There were publications that predicted a 2-14 season for the Cleveland Browns in 2005, and after yesterday’s 20-10 victory over the Chicago Bears, the team would have to lose all of their remaining games for those predictions to be accurate. The Browns will still only win about 6 games this season, but you can see the progress being made in just four games this season.
There are no excuses or moral victories for Head Coach Romeo Crennel, just wins that count in the standings. He takes accountability for the teams record, and expects his players to take responsibility for their performances. Yes, the Browns have beaten two teams from the woeful NFC North Division, but they did not get blown out by the 5-0 Indianapolis Colts and the came up a couple of big plays short against a Bengals team that is off to a 4-1 start.
GM Phil Savage made many personnel decisions, but he didn’t get rid of all of Butch Davis’ people, just the ones he deemed could not play. Guys like Ben Taylor, Chris Crocker, Aaron Shea, and Steve Heiden, all brought in by the former coach are big contributors on the 2005 Browns. It also has to be pointed out, and credit given, that Davis traded Quincy Morgan to Dallas to get Antonio Bryant, a very good wide receiver. The TV announcers, Ron Pitts and Tim Ryan pointed out several times that Trent Dilfer said Bryant is the best wide out he has played with in his long career.
The best thing about the new structure of the team is that the coach is not in charge of the drafting. No more long snappers taken in the 5th round. No more projects taken in the 2nd round. Savage evaluates the talent, brings it in, and let’s Crennel coach it. There is no more falling in love with a guy and forcing him in the lineup despite indications the guy can’t play (see Morgan, Quincy). If you can produce, you will play. If not, you won’t be wearing the brown and orange.
With games coming up against the struggling Ravens (isn’t that too bad) and the Lions (another NFC North team), the Browns could be 4-2 in a couple of weeks. This isn’t a playoff team, but they are on the current path this time.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 