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Patience required as Browns continue to build

By Pat Kirwan
NFL.com Senior Analyst


BEREA, Ohio (Aug. 3, 2007) -- My training camp visit to the Cleveland Browns is always one of the highlights of my summer camp tour. The franchise welcomes the visit, can't do enough to provide time with the players and coaches, let me practically get inside the drills on the practice field and always make practice tapes available. For the professional manner with which they run the club, general manager Phil Savage and the rest of the Browns organization deserve better results.

Of course, injuries since the Savage's arrival in January 2005 have played a big role in stunting the growth of this team. For the first time in my past three visits to Berea, Ohio, I don't feel a black cloud is hanging over this franchise. Sure, they still have to get Brady Quinn into camp and ready to compete, but the arrow is definitely pointing up for Cleveland.

There is, of course, one caveat. Patience is a prerequisite for a Browns fan. It looks like it will take this whole season to bring this team together and growth may not be measured in more wins. Can the media, fans and especially ownership wait until 2008 before the Browns are legitimate contenders? If they can resist the temptation to hit the panic button, if they can separate the Savage era from anything else prior to his arrival, if they can see that Romeo Crennel is the right man for the job, then this will be a fruitful year. If they can't resist hitting that button, then all the good work will go down the drain. As I left the training facility, I felt like the Cleveland Browns are at a crossroad.

HOT TOPICS

Brady Quinn and the quarterback situation: Quinn is missing valuable time considering he is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position, making it different than JaMarcus Russell's situation in Oakland. The Raiders don't want Russell on the field right away and probably prefer a year on the bench for the top pick in the draft. Quinn is supposedly ready to compete for the job, but as I left camp, the offensive coaches were finishing up the installation of the base offense and Quinn hasn't taken a rep in pads. He's behind and Crennel said, "We can't go back to the beginning and start over when he gets here."


As for the other quarterbacks, their arms are getting tired as only three are in uniform to make all the throws. I watched the eighth practice of the summer and Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson and Ken Dorsey threw a lot of balls. Two of them told me the club may have to get another arm in here soon. Think of it this way: Each practice, Frye and Anderson throw about 50 more balls than they would have to if Quinn was on the field. Compound that by 10 practices and each quarterback competing for the starting spot has 500 extra throws.

The division schedule: The Browns have to get off to a fast start with three division games in the first four weeks. There is pressure to get the whole offense in now so they can rep it out for three weeks and play fast and efficiently when they open with the Steelers. A young team with a coach on the hot seat didn't need the schedule makers to come up with this order of games. One fan said to me outside the practice facility that he thought the schedule was a great advantage because when the team swept the division in September, they would be in the driver's seat. How great it must be to be a fan this time of year?

The defensive line: For all the impressive young players on the field like Kamerion Wimbley, Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, the age of the defensive line is alarming. Ted Washington (17 years), Orpheus Roye (12 years) and Robaire Smith (eight years) are the starters. While I was in camp, Roye was headed to the hospital for knee surgery that may keep him out for a month. Washington can't practice or play the number of plays he used to, and Smith always seemed to be a better player in a 4-3 defense. The Browns need a young player or two to rise up and play well. The leading candidates while I watched practice look like Simon Fraser, a 24-year-old free agent from Ohio State, and Shaun Smith, a 25-year-old restricted free agent from the Bengals.

NEWCOMERS ready to make an impact

Jamal Lewis, RB, free agency: Last year, the Browns averaged less than 50 yards per game rushing in their six division games and lost them all. I sat down with Lewis, who signed a one-year contract with Cleveland, and he convinced me he is ready to drop 1,500 yards rushing on this season. He wants a big deal, he loves being back with Savage, who drafted him in Baltimore, and he really likes the offensive line in front of him. Lewis' nickname given to him by the Browns quarterbacks is "eight in the box." It means that as long as Lewis is on the field, the opposing defenses will drop a safety down into run support.

Joe Thomas, T, first-round pick: I sat down with Thomas for 20 minutes after practice and this guy gets it. He's lean at 302 pounds, but he sure is athletic and understands players are going to bull rush him until he proves he can play with rear leg power. Thomas will make the pass protection better and he looks great pulling and trapping and at the linebacker level in the run game. I'm not so sure he's ready for the power run game to his side if he has to get movement on a 295-pound defensive end.

Eric Wright, CB, second-round pick: Wright is starting to look like a steal in the second round as a cover corner. He got beat while I watched him in practice but he has recovery speed and is more athletic than the other Browns corners.

SCOUTING REPORT

Offense: The Browns quarterback situation is up in the air and that isn't good for a team that averaged just 12 points in their six division games last year. One veteran player told me he thought Anderson was winning the battle. Another player thought when the preseason games started Frye would move ahead. Another guy said when Quinn gets here it will be his job to lose. No one knows, and that includes the coaches at this point, which means giving the majority of snaps to one player hasn't been established. No matter who the quarterback is, there is going to be a better running game. A healthy Winslow, Joe Jurevicius, and Edwards will stretch the field to spread the defense out and they all block well downfield. The offensive line is better with Eric Steinbach, Thomas and maybe even LeCharles Bentley sometime during the season, so it's fair to say Cleveland will have a legit rushing attack this season.

Defense: The front three is old so the linebackers need to slow the run down (ranked 30th in 2006) and the secondary has to play better coverage. I'm not sure about the defensive line, but I do believe after talking with Kamerion Wimbley and watching practice that the 'backers will be better. In the secondary, the comeback story of the year is the return of Gary Baxter. Many wrote him off after double knee surgery, but he will play this year. He told me he is faster now than he has ever been in his life. Eric Wright makes the corners even stronger.

Special teams: Last year, Phil Dawson missed eight field goals and that has to improve. Dennis Northcutt is gone as the punt returner (third in the AFC with 11.1 yards per return in 2006) but Josh Cribbs, who had a 24.5 kick return average, is back. An improved special teams performance this year is needed if this team wants a better record by season's end.

Biggest weakness

The quarterback situation is unresolved and the defensive line is old, but the biggest weakness is not on the field -- it may just be the media and fans that can't wait any longer for a winning team. Frustrations may lead to bad decisions as this season goes on and that would be a mistake.

Prediction

There is some truth to the statement that a team can have the same record as the previous year and actually be a better team. There's a chance the Browns go 4-12 again, but after watching Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, Joe Thomas, Eric Wright, Jamal Lewis, Eric Steinbach and Kamerion Wimbley practice and seeing the chip the whole team has on its shoulder, I think the Browns will scratch and claw six wins out of the schedule and a year from now be positioned to make a run. Keep in mind, a healthy Gary Baxter is going to strengthen the nickel defense, the offensive coordinator is going to make better decisions on game day, and sooner or later, Quinn will make his presence known if he gets into camp before the fans turn on him.

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Quote:



Biggest weakness

The quarterback situation is unresolved and the defensive line is old, but the biggest weakness is not on the field -- it may just be the media and fans that can't wait any longer for a winning team. Frustrations may lead to bad decisions as this season goes on and that would be a mistake.




I agree with this 100%....but I was wondering about the R.Smith comment (being a better fit in a 4-3)

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Nice take overall.

Let's hope that the FO is smart enough to keep what the dumbass fans think out of the equation.

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Quote:

Biggest weakness

The quarterback situation is unresolved and the defensive line is old, but the biggest weakness is not on the field -- it may just be the media and fans that can't wait any longer for a winning team. Frustrations may lead to bad decisions as this season goes on and that would be a mistake.






This scares the hell out of me, cause it's true!


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yea.. its very true.. Us fans can be very impatient.. so impatient that a bad game 1 by Frye cuz cause some of us to call for his head.. lol


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I wish the season would start already.

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Ok I agree with this guy but is it me or does this all sound so oddly familiar. I get so high on the team this time of year especially with articles like this where it says maybe this year, maybe not, but definetly next year. Then they come out in week one and lay an egg.

I have to hope though that this year is different. Every player raves about Chud and his genius offense. Everyone says the line is vastly improved. We keep hearing that Jamal Lewis is a beast and the best chance for a good running game since Byner and Mack. We hear how we have depth at DB, and our Backers and Safeties are blossoming into something special. So they say that Anderson and Frye are stuggling and no one is pulling ahead. Maybe they are just equal talents, but you would have to think that with all these "improvements" that it wont matter who is at QB it has to be better than last year and last year we had a few close games.

I just hope we dont have another game like last years Saints game come week 1


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Just clicking...

This is probably one of the most fair assessments of the Browns that I've read this preseason, ESPECIALLY the part about the impatient fans and media.


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i was hoping that Kirwan had a realistic take, as he's one of a very few that i like...not for our sake...he didn't write anything this board didn't already know...but for the sake of other fans with a real interest in what to expect of our team...

also makes it easier to trust what he says about other teams for those of us that are interested, doesn't it?...


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Damn....

...I love getting in early on a new thread. It keeps me focused on the first thing I read, instead of reacting to the posts that come soon after. That's not to say that the posts aren't good... only that I sometimes lose focus.

No so, this time. Pat Kirwan hit upon something that speaks to our current situation, and also speaks to our potential. Throughout the article, this one paragraph spoke most loudly to me:


Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Patience is a prerequisite for a Browns fan. It looks like it will take this whole season to bring this team together and growth may not be measured in more wins. Can the media, fans and especially ownership wait until 2008 before the Browns are legitimate contenders? If they can resist the temptation to hit the panic button, if they can separate the Savage era from anything else prior to his arrival, if they can see that Romeo Crennel is the right man for the job, then this will be a fruitful year. If they can't resist hitting that button, then all the good work will go down the drain. As I left the training facility, I felt like the Cleveland Browns are at a crossroad.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The bold-printed text above outlines my biggest fear for this organization. Because we live in a society with an "Instant Gratification" mindset, we lose a percentage of Browns fans every year, at about Game 8-9- when hope of a playoff berth is all but microscopic. We see it every year... on these very boards. A midseason loss to a division rival, and it's "all ahead full" for the doom&gloomers. This myopic view has contributed to the dire straits we found ouselves in at the end of 2004- when we had a team overridden with self-serving individuals, a coach who resigned mid-season in disgrace, and an interim coach who couldn't do anything besides finish out the season, come what may. Dark days, indeed.

What Kirwan sees is pretty much the Real Deal, as far as our team's reality is concerned. It has taken the combined efforts of Randy, Phil and RAC to get us to the cusp of success. As he sees it, staying the course would be our best option, if we wish to see our team succeed. I agree with that assessment.

There have been many vocal Dawgs posting on this board- some advocating RAC's ouster, some in favor of sacking Phil, and others who wish to see the team sold to new ownership. There are others who say that constant turnover is what has trapped us in the basement of the NFL. I'm in that 2nd camp, fellow Dawgs.

I've taken a "wait & see" attitude ever since Phil & RAC came aboard... and here's what I've seen, in a nutshell:

Randy Lerner: took the role of "learner" for 2 years after his Father's passing. He admitted he knew little about the pro football game, but vowed to absorb what he could, so as to be a good owner. He made a promise to hire good people, and empower them to do their jobs well. Enter: guys like Phil & RAC. Exit: guys like John Collins. So far, I believe he's made good on those promises. He's done exactly what he said he would- and he's done so without being a "nonexistent owner," and without being a heavy-handed micromanager like a Daniel Snyder or a George Steinbrenner. In short- a quiet, thoughtful owner.

Phil Savage: took the reins of a broken, dysfunctional organization, and immediately made changes to set the stage for the kind of growth that builds a quality football team. He made some bold moves- gutting our D, letting "key" O players go- so he could make room for new players who could actually get the job done. He aggressively dove into Free Agency to bring in players who could help immediately... without losing sight of the Long View, without bringing in 'bad influences,' and without putting us in "cap hell." He's evaluated college prospects, and brought in a good number of players who either made a significant initial impact (Wimbley, DQ) or have the potential to do so in the next year or two (Pool, Cribbs, Wright, Thomas). All you could ask from a GM

Romeo Crennel: some say he's in over his head, others say he's a steady guy who needed the tools to do the job. I'm still in the pro-Romeo Camp. I believe that he's been hampered by inhereting a dysfunctional team, a lack of quality players, and a mistake of a choice at OC in his first years. He's also had to go through the typical "Rookie HC Learning Curve" in a market of savvy, knowlegeable fans who can pick apart his every move in microscopic detail. Talk about pressure- if his excess weight don't kill him, being a Browns HC certainly could. Still and all, Romeo Crennel must have been doing something right- the ownership isn't pulling triggers on his ouster, his 3rd training camp seems to be progressing reasonably well, and his players, to a man, are SOLIDLY behind him. If you don't mind, I'll take those judgements over the typings of a disgruntled fan any day.

Bottom line- I still think we're in good hands, and very, VERY close to seeing the results of our turnaround where it counts- on the field of play. If you don't believe me, and choose to listen to the National Pundits, just think about this question: "When (since 1999) have you heard so many positive, optomistic remarks from writers who have absolutely no stake in how well (or poorly) the Browns perform?" These are some of the same writers who've dissed our team viciously in years past- and rightfully so, in most cases. If they can see the positive changes and promise, maybe there's something to it.

Just wanted to vent something that's been boiling in me for awhile. IMHO, we've done exactly what we needed to do, to get to "the cusp." I only pray that we all can show enough patience to see this latest incarnation of the Cleveland Browns through.

We want a championship. With this group and a little more time, we just might get it.


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Quote:

Phil Savage: took the reins of a broken, dysfunctional organization, and immediately made changes to set the stage for the kind of growth that builds a quality football team. He made some bold moves- gutting our D, letting "key" O players go- so he could make room for new players who could actually get the job done. He aggressively dove into Free Agency to bring in players who could help immediately... without losing sight of the Long View, without bringing in 'bad influences,' and without putting us in "cap hell." He's evaluated college prospects, and brought in a good number of players who either made a significant initial impact (Wimbley, DQ) or have the potential to do so in the next year or two (Pool, Cribbs, Wright, Thomas). All you could ask from a GM

.02,
Clemdawg




Just to add to your good reply Clemdawg to the article. Being a life long Browns fan and always seeing the gloom and doom of seasons past, it can be tough [to be patient and to see the positives] for some to break the habit when all you see is constant losing, change of personnel, and the making fun of our beloved team by other teams fan and sportswriters that has been plaguing us since the 1980s.(The Fumble & The Drive). It is nice to see that players from other teams are coming to Cleveland from free agency and seeing that we are taking the steps in the right direction. I like the positive attitude the players and personnel now have for this season and the future. I, for one, am looking forward to this season to see how far we have come and to see where we are heading. Let's be patient. Good things are happening.

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Quote:



As for the other quarterbacks, their arms are getting tired as only three are in uniform to make all the throws. I watched the eighth practice of the summer and Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson and Ken Dorsey threw a lot of balls. Two of them told me the club may have to get another arm in here soon. Think of it this way: Each practice, Frye and Anderson throw about 50 more balls than they would have to if Quinn was on the field. Compound that by 10 practices and each quarterback competing for the starting spot has 500 extra throws.





Meanwhile Tom Brady is cutting back on his throws to save his arm. And let's not forget that Peyton Manning is cutting back on his throws to save his arm.

Looks like the winner of the Frye / Anderson battle will have a dead arm by the 2nd half of the season.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/07/30/protecting_the_qb/

"One thing I'm doing that's a little bit different is I'm really monitoring my throws in the preseason," he [Tom Brady] said yesterday after the team's hot and muggy morning practice. "Before I'd come out and I'd throw 100 balls a day -- and it's 200 in two-a-days -- and you go, 'Gosh, after four days why is my arm sore?' I just try to understand how much I'm throwing and the type of throws we're making. Everybody has to get ready differently."

The 31-year-old Manning, too, has been on a reduced throwing schedule over the past few years. A Colts assistant coach was hitting a "counter" for each throw Manning made at the team's June minicamp, and Manning believes the approach has made a difference. He told Indianapolis reporters that in November and December of last year he didn't experience any arm fatigue.

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And with that, you see the diff between an established team and one that's working hard to "get there."

I don't have stats to back me up, but I'm willing to bet that these guys (Brady, Mnning) threw TONS more in TC when their teams were building.

Cutting back on throws is a luxury that comes from working within an established system. I'm sure that lots of the throws being made by Anderson and Frye are due to

1. learning the new O
2. normal reps
3. fixing the receivers' drops in practice.

I agree with you that # of throws could be a concern, once reg Seas is in swing....

...but seriously....


...would you really have our QB's practicing less????


???


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It's good to read an outside perspective from someone who is right there in the middle of camp.

I know he's right. This team is improved, and with the strength of the division and schedule, there's a chance that we end up with the same or similar record as last year. I hope the record is improved, but I said it last year and can say it with authority this year- next year will be our year.


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I've always been erked by fans who get that way. As soon as things go bad they jump on the finger pointing wagon and want everyone's jobs. Continuity is not a bad thing. I said it all last season. Romeo should get this year regardless of our win total. We're just starting to come into our own from the ramshackles we were when he took over.

There's definitely a common sense aspect to building a successful team. And constantly changing everything is not a good idea. The same people who call for Romeo's head during the season are the same people who were naive enough to consider anyone but Joe Thomas with our first pick. Again common sense. You need an OL to have any kind of an offense. Just like you need continuity to have any kind of team growth.

God I hope our FO isn't as stupid as some of our fans are. Including me.


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I just want to see a competitive team all year. A team that bites scratches and claws all year long. I want to see fear in the eyes of every team that plays us. I want to see a team where teams have to play us honestly. I could give a rats a** about the record but as long as it shows that we were in it all year long... I'm good.

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Quote:

There is pressure to get the whole offense in now so they can rep it out for three weeks and play fast and efficiently when they open with the Steelers.




This is the first time I ever remember reading this about the Browns... It's always been, "we have 50% or 70% of the offense installed" But never have I heard this.

I have no idea what kind of OC Chud will ultimately be, but if this is his thinking, then he's my kinda guy.. Install it quickly, then practice practice practice for the rest of summer and get it tight. Get it ready for SHOWTIME

Seems like a plan to me.


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What I am seeing is as follows.

Following the teardown, Savages first year was patchwork. I believe he really did not understand the level of talent was so poor. Drafting and FA picks were selected as the BPA, frankly because of the need.

Last year was much more focused. Particuarily with the LB's needed to play the 3-4. Savage tried to plug the OL with LCB and Shaffer and it did not work out. I was disappointed that the Browns did not go after Brees or another established QB to let Frye develop and end the QB chatter that is inevitable in Cleveland. I have stated that the draft will be determined by the sucess of Wilson, Sowells and Willams.

This year Savage continued to attack the OL both through FA and the Draft. The CB and RB positions were also addressed. Coaching on the offense was also a problem and that was addressed. Again, I would have gone after Green with a bit more vigor to end the QB mess, but that is my feeling. I like the hiring of Chud, and Chandler, but question the Marshall decision. I think that hiring Chud was a bit of a risk, because he did not come out of the Baltimore/NE/NYG mix, and honestly that is probably a good sign. The drafing of Quinn puts to rest the thought of going out and finding a FA QB, and I believe that was at the expense of the DL. That will have to wait for a TC pickup or next year.

The nice thing to see is that Savage seems to be consistent on his first and second round picks. the 05 class looks to be not so good. But 06 looks better.


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