's even more emphasis."

At the end of Sunday's game, the average Brown fans will likely be able to name who led the team in receiving yards or who scored the touchdowns, but they likely won't be able to tell who led the team in special teams tackles.

However, it's becoming clear that these players have a vital role each week in helping the Browns in their continued pursuit of the playoffs.

Relegated almost entirely to special teams, these players relish the opportunity to do their job and help the Browns win.

"I just love playing football," Sorensen said. "A lot of people don't realize there are a lot of techniques in its own right on special teams, so it's something you can perfect and get better. I enjoy it and love it --- as long as I'm playing."

December 1, 2007

Veteran presence paying off

When the Browns signed free agents Jamal Lewis, Joe Jurevicius and especially three-time Super Bowl champion Willie McGinest during the last couple years the team preached the importance of the "veteran presence" they brought to the locker room.
But what exactly does that mean?

McGinest's ability to rush the passer and stop the run is a lot more tangible. And early on that's what was more evident.

And, really, how can an outsider who isn't on the field at practice or in the meeting rooms during film study really measure how much a player's veteran presence is helping a team?

Sacks and tackles for loss are a lot easier to count.

However, as what could become the Browns' most successful season in over a decade has moved along, the contributions of players like these have become more and more clear.

For guys like Jurevicius, Lewis and McGinest, the successful teams they were on before coming to the Browns weren't necessarily successful simply because they were that much better physically than everyone else.

The talent pool in the NFL is so even that oftentimes the difference in ability between two teams is far smaller than visible at first glance. Teams who are good enough to go out and simply beat up on their opponents each and every week are few and far between (although we might be witnessing one this year in the Patriots).

What made McGinest's, Lewis' and Jurevicius' former teams so good is that they brought their best to the practice field and to the stadium each and every week. Perhaps they were more talented than their opponent, but that alone didn't guarantee a victory. These teams were more successful because they treated every game as being as important as the one before or after it.

They rarely overlooked an opponent and when they did, they often learned a tough lesson.

Two of these players -- Jurevicius and McGinest -- are team captains.

As such, they maintain regular contact with Romeo Crennel and serve the responsibility of talking with the head coach about any issues they see arising in the locker room. Crennel spoke of the importance of this dialogue earlier in the week.

"They're important all the time," Crennel said. "I meet with them once a week to talk about things that are occurring on the team, attitudes that may be happening with the team, things they might think need to be improved and a lot of different things.

"That line of communication helps us make some of the decisions that we have to make and to do some of the things that we need to do to help this team be the best that it can be."

The captains maintain probably an even greater role not in their communication with the coaches but with their teammates. These players have been enlisted by Crennel to make sure the younger and more inexperienced players on the roster adopt the coach's oft-repeated mantra of taking things "one game at a time" to avoid overlooking an opponent.

Especially with the number of young players the Browns depend on each week (everyone from Derek Anderson and Kellen Winslow to Sean Jones and Brodney Pool), looking past an opponent isn't out of the question.

Players like McGinest know that playing in the NFL isn't like playing for a big college program. There are no gimmies on the schedule. Even when a team is up big during a game it still takes consistent play to keep a lead and secure a win in the NFL.

And making the playoffs in the NFL takes a lot of wins, which means a lot of 60-minute performances and even more concentration during the week of preparation.

So far, save squandering a few late leads and falling behind early in a couple games, the team hasn't appeared to have overlooked any opponents.

McGinest might not be putting up the six-to-eight sacks a year he did as a New England Patriot, but as the season ventures on his impact on the Browns is becoming more undeniable.

When they signed these guys and said they were needed for a "veteran presence" in the locker room, this is what they meant.

If football is truly almost as much about the mental aspect of the game as the physical, their contribution in this respect is every bit as important as other players' performance on the field on Sundays.

One could even go as far to say the Browns wouldn't be 7-4 if they didn't have these types of players in the locker room.

Headed down the stretch in a season when the playoffs are clearly within grasp, their presence will continue to be of the utmost importance in ways we'll still ultimately be unable to measure.

November 21, 2007

Sunday sparked Fiesta Bowl memories

The teams were shaking hands. The Ravens were celebrating. It all appeared to be over Sunday in Baltimore.

Just then, the confusion began when Phil Dawson's potential game-tying kick -- originally deemed no good -- was discussed by officials. The teams were slowly herded back to their sidelines.

Simon Fraser had seen this all happen before.

Flash back to Jan. 3, 2003 at the Fiesta Bowl at SunDevil Stadium.

The Miami Hurricanes stormed the field to commence their celebration as the 2002 NCAA National Champions until a flag rained on their parade.

A late pass interference penalty called on an Ohio State fourth down play in overtime gave the Buckeyes a second chance.

In both games, the team who originally thought they had lost overcame the near defeat and won the game.

The Browns won the overtime coin toss, moved downfield and kicked the game-winning field goal to win.

The Buckeyes, meanwhile, won the game in its second overtime, securing the national title.

Four Browns were on the field that day almost five years ago: Fraser for the Buckeyes and Ken Dorsey, Leon Williams, and Kellen Winslow for the Hurricanes. Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski was Miami's offensive coordinator.

As the teams were being brought back to the sideline Sunday and the "Final Score" graphic was taken off the M&T Bank Stadium scoreboard, Fraser mentioned to Winslow the eerie similarity between the games.

"I went up to Kellen and I said, 'How does it feel to be on the other side now?' He told me to get out of his face. It brought back memories of the Fiesta Bowl," Fraser joked.

Williams, meanwhile, just happened to find himself in the company of yet another player who was involved in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl -- Ravens running back Willis McGahee. McGahee is a former Hurricane who suffered a serious knee injury in the second half of the game against Ohio State.

"Willis came over to congratulate me on the game and I looked over and saw people still talking and thought, 'We're about to go back out again." And he said, 'No. Game over,'" Williams said. "I was saying to him, 'This might go down like (the Fiesta Bowl).'"

Dorsey, Williams and Winslow now know what it's like to be on both ends of a strange finish like these two games.

Fraser was on the winning end of both.

"It was the only other time in my career playing football that a situation like that has occurred," Fraser said. "The situation in the championship game happened a little faster and it was a little different circumstance but obviously it was two of the craziest things I've ever seen in football.

"But it was a legitimate call in both situations."

The trio from Miami might disagree.