Browns fans that watched yesterday’s Super Bowl went back to basics in seeing the Giants upset the Patriots, 17-14. It’s a basic sports cliché. Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships. For all of the historic numbers New England put up with the football, ultimately the New York defense stopped them and won their third Super Bowl. Commissioner Roger Goodell said it was their third championship, but I remind the czar that pro football didn’t start when the Super Bowl did. The Giants were an NFL power in the late 50’s and early 60’s.
Unfortunately for Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel, the defense is the weakness of their team. Of course, going into the 2007 season, everyone thought the offense was in trouble, and we all see how that turned around quickly. However, since we learned in Super Bowl XLII that stopping teams does lead to titles, this has to be the main focus of the Cleveland off-season. Savage knows this, and I’m sure he is already brain storming to improve that side of the ball.
The first move in this regard was replacing the defensive coordinator. Todd Grantham is out, replaced by defensive backs coach Mel Tucker. Tucker was guiding the best part of the 2007 defense, the secondary. That group really needs no improvement in the off-season, although I’m sure the GM will be looking at all areas. However, the brown and orange have a young, improving corps of the cornerbacks and safeties. Leigh Bodden has had injury issues, but is solid when healthy, and Eric Wright got better with each game of his rookie season. Another first year guy, Brandon McDonald was forced into action in the middle of the year and came through with flying colors.
Safeties Sean Jones and Brodney Pool started slowly, but also improved as the year went along. Jones looked to be poised for Pro Bowl consideration before the season, but clearly struggled with his increased responsibilities in calling the cover schemes, a job previously done by veteran Brian Russell. As he got more comfortable in that role, his performance started to approach that of 2006. All in all, Crennel and Savage have to be happy with the play in this area.
It’s the front seven that needs a drastic overhaul. Of the 2007 starters, only nose tackle Shaun Smith, defensive end Robaire Smith, and linebacker Kameron Wimbley are definite starters in ’08. It would not be a surprise to see new people at three linebacker spots and the other DE position. There is a lot of age here with Willie McGinest now 36 years old and Orpheous Roye at age 35. ILB Leon Williams shows promise and might replace Andra Davis as a starter. D’Quell Jackson has shown improvement, but I would guess Savage is looking to upgrade the middle of his defense.
If the Browns are going to make the playoffs in 2008, they have to get much better on defense. The only area of need on offense is a third wide receiver, so they can devote a majority of their draft picks and free agent signing to the defensive side of the ball. The Giants used a ferocious pass rush to bother Tom Brady and the New England offense yesterday. How many times did an opposing quarterback have all day to throw the football against the Browns. Upgrading the front seven would go a long way in helping the Browns reach the next level in 2008.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 
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