| Ricky E. Morris. 18th August, 2005 - 4:18 am
 The Browns biggest problem since their return in 1999 has been offensive consistency. They have had poor offensive lines, running backs and quarterbacks that did not meet expectations, and a lackluster group of wide receivers. Their offensive rankings have been towards the bottom of the league every year. This year the Browns have one thing that they have never had before, successful experience.
Quarterback
At the end of the 2002 season, it appeared that the Browns QB problems were all but solved as Kelly Holcomb passed for 429 yards in a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Instead of a solution, it led to controversy and complication. Last season, the Browns started three different quarterbacks. (Jeff Garcia, Kelly Holcomb, and Luke McCown) The three Browns quarterbacks had a total of 21 touchdowns together. Peyton Manning had 28 more passing touchdowns than them last season. That is one reason all three of them are on different teams now.
The Browns turned to veteran QB Trent Dilfer this off-season. Trent Dilfer is 8-4 as a starter since his Super Bowl winning year with Baltimore. Throughout his career, Dilfer has always found a way to win and prove his critics wrong. Two years after making the pro bowl, Dilfer was sent packing from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the 1999 season. One year later, he went on to start for the Ravens and win a Super Bowl. Dilfer then went to Seattle to backup to Matt Hasselback. Since the return, the Browns have been a quarterback’s worst nightmare. Last season, Jeff Garcia threw for career lows in both touchdowns and completion percentages. On the free agency market for over a year, Tim Couch still hasn’t recovered from his five years in Cleveland. At the age of 33, this will be his biggest test in the NFL.
In June the Browns signed veteran QB Doug Johnson. This move appeared to be an insurance policy in case Trent Dilfer goes down. Before the signing, both Charlie Frye and Josh Harris were slated to be the second and third string QB’s. Neither of the two have had any experience in the NFL. At first glance, it does appear that Johnson is just a veteran insurance policy. Looking at the other quarterbacks in free agency, it is questionable why the Browns would bring in Johnson. Johnson started eight games for the Falcons in 2003, and was 1-7 in those games. He has lacked consistency in his NFL career, and I wouldn’t put money on him being with Browns for very long. It is possible that both Frye and Harris beat him out in both training camp and the preseason.
The Browns selected QB Charlie Frye with the 67th overall pick in this year’s draft. Charlie would have most likely joined the Green Bay Packers in the first or second round if Rogers hadn’t fallen during the draft. Frye is smart, tough and has great size for a QB at 6’3. At Akron, Frye broke 54 school records. Has great speed for a QB. (4.6 in the 40) Charlie ranks third in the MAC career passing yards. Charlie is definitely the QB of the future currently for the Browns.
Josh Harris was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the 6th round in the 2004 NFL draft. Harris played in the MAC during his college career, and is a fast mobile QB that can get outside of the pocket and run the ball himself. Not only is he mobile, but he is accurate. During his entire career starting for Bowling Green, Harris recorded a 75% completion percentage. He was placed on the Ravens practice squad after Anthony Wright returned from an injury. The Browns picked Harris up on December 14, after Kelly Holcomb broke his ribs, and already having Jeff Garcia on injured reserve. Harris backed up Luke McCown for the next two games and was listed as inactive for the final game against the Texans when Holcomb returned. Currently, Josh Harris is listed as the teams 4th QB on the depth chart. He has training camp to prove that he is more valuable than Doug Johnson.
Wide Receiver
With the 3rd overall pick in this years draft the Cleveland Browns selected Braylon Edwards. Many ranked Edwards as the best available player in this year’s draft. After going through a 13 day hold out, Edwards finally signed a deal on August 11. He is currently listed on the bottom of the Browns wide receiver depth chart. Last year, for the Michigan Wolverines, Edwards caught 97 passes for 1,330 yards along with 15 touchdowns. He had three 1,000 yard seasons in a row for the Wolverines. It is unknown what Edwards can do in the NFL. In camp, it appears that Edwards is what many call a STUD. He can run routes, seems to be progressing rapidly, and he makes unbelievable catches. He is looking to end the Browns first round draft pick disappointments of the past five years.
Antonio Bryant has gone through a troubled past. He started off on negative notes as a rookie, getting suspended for arguing with Cowboys coaches during training camp in 2001. During the Cowboys minicamp last year, Bryant threw a towel into coach Bill Parcels face during a disagreement. On October 19, the Browns and the Cowboys swapped wide receivers. Dallas received Quincy Morgan, and the Browns received Bryant. Bryant had back to back 100 yard games as a Brown in two of his first three games as a Brown. He ended the season with career highs in yards received (812) and receptions (58). This coming with having to play with four different quarterbacks last year. (Testeverde, Garcia, Holcomb, and Luke McCown) Currently, he is the Browns #1 wide receiver and it appears that he has matured.
Dennis Northcutt has been a Cleveland Brown since 2000. He is one of the final players left on the Browns roster drafted by Chris Palmer. Northcutt had his best year last season in yards received with 806 yards. He also 3rd in the NFL in punt return average (12 ypr) and 4th in return yards (432). He is known as one of the most dangerous punt returners in the NFL. Currently, coach Crennel has Northcutt slated as the #2 wide receiver going into the preseason. It is expected that Edwards will eventually take the starting job from Northcutt. Northcutt is more suited as a slot receiver due to his size. He has had trouble with bigger cornerbacks in the past.
Andre Davis was the Browns starting #1 wide receiver last season. Now Davis is #4 on the depth chart and has been involved in numerous trade rumors involving the Eagles all summer long. Davis is one of the fastest receivers in the NFL. Last year Davis had 416 yards in the first six games of the year before he was sidelined turf toe. Davis led the league in average yards per reception (26 ypc), last year. He also tied the record for longest reception in NFL history, after burning corner, Deltha O’Neal, for 99 yards in a 34-17 win against the Bengals. So far, Davis has had a very slow training camp. ``He started off a little slow,'' Crennel said. ``But I think he's come on a little bit the last couple days. He began to show up and make some catches on the offense.'' It is unknown where Davis will end up, roster and team wise, but he has proven that he isn’t just a track star. Davis has made some big plays in his three years as a Cleveland Brown.
Last year, was Richard Alston’s year. Alston, after being waived by the Browns in 2003, was resigned months later and allocated to NFL Europe. There, he tied a Berlin Thunder record for touchdowns in a season with six. He helped Berlin win a World Bowl, where he threw a 60 yard TD pass. Alston came alive the last two weeks of the preseason. He caught a game winning hail mary touchdown against the Chiefs, and the next week he caught another touchdown against the Bears. At the end of the preseason, Alston had 6 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. At the time, the Browns already had Morgan, Davis, and Northcutt. Playing time for Alston seemed like a dream. After Dee Brown fumbled a few kick off returns, he was waived, and Alston was given the opportunity to be the Browns primary kick off returner. Alston returned 1,016 yards averaging 22.1 yards per return in just 9 games. In addition, he had a 93 yard return for a touchdown against the Ravens. Currently, he is listed as the Browns 3rd kick off returner. He is back where he was in 2004, fighting for a job.
Every year teams have that one guy that comes out of no where. Brandon Rideau is a new face to the organization that has already made a lot of noise as an undrafted free agent. Not the noise Terrell Owens is making, he is making the noise on the field. Showing the Browns coaching staff that he belongs on the roster this year. Rideau has the hands, speed and can jump for the ball. Most importantly, Rideau hasn’t missed any playing time at training camp. Due to the contract disputes between Edwards and the Browns, Rideau has gotten a lot more time with the 2nd and 3rd teams than he ever would have. Rideau was passed by all 32 NFL teams in this years draft, and was only offered a chance to practice with both the Bears and the Browns. "I felt like I should've been drafted," Rideau said. "But seeing as how it didn't work out that way, I got a chip on my shoulder. I need to come out and prove everybody wrong." In Kansas, Rideau had to switch positions from quarterback to receiver. Rideau led the Jayhawks in receiving last season with 597 yards, 51 receptions, and 7 touchdowns. Will he make the Browns roster? It will be tough, with Dre’, Bryant, Northcutt, and Edwards. He will have to compete for the final receiver spot this month.
Frisman Jackson is one of the final Butch Davis projects remaining on the Browns roster. Since joining the Browns he has been used as the kickoff returner, 3rd string tight end, backup QB option, and wide receiver. Frisman has thrown 3 passes in his NFL career, and has yet to complete one. Last season Frisman got some playing time with Andre Davis injured, and Quincy Morgan traded. He had a career high in receptions (13) and yards (168). He is currently competing for the Browns final receiver spot.
Josh Cribbs was picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Browns this summer. He has converted from quarterback to wide receiver. Cribbs not only can pass, but can run and catch the ball as well. Last season for Kent State, Cribbs ran for 893 yards averaging 5.3 ypc, had 9 rushing touchdowns, and caught two passes for 32 yards. In addition to the rushing and receiving, Cribbs added 2,215 yards through the air with 17 touchdowns. His new teammate, whom used to be the opposition, Charlie Frye had some words about Cribbs. "I'm interested to see what kind of receiver he can be," Frye said. "He embarassed a lot of defenses in college." Cribbs could stand out and become one of the Browns better special team’s players. Currently, Cribbs is battling with CJ Jones, Frisman Jackson and Brandon Rideau for the Browns final receiver position.
CJ Jones was Brandon Rideau last year. CJ was a guy that came out of no where to surprise many at last years camp. A year passed, and it seems like his role as a Brown continues to digress. Last year, he looked to be the Browns backup option at kickoff returner. Now it seems like he has not shot at making the team. With the two impressive rookies and Richard Alston, CJ Jones time with the team looks like it may end at any moment in the coming weeks. CJ played in the NFL Europe this summer. He didn’t have the season that was expected of him. For now, CJ fights for a spot on the roster.
Running Back
Potential, that is one word that defines Lee Suggs. In his final year with Virginia Tech, Suggs rushed for over 1,300 yards and averaged over five yards a carry. Unfortunately, Suggs injured his shoulder and wasn’t drafted until the 4th round in the 2003 NFL Draft. Injuries have been Lee’s constant problem in the NFL. Lee has missed fifteen games in his two year career. Last season, Suggs led the Browns in rushing yards. He rushed for 744 yards and had two touchdowns. One knock on Suggs before entering the NFL draft was that he was a poor receiver. Last year, Lee caught for 178 yards. Suggs is currently the Browns starting running back. This is the first time in his NFL career that he is the starter before the regular season begins. "I guess I'm a little bit ahead of everybody," Suggs said, "but I have to keep that. I can't go out one day and take it easy. I have people chasing me right at my heels." Suggs finished last season with three 100 yard games in a row, the first time a Browns running back has done accomplished this feat since 1978.
Reuben Droughns had a phenomenal year last season. He rushed for 1,240 yards (9th in the NFL), 6 rushing touchdowns and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. This was not behind the Browns offensive line. It was behind Denver’s offensive line. The Broncos are known for having one of the best offensive line systems in the league. To clear things up, Ben Gay could probably run for 1,000 yards behind Denver’s line. In March, the Browns traded Mike Myers and Ebenezer Ekuban for Droughns. Clinton Portis, former Denver Bronco traded after having two amazing seasons, had his worst year as a pro last year. Portis only averaged 3.8 yards per carry, while in Denver had averaged 5.5 yards per carry in his two years in the Denver system. Droughns comes into a new offensive system, with new offensive linemen. Now Droughns is set to prove the non-believers wrong and rush behind the Browns new revamped line.
As you saw from my last article, I am cheering for William Green, so I may be a little bias in my observation. Green and Antonio Bryant are very similar. Both of them have created problems for themselves in the past. Green has had a rollercoaster ride in the NFL. He helped lead the Browns into the playoffs in 2002. After that, he was suspended by the NFL for failing the leagues drug policy, almost stabbed by his girlfriend, and suspended by the NFL for an altercation with Joey Porter before a game. Green has done nothing to help himself off and on the field, as he has fallen down the depth chart. He is currently the Browns 3rd string running back. At first look it would appear that it would take a miracle for Green to become the starter before the regular season starts. Droughns had 1,200 plus, and Suggs had 744 yards behind a patch worked offensive line. Romeo Crennel, has stated that this is a competition between all three of the running backs. It appears that Crennel wants the best running back on the field, and this gives Green as good a chance as any back. Green has worked harder than any other player on the Browns roster all off-season. Showing up to every single mini-camp and training camp session. Green has stated he will do anything to help the Browns win games. "That's the kind of things you have to do to be a part of the team," Green said. "If I can help in any way, I'm going to do it. I'm going to work extremely hard on special teams Green also got married this summer, to the same women that tried to stab him. It appears that Green has cleaned up his act and is ready to take the chance given to him by Crennel. "Coach Crennel didn't know who I was," Green said. "He just kind of knew of me and he loved me good or bad, and he gave me a chance." Green is determined to take what was once his in the past, back again. "I'll never quit. As long as I've got a chance, I'm never going to quit."
Fullback
Terrelle Smith is one of the best fullbacks in the NFL. Unfortunately, many do not get to hear about fullbacks due to the fact that the majority of them are blockers and not runners. Smith not only blocks, he LOVES blocking. “I like uprooting guys. I like hitting guys so hard that when we’re on the ground they say, ‘let’s not do that again because our career could be short.” Smith brings the Browns, what many old timers saw a lot of during the good old days of football. That’s smash mouth football. This offseason, he worked with Browns trainer John Lott, and lost twenty pounds. The Browns are going to use Smith not only as a blocker, but as an option in the passing game.
Tight End
It is unfortunate what happened to Kellen Winslow this summer. With the receivers that we have this year Winslow would have given the opposing defenses a hard time. Though it is disappointing that he will not be on the field, the tight ends that the Browns currently have on the roster proved last year that they are no push offs.
Steve Heiden was given the starting job last season, after Winslow got injured. Many did not expect the season that he had last year. Heiden caught 28 passes for 287 yards averaging 10.3 ypr. In addition to this, he had 5 touchdown catches. All of these numbers are career bests. Currently, Heiden is listed as the starting tight end this year. Heiden isn’t the best receiver, and at times drops easy passes, but he is an effective blocker for the running backs. For those that have a need at tight end on your fantasy squads, Heiden caught 3 touchdowns against the Bengals last year. The Browns open against the Bengals this year. I hope you get my point.
Aaron Shea was on injured reserve as much as Courtney Brown. Last year, his chances of playing on the Browns were doubtful. Shea had missed 19 games in his previous three seasons. Many expected him to be part of the final preseason cuts. Instead, the Browns cut DE Mark Word and gave him one final chance. Shea, had a wonderful rookie season in 2000. Considering the Browns went through too many quarterbacks to count in 2000, Shea ended up with 302 yards and two touchdowns. Butch Davis became the head coach in 2001, and tested Shea out at fullback. Shea at fullback didn’t work out to well. He ended up on injured reserve the next two seasons. Shea made the team, but getting playing time would be tough with Kellen Winslow Jr. and Steve Heiden in front of him on the roster. Kellen got injured week two and it opened up an opportunity for Shea. He took advantage of this, and had his best season in 3 years. Shea ended the regular season with 252 yards and 4 touchdowns. Before his first touchdown catch last season, Shea hadn’t had a touchdown since his rookie year. He defied the odds, and proved many, including myself wrong. This year Shea is still Steve Heidens backup at tight end.
Battle for The Third Spot
Paul Irons was brought in by the Cleveland Browns after the NFL draft. He is currently battling for the teams 3rd tight end spot with Keith Willis. After the draft, Irons really didn’t have much of a chance at making the Browns. The Browns had Winslow, Heiden, Shea and Heinrich in front of him. Then Winslow got hurt, and Browns tight end Keith Heinrich followed Winslow on injured reserve during training camp. Paul Irons is not a flashy guy who catches for 100 yards a game. Actually Irons didn’t have 100 yards in any of his seasons with Florida State. He did however, start in every game at tight end as a junior and senior. Irons only caught one touchdown pass in his college career. This weekend in a preseason game against the Giants, Irons matched his college touchdown with a 19 yard touchdown pass from Charlie Frye. Though Irons was not a standout player, he was a standout leader. In 2003, Irons won Florida States Offensive Leadership award.
Keith Willis was signed by the Packers as an undrafted rookie free agent after last years NFL draft. He was cut in the Packers final roster cuts after last years preseason. Willis joined the Browns June 10th after being released by the Broncos. Willis is a huge tight end at 6’6. Willis caught for 188 yards and a touchdown in his senior year with Virginia Tech. Willis played with two current Browns during his time at VT, both Lee Suggs and Jon Dunn. Willis is definitely more suited for tight end than Irons. He is as tall as a lineman, but has trouble maintaining his block. He still has three more preseason games to prove himself worthy. Willis and Irons are fighting for the final tight end spot.
Offensive Line
Tackle
Ryan Tucker has been a Cleveland Brown for the last four years. He has been the Browns most consistent offensive lineman. Tucker has been through the Browns highs and lows. He was also the starter from the Super Bowl winning Rams in 1999. Tucker has seen offensive linemen come and go. Since he has been a Brown, there have been three starting centers, four different starting tackles, and too many different starting guards. Tucker may benefit from having more experienced linemen beside him this year.
LJ Shelton has been called many things in his career. Fat and lazy are just a few, he’s been known to have a poor work ethic, was benched by Arizona head coach Dennis Green last year. He just hasn’t been called all the right things. So far in training camp he hasn’t lived up to the poor, fat, and lazy expectations that many had. He is this big mountain at left tackle. At 6’6 and 345 pounds, Shelton is the biggest left tackle in the history of the Browns. He seems to be in the best shape of his career, and looking to rebound for the mistakes that he has made.
Bench
Greg Randall will be the backup to right tackle, Ryan Tucker. He was the starting right tackle for the 2001 Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. After the 2002 season, New England waived him and he ended up on the Houston Texans roster. He started in 16 games for the Texans in 2003, whom had Domanick Davis run for over 1,000 yards. He was then signed and waived by both the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. Now at the age of only 24, is on his 5th different team in 5 years.
Kirk Chambers was drafted in the 6th round in the 2004 NFL draft. He is currently listed as the Browns backup left tackle. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be said about Chambers regular season career. Last year, during the preseason, Chambers held his own on the Browns 3rd string offensive line. He has great feet, and can move with his man throughout a play.
Guard
Joe Andruzzi, what is there not to say about this man? He has all of the answers that everyone is looking for, on just three fingers. Andruzzi along with Romeo Crennel come to the Browns after winning three of the last four Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. The Patriots had the 6th best running game last year, and Tom Brady was only sacked 26 times, which was a career best. Andruzzi had something do with the consistency of the Patriots offense. Blocking for both Corey Dillon and Tom Brady. Andruzzi is known as an overachiever whom works hard. He has a team first mentality, and is quiet, but he leads by example.
Cosey Coleman, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer guard joined the Browns this off-season. Coleman knows what it takes to win, in 2002 he was a starting guard for the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers. Coleman has started in all but one game for the Buccaneers since 2001. This is a positive, considering the Browns offensive line woes the last few years.
Bench
Enoch Demar is young, and seems to have a bright future with the Cleveland Browns. He needs time to sit and watch the game. Last year, in just his second year Enoch appeared in 15 of the 16 regular season games. Enoch started in the Browns last 10 games of the season. Having Joe Andruzzi and Cosey Coleman around will help with the development of Demar. The Browns haven’t had a guard with experience and success since its return.
Mike Pucillo is listed as the backup to Cosey Coleman. Mike, like Demar, is a young offensive lineman that has yet to shine in the NFL. He has only started in 12 games in his 3 years in the NFL. Those starts all came in 2003, when Travis Henry rushed for 1,300 plus yards.
Center:
Jeff Faine was drafted in the first round in 2003. Only one other center has been drafted in the first round since 1995. Faine has been average at best since he has been drafted. The one thing that Jeff has done consistent is find himself injured. Although he has been inconsistent, Faine has been a victim to the Browns lack of offensive guards. In the last two years, these are just some of the few guards that he has had to work with. Enoch Demar, Melvin Fowler (a center that Butch Davis decided to make a guard), Paul Zukauskas, Kelvin Garmon, and Javier Gonzales. This year, Faine has a total of four super bowl rings on each guard beside him. Three on Joe Andruzzi, and one on Cosey Coleman. Say what you want, but this is Jeff Faines make or break year. There is no more excuses to why he cannot become a top center in the NFL. Melvin Fowler is in the trenches waiting for his chance to become the starter.
Melvin Fowler is competing against Jeff Faine for the starting center position. He showed improvement last year as he started in the last three games of the regular season. Consequently, he started in the three final games, Lee Suggs ran for 100 yards or more in each. Fowler was also the starting center when Lee Suggs ran for 186 yards as a rookie against the Bengal’s. What am I trying to say? Lee has a lot of luck with Fowler, or Fowler is possibly doing something right. Fowler drafted in the 3rd round in 2002, was thrown at guard after working out at center all preseason and training camp his rookie year. His first test was blocking one of the best defensive lines in the NFL that included Warren Sapp and Anthony McFarland. Now he is working at his natural position, which is center.
Final Analysis:
The Browns finally have one thing on their roster that they haven’t had at the offensive line before. Experience, it may not seem like a big word, but the Browns in the past have had rookies and players that have never played in a game before as primary backups at positions on the offensive line. The Browns have been towards the top of the league every year in injuries. Last year they lost three of their starting five offensive linemen. In the past, they have had to start undrafted free agents and second day picks starting on the offensive line. Keep in mind, the Browns have yet to draft an offensive lineman (excluding center) on the first day of the draft. This offensive line is built for the running game and not the passing game. Trent Dilfer may struggle with pressure in his face early on in the year. The offensive line also may get flagged a few times more than we would all like early in the season. Lee Suggs, William Green, and Reuben Droughns should all benefit from this line. Edwards, Bryant, Andre, and Northcutt bring to you one of the best young groups of wide receivers in the NFL today. Dilfer has never had a unit quite like this before to throw to. If the offensive line can create a pocket for Dilfer, then opposing teams secondaries will struggle with the lineup the Browns have to offer. This offense is better than last years version on paper, but that’s just paper.
Fantasy Focus:
So you have no clue about which Browns to draft this year. To be honest, I wouldn’t draft many. If I did draft any Browns players on the roster, they would be later selections. (Somewhere in the early to mid teens.)
Antonio Bryant- If you are looking to find a starting wide receiver that will be in the later parts of the draft then you have found your man. Bryant has become Dilfers favorite target all training camp. He will be the Browns #1 option at wide receiver. Last year, he had career highs in both receptions and yards. Look for Bryant to beat both of those numbers and have his best year as a pro.
Braylon Edwards- Edwards is a good pickup in keeper leagues. He will be there in the 10th round after you’ve got this years starting lineup ready to go. Edwards might not have the best rookie year with the other wide receivers that the Browns have. He is definitely worth a shot at taking though.
Reuben Droughns- Droughns is a downhill smash mouth football player. He may not get 1,000 yards this year, but his touchdowns will be high. I predict Droughns will lead the Browns in touchdowns this year. He is perfect for Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon’s offensive system. Last year, they had Eddie George doing that type of work. Unfortunately, George didn’t look so hot.
Fantasy Sleeper
Andre Davis- He can burn any cornerback in the NFL. If he could only run better routes he would be one of the best wide receivers today. If he doesn’t stay on the Browns long, and gets traded he will be right up there as one of the wide receivers to watch. Especially if he is traded to the Eagles. McNabb and a fast receiver would look very nice.
Other:
These are other players that are on the Browns roster that I did not discuss in this article. Reasons being, that these players will most likely fill the practice squad or be cut.
WR Lance Moore
T Javier Collins, Jonathan Dunn
LG Clint Stickdorn
QB Lang Campbell
RB Sultan McCullough
FB Ben Miller, Corey McIntyre |
