The Browns concluded the "pre-season" portion of their schedule with a lackluster 20-7 loss to da Bears last night at Browns’ Stadium. I’m not one to put a lot of stock in these games, because you don’t really know the agenda of the coaching staff. Is the staff trying to find out what works and what doesn’t work? Are they trying to avoid showing early opponents trends in down and distance situations? I don’t have any better idea of what will happen against New Orleans on September 10th than I did before these games were played. Here are some observations on the 2006 edition of the Cleveland Browns.
1). The offensive line is still iffy. Losing LeCharles Bentley was a huge blow, and Ryan Tucker has missed most of training camp, but as a whole the line has not looked good. Charlie Frye is constantly getting out of the pocket to bide time. I know Frye throws on the run well, so some of that is by design, but last night the QB was under pressure the entire time he was out there. Getting Tucker back will help, but this area of the team has been a weakness since returning to the NFL, so I still need to see improvement before I believe it.
2). The secondary will be fine. Even though it has looked shaky thus far, the reason for that is the team has used guys who will be special teamers or will be cut opposite Leigh Bodden. Getting Gary Baxter and Daylon McCutcheon back will solidify the unit. Bodden may be turning into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. The safety position is solid with Brodney Pool, Sean Jones, and Brian Russell. The unit will be okay assuming everyone stays healthy.
3). Savage’s drafts. Last year’s draft, Savage’s first as GM, is looking a little iffy. Only Edwards and maybe Pool are starters, and most of the others (Nick Speegle, David McMillan, etc.) barely show up on the depth chart. However, Kamerion Wimbley looks like the real deal at OLB, and D’Qwell Jackson should start at ILB. Jerome Harrison will make an impact as a third down/change of pace back. He’s making William Green and Lee Suggs expendable. LB Leon Williams and WR Travis Wilson look to have solid futures as well.
4). The next few days. It will be interesting to see if Savage can recoup some draft choices before the final cutdown. Green and Suggs should have some value. Chaun Thompson might be moved. You have to know that Savage hated to part with picks to get centers Ross Tucker and Lenny Friedman. The GM will also be searching for a back up quarterback on the waiver wire.
Keep in mind that none of this will matter once the regular season starts a week from Sunday. Coach Romeo Crennel is still going to be conservative with the offense, have them "manage" the game, and don’t allow it to create problems for the defense. Get ready for a lot of 16-13 and 14-10 type games. That will be the norm at CBS this season.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 