The last time there was this much turmoil in Berea, the Cleveland Browns responded with a big road win at Jacksonville three weeks ago. Unfortunately, it was their last win, as it was followed up with two disappointing home losses against Baltimore and Denver. In both of those games, the brown and orange had double digit leads in the second half.
Will the Browns respond the same way as they did against the Jaguars in Monday night’s game at Buffalo?
If Jamal Lewis and Josh Cribbs have anything to say about it, they will.
I have given some support to GM Phil Savage because of the talent he has brought in during his tenure. Let’s face it; he inherited a pretty bare cupboard. However, he may want to consult one person when evaluating talent before the ’09 NFL Draft. That person is Eric Wedge.
Wedge is always preaching about “grinders”, guys that come to work everyday, and do whatever they have to do to win the game. They may not be the most talented players, but they are willing to put in the effort to get the job done.
The Browns are a little short of those types of players.
NFL GM’s have historically been impressed by athleticism. It’s the reason why former Ohio State DE Eric Kumerow was a first round draft pick, while the guy who made all the tackles, Chris Spielman was picked on the second round. Anyone who watched an Ohio State game could have told you Spielman was the better player, but Kumerow had the tools.
The Browns do have some “grinders”, but they are guys at the end of their careers. Guys like Willie McGinest and Andra Davis. However, most of the younger players don’t seem to have that drive to win. Players like Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow are more focused on their personal statistics than they are on winning games.
There doesn’t seem to be someone on the roster that is blessed with both Pro Bowl ability and the fierce competitive nature to win, particularly at the skill positions.
The Browns are also searching for an identity. After four years with Crennel as the head coach, can you tell me what kind of team the Browns are? On offense, sometimes they emphasize the pass, at other times, the run. On defense, they certainly are a 3-4 team, but they certainly aren’t known for being a team that can lock up other teams.
In fact, I can’t remember any time where the Browns have ever had a dominating defense. The closest was when Hanford Dixon and Frank Minnifield were playing the corners, but those teams certainly didn’t have a dominating pass rush. Chip Banks got some sacks, but Marty Schottenheimer unloaded him before he could blossom.
In short, the organization is a mess. Still, people make excuses for the Cleveland Browns. Ten years after returning to the NFL, they struggle for respectability. Cleaning house likely means another two or three years before returning to respectability. Owner Randy Lerner needs to develop a plan and stick to it. It’s truly sad to watch for people who remember with the Browns were the elite franchise in the NFL.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 