With training camp in full gear, and the "pre-season" opener this week, it’s time to start looking at the Cleveland Browns. Coach Eric Mangini has brought the toughness he promised when hired, and the release of defensive lineman Shaun Smith was just one more reminder of who’s the boss. I’m sure the new staff heard Smith was trouble and unloaded him at the first sign of a problem.
Here are some other questions to keep an eye on in the exhibition games:
- The quarterback question: All eyes will be on the signal caller during the first two games, and here’s hoping the decision is made after those contests. The team needs to establish its leader as early as possible, and deciding the starter will give that player three quarters of action in the third preseason tilt. Everyone should have an open mind in these first two games.
- Wide receiver: There is no question Braylon Edwards will start, but who will man the spot opposite him? The frontrunners are rookie 2nd round picks Brian Robiske and Muhammad Massaquoi. It may just come down to who blocks better downfield. There is no question that veteran Mike Furrey will be the slot guy and the first down specialist.
- James Davis: Is Davis the recincarnation of Ben Gay or is he a legitimate NFL running back. Davis probably would have went higher in the draft had he left school after his junior year, but can he be the guy if something happens to Jamal Lewis. Jerome Harrison will be the change up third down back, but the Browns need someone who can handle the bulk of the carries if Lewis were to go down.
- Kamerion Wimbley: Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan seems committed to moving Wimbley around in his schemes, but in turn Wimbley must put pressure on the quarterback. The linebacker has to shake the growing label on him that he’s a good athlete, not necessarily a football player.
- Stopping the Run: This has been an achilles heel for the franchise since returning to the league in 1999. You simply cannot win in the NFL without being able to accomplish this. Mangini brought in a couple of guys from the Jets to take care of this (Kenyon Coleman, Eric Barton) and boost the team’s rank in this area.
- Improving the Secondary: All signs from camp point to Abram Elam being an impact player at safety. Getting Rod Hood from Arizona means the Browns will no longer have to start two cornerbacks with a total of seven years experience at the position. At this vital position, experience is always key.
- The Savage Guys: It will be interesting to see how the new regime treats the players drafted by the Browns’ former GM, especially those who didn’t play for Romeo Crennel. Mangini seems to like OLB Alex Hall and WR Paul Hubbard, who were both largely ignored by Crennel. Will they play a bigger role for the ’09 Browns?
Most people will focus on the quarterback play, but as you can see, there are plenty of other things for fans to watch when this football team starts going against different competition.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 