If you are a Browns fan, you should have turned off the television after the opening kickoff and the first offensive series by Cleveland. After that, it all went down in a hurry. Dropped passes, fumbles, and some hard hitting by the Steeler defense led to a 34-21 defeat at the hands of the black and gold.
The Browns are home next week against the Miami Dolphins, and it is now time to see what Charlie Frye can bring to the table. By no means, am I implying that the performance of the team is Trent Dilfer’s fault. Quite the contrary. Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage need to see what the rookie from Akron can do, and with the club’s record at 3-6, what is there to lose?
This should be done in tandem with starting Braylon Edwards at wide receiver and diminishing Dennis Northcutt’s role with the team. Frye and Edwards seem to have developed a friendship, and may have a chemistry. This is the time to start making the #1 draft pick your featured receiver, and make Antonio Bryant the #2 wide out. It is also time to start getting some of the other rookies on the field in pressure situations so they can get the feel of competing in the NFL.
Once again, Reuben Droughns came to play, running over Steeler defenders, and catching the ball out of the backfield. The back from Oregon continues to show tremendous heart, and his nine yard gain from the Browns own 1 yard line late in the first quarter should be on the team’s highlight film at the end of the season.
Fans are upset about yesterday’s performance, so it must be said again…This team is building from the ground up! It was pointed out during the game that the Browns will be about $30 million under the salary cap after this season, so the opportunity for improvement is there. The coaching staff will be finding out which players have a future in Cleveland, and those who won’t will be released. Savage is already talking to Andra Davis and Orpheus Roye about returning in 2006. Guys like Northcutt, William Green, and maybe even Lee Suggs will not return.
Everyone should also remember why Trent Dilfer was brought in. It was to give the team a sense of professionalism and also to tutor Charlie Frye. It appears he has done both. No one expected him to be Peyton Manning or Joe Montana. He was expected to be a pro, and he is.
The future of this team starts next week against the Dolphins, Charlie Frye is that future. He should be the starter against Miami.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 