Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Bodden set to prove himself to Johnson again
Browns defender kept Bengal to two catches

Thursday, September 14, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>NEAL C . LAURON DISPATCH </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>The Browns? Leigh Bodden, left, breaks up a pass intended for the Bengals? Chad Johnson in the end zone last season in Cincinnati. </TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>

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BEREA, Ohio ? Cleveland Browns cornerback Leigh Bodden isn?t much into trash talking, but don?t fret.
Kellen Winslow Jr. is speaking on Bodden?s behalf.
The war of words is under way between the Browns and Bengals, and much of it yesterday centered on Bodden limiting Chad Johnson to two catches for 22 yards in Cincinnati?s 23-20 win last season.
"My boy Bodden is going to shut him down, as he did last year," Winslow said. "He?s the best corner in the league, I think. It?s a big challenge for him, but it?s also a big challenge for Chad, so tell him that."
Johnson, who gave Bodden his due in the offseason, saying he was the toughest cornerback he faced in 2005, shot back.
"I can?t be stopped regardless of what Kellen Winslow feels," Johnson said. "If he feels that strongly, that?s good. ? You know what I feel? I feel our defense is going to shut down Kellen Winslow. So how about that? "
Bodden has been more reserved than the two spark plugs. He knows he does not want to rile up one of the NFL?s best receivers, but it might be too late.
His performance against Johnson last season has been the subject of some debate. Bodden covered the Bengals? leading receiver almost exclusively, and he was one of the few corners in the past few years to limit the Pro Bowl receiver without much help or double-teaming.
Johnson disagrees.
"I have six years of film. Go get all of them and find someone that has stopped me," Johnson said. "Last year in the second game (against Cleveland), you saw balls all over the place because it was a heavy wind game. ? It?s humanly impossible to stop No. 85 if you want to be real. You kind of insult me a little bit. I cannot be stopped, period.
"As a team we were off, so I gave the guy his credit. But you?re taking it overboard."
Bodden already was expecting Johnson?s best before the comments. Now he might get a little extra.
"But like I said, I have to prove that I can stop him," Bodden said. "That?s what I want to do, and that?s what I want to be in this league is a shutdown corner."
Last year, the game was decided on two Bodden penalties late in the fourth quarter, a defensive holding call and an illegal-contact penalty that set up the winning field goal. Bodden thought both were close.
"I?m nobody really, so they gave him (Johnson) a call," he said.
Speaking of Johnson, he still fails to properly pronounce Bodden?s name. He called him Lehigh in the offseason and yesterday referred to him mostly as "the guy."
Bodden would prefer to let his play do the talking, but he says he might approach Johnson before the game to inform him how to pronounce "Lee BAH-den," for the next time Johnson cares to provide more publicity.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

BROWNS NOTEBOOK
Frye not one to give in to a hit

Thursday, September 14, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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BEREA, Ohio ? Charlie Frye is aware of the concussion that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green suffered Sunday against the Bengals but doesn?t expect it to change the way he plays.
Frye has had a linebacker?s mentality at quarterback since his high school days in Willard. He said sliding after a run exposes half of the body and leaves players prone to hits like the one Green took from Cincinnati?s Robert Geathers.
"Unless a linebacker is coming at me full speed, I?m not going to hit the deck," Frye said. "If you put that in your mind to do things like that, that?s kind of like a give-up play. I?m not saying Trent Green was giving up, but that?s my mentality. So that?s the way I approach things."
That?s not exactly what the Browns? coaching staff wants to hear. Frye has been encouraged to take a dive when necessary. Last week, he took a beating, getting sacked five times and running six times for 44 yards.
"Yeah, they want me to slide, but there?s situations for that," Frye said. "When there?s 2 yards to get to the sticks, I?ve got to go for it."
No huddle

The Bengals surprised opponents last year with an occasional no-huddle offense.
Browns coach Romeo Crennel said that?s one of the many challenges for his defense.
"If everyone understands the defense, we should be able to (defend it)," Crennel said. "The fact that it?s no-huddle means that it?s a little bit quicker. Cincinnati might feel like they have the opportunity to run more plays."
Cincinnati and the Indianapolis Colts are two of the few teams capable of running a no-huddle offense effectively.
Wilson?s time

Rookie receiver Travis Wilson was inactive for the opener but could play an integral role in the offense this week with Joe Jurevicius out because of a rib injury.
Wilson, a third-round draft pick out of Oklahoma, showed flashes of talent in the preseason. He had four receptions for 58 yards.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

BODDEN BAITING

Bengal backpedals on praise for Browns cornerback

By Marla Ridenour

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - In the offseason, whenever Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson was asked if anyone covered No. 85 in '05, he cited only Cleveland cornerback Leigh Bodden.
Only Johnson called him ``Lehigh Bowden.''
On Wednesday, Johnson reversed field.
Now the three-time Pro Bowler and most irreverent Bengal said Bodden had nothing to do with the fact that he was held to two catches for 22 yards in Cincinnati's 23-20 home victory Dec. 11. The AFC North rivals meet again Sunday in Paul Brown Stadium.
``Did you see anyone physically stop me? You saw me drop balls the game where I sent the Pepto,'' Johnson said of his three catches for 37 yards at Cleveland on Oct. 13, 2004, after sending Pepto Bismol to the Browns defensive backs.
``Last year when they came here you saw balls all over because it was a heavy wind game. You didn't see anyone physically knock the ball down, physically jam me at the line.
``Let's talk football. It's humanly impossible to stop 85. To talk your kind of talk, you're kind of insulting me a little bit. I cannot be stopped, period.''
Asked what prompted his praise of Bodden, Johnson said, ``I'm going to praise him regardless because I only caught two balls. Regardless of how many times Carson (Palmer) and I missed on our page, it still goes on his part. If you want to be realistic about it, he didn't stop me, but I'm going to give him his credit anyway.''
Last December, Bodden was subbing for an injured Gary Baxter. Now Baxter has returned, but Bodden's teammates figure he'll match up with Johnson again and have the same success.
Browns tight end Kellen Winslow said it is Johnson who gets the Bengals going, but added, ``My boy Bodden is going to shut him down as he did last year. He's the best corner in the league, I think. It's a big challenge for him, but it's also a big challenge for Chad. So tell him that.''
When that was relayed to Johnson, he said, ``I can't be stopped because of what Kellen Winslow feels. If he feels that strongly, that's good. His teammates should have faith in him, feel that he's the best corner. I feel the same way about my corners. There's nothing wrong with that at all.
``I feel our defense is going to shut down Kellen Winslow. How about that?''
Bodden didn't have a chance to talk after Johnson's remarks. He had a feeling Johnson might be juiced after his performance a year ago.
Johnson finished 2005 with 97 receptions for 1,432 yards and nine touchdowns. His two catches for 22 yards against Bodden were season lows.
``Maybe because I stopped him a little bit last year he might come out trying to prove that really nobody can stop him,'' Bodden said. ``I have to prove that I can stop him. What I want to be in this league is basically a shut-down corner. I'm going to try to do that for 15 more weeks.''
Bodden, 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, is an undrafted free agent in his fourth year with the Browns. Johnson, who measures the same as Bodden, was a second-round pick, the 36th overall selection in 2001.
Bodden said any perceived rivalry is an invention of the media.
``I feel like it's some competitors out there,'' Bodden said. ``Chad Johnson is one of the best receivers in the league and I'm trying to be one of the best corners in the league. I've got to play good against the best.''
He showed a little swagger of his own.
``If I play my technique and play the way I'm capable of playing, nobody can beat me,'' Bodden said. ``I honestly feel that way.''
As good as last year's game looked on his resume, Bodden figured heavily in the Browns' loss. Johnson had one reception until the Bengals' final drive, when Bodden and safety Brian Russell collided. Bodden suffered a concussion, but stayed in and on the next play was flagged for defensive holding. Then on a third-down incompletion to Johnson, Bodden was called for illegal contact, giving Cincinnati a first down with 32 seconds left.
The Bengals won on Shayne Graham's 37-yard field goal as time expired.
``A few plays I didn't remember, but I saw it on film,'' Bodden said. ``I remember the penalties.''
Asked if he felt officials robbed the Browns, Bodden figured it could have gone either way -- a no-call or a flag.
``They gave it to Chad Johnson, a great receiver. I'm really a nobody, so they gave him a call,'' Bodden said.
Johnson insisted Wednesday he now knows Bodden's real name. He said he studied film on him and Baxter in the offseason.
Bodden said he was flattered when he first heard Johnson's comment and plans to talk to him before the game. He said he would definitely thank him for the publicity.
After signing a four-year, $10 million contract Dec. 30, Bodden figures he might even owe Johnson a bonus.
``I sure do,'' Bodden said. ``I'll tell him that when I see him.''
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Jurevicius to miss Cincinnati game

Browns' Frye better after taking pounding from Saints in opener

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Joe Jurevicius will not play this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals, but the Browns' Charlie Frye said he feels much better than he did after a battering ram of an opener.
Frye said the beating he took from the New Orleans Saints, including five sacks, was one of the worst of his short career.
How did he handle it?
``Just keep getting up,'' he said. ``You don't want to show the defense you're hurting.''
Frye said he was as much weary from running for his life as he was sore, but said he'd run again if it is needed.
As for whether one hit was worse than another, Frye said, ``No, they were all pretty good.''
Jurevicius will miss at least this week and perhaps more with a rib injury, though coach Romeo Crennel would not detail the exact injury except to say there were no broken ribs.
Crennel said Jurevicius' status will be evaluated week to week for ``rib-area damage.''
Presumably, this could be cartilage damage.
With Jurevicius out, Joshua Cribbs moves into the third receiver role, and rookie Travis Wilson probably will be active.
Two other players will miss the game in Cincinnati: Backup defensive tackle Nick Eason has a sprained ankle and backup tight end Darnell Dinkins has a hamstring injury.
Daylon McCutcheon was back on the practice field for the first time since arthroscopic surgery on his knee Aug. 1.
Crennel would not commit to playing McCutcheon until he sees him in practice this week.
McCutcheon is listed as questionable, along with Brian Russell, who played in the opener with stitches in his elbow.
No surrender
Kellen Winslow is not giving up on the season -- even if people outside the Browns are.
``We're 0-1,'' he said. ``(Fifteen) other teams are 0-1. A lot of good teams are 0-1. If they want to write us off or whatever, that's fine. It just puts more fuel in our fire.''
Winslow guaranteed the Browns would be a winning team, so a reporter asked whether he was guaranteeing a win this weekend against the host Bengals.
Winslow snickered.
``You want some bait?'' he said. ``I'll give you some bait. We gotta win. It's a must-win game.''
Brownies . . .
The Bengals had seven sacks in their opening-game win at Kansas City. ``They look pretty good, to tell you the truth,'' Crennel said of the Bengals' defensive line. ``I'm sorry to have to tell you that.''... Defensive end Justin Smith had three sacks.... With a victory Sunday, the Bengals would tie the all-time series with the Browns at 33-33.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

BROWNS INSIDER
Winslow believes Browns can run into an upset


Thursday, September 14, 2006

Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

The Browns are 10?-point underdogs Sunday against the Bengals, but tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. thinks the Browns can pull off an upset.
"If we can run the ball on them, we can definitely win the game," Winslow said. "It's a very winnable game. We just have to be a more physical unit."
Winslow, who led the team with eight catches for 63 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints, says it's too early for experts and fans to write off the Browns following their 19-14 loss in the opener.
"We will win [this season]," Winslow said. "I guarantee that. We will start winning around here. We've put in too much hard work not to win."
He said plenty of good teams are 0-1, including the Redskins and Chiefs.
"If they want to write us off, that's fine," he said. "It puts more fuel in our fire."
One reporter tried to goad Winslow into guaranteeing a win over the Bengals, but he didn't bite.
"You want some bait? I'll give you some bait," he said. "We've gotta win. It's a division game. It's a must-win game for us. The better team will win."
He said the whole team needs to pick it up a notch.
"We need a little more fire out there," he said. "We need a sense of urgency. Everybody needs to do a little better job than what they did on Sunday."
He also defended offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon. "We've got his back and he has ours," Winslow said. "It doesn't matter what [anyone] says."
Jurevicius out:
Joe Jurevicius will miss the game with what coach Romeo Crennel described as "rib-area damage." He said the ribs aren't broken, but declined to name the injury. Jurevicius watched practice Wednesday. Crennel said he has no "long-range forecast" on Jurevicius and that he'll evaluate him week to week. Early word was that he'll miss 4-6 weeks.
McCutcheon questionable:
Daylon McCutcheon participated in individual drills, but sat out team drills. "He's making progress, but he's not where he needs to be," Crennel said. "His experience would be valuable to us." Brian Russell (elbow) sat out Wednesday to protect his stitches and is questionable. Nick Eason (ankle) and Darnell Dinkins (hamstring) are out.
Wilson steps up:
Third-round pick Travis Wilson is excited about his promotion to No. 4 receiver now that Jurevicius is out. Josh Cribbs is No. 3. "I don't want to go half-stepping at any point," Wilson said. "I'll be going full speed."
He said he let the team down by being made inactive last week. "It's a feeling no one can understand," he said. "It was very stressful. It just makes me more hungry."
Holly back:
Cornerback Daven Holly is grateful to be back after serving a one-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Holly was charged in March in Chicago with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and not having a Firearms Owner Identification Card when a passenger in his car fired some shots. "I took care of it and it's behind me," he said.
Run game:
At a Massillon Touchdown Club event on Tuesday, Phil Savage offered his thoughts on the Browns' lack of a running game against the Saints. In a story in Wednesday's Canton Repository, Savage was quoted as saying: "We never came off on the line as a cohesive group and powered the ball at the Saints," he said. "Unfortunately, we opted to do other things, and we were exposed." . . . Crennel said he didn't tell Carthon to stick with the running game last week, but might do so this week.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4670

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Browns enter week two without offensive identity

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Friday, September 15, 2006

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BEREA, Ohio ? The Cleveland Browns are in search of many things as they prepare for their game Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals ? their first win, confidence, an offensive identity.
Do the Browns consider themselves a run-first team in the mold of the Pittsburgh Steelers or a pass-first team like the Indianapolis Colts?
Browns players say they believe they can be a powerrun team.
"It?s always been my philosophy to pound the (football), tire the defense and take their edge off," guard Cosey Coleman said. "Any time you get the running game going, they have to drop the safeties down to support the box."
But for now Cleveland doesn?t quite fit into any offensive category. With the line lacking continuity, Cleveland (0-1) struggled to produce in a 19-14 opening loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Reuben Droughns, a 1,232-yard rusher last season, had just 11 carries for 27 yards. Braylon Edwards, one of the team?s leading receivers last season before he suffered a knee injury, was limited to two catches for 23 yards.
Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. had the best day on offense, with eight receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown in his first action in two seasons.
"We are searching for a victory and how we can get it," coach Romeo Crennel said. "If that means throwing the ball to Kellen 88 times in the game, that?s what it will be. If it?s throwing the ball to Edwards or giving the ball to Reuben, that?s what it will be. We have to figure out exactly what it is."
Some of the play calling by offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon was questionable. There were two third-and-1 plays in which Droughns was replaced by rookie fullback Lawrence Vickers, who failed to covert two toss plays trying to beat the Saints to the outside.
"Let?s us run a play where I hit somebody and Reuben runs the ball, because that?s what we are, a running offense and play-action pass offense," fullback Terrelle Smith said. "Let?s just go out there and hit them in the mouth whether we get a yard or not."
Droughns said it?s not his style to demand more carries, but it?s apparent that it is bothering him. Quarterback Charlie Frye (44) had more yards scrambling than Droughns (27) had rushing.
"That?s kind of sad, wasn?t it?" Droughns said.
The Browns hope to get more clarity of who their go-to players will be.
"Sometimes you have to go with the horse that brought you," Crennel said. "If that horse isn?t getting things done, you try another horse. Kellen had some production. If everyone else can have some production, we can ride those horses."
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

BROWNS NOTEBOOK
Winslow: It?s already ?must-win? time

Friday, September 15, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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BEREA, Ohio ? Can the second game of the season be a must-win situation?
Some in the Browns? locker room believe that?s the case.
Cleveland (0-1) enters this week as a 10 1 /2-point underdog against the Cincinnati Bengals (1-0). The Browns are talking about showing a sense of urgency they lacked in the season-opening loss to the New Orleans Saints.
"This is a must-win for us, for our confidence, and it?s a division game," Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. said. "We need to show some more fire out there, and we need to make some plays to take Cincinnati?s crowd out of it."
Coach Romeo Crennel doesn?t want to panic.
"I think it?s too early in the season to say ?It?s a must-win game,? " Crennel said. "It?s still a long season to go. It?s a marathon. It?s not a sprint. We need to go down there and play good and play error free."
Run over

The Browns believe their run defense will be much improved this season, but the first-game numbers didn?t reflect that.
Cleveland gave up 150 rushing yards to New Orleans. Both Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister averaged more than 4 yards per carry.
The Browns were 30 th in the NFL in run defense last year. After week one, they?re 27 th.
"We didn?t tackle very well and we let them get too much push after the initial hit was made," linebacker Willie McGinest said. "We just got to work on it. It?s just a mentality when you?re playing the run."
Injury report

Cornerback Daylon McCutcheon (knee) is questionable but has practiced this week. He has a good shot at returning as the third cornerback, which will be critical against Cincinnati?s air attack.
Reserve defensive tackle Nick Eason is doubtful because of a sprained ankle and reserve tight end Darnell Dinkins is out because of a bad hamstring. Starting safety Brian Russell (elbow) is listed as questionable but likely will play.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Kellen Winslow Jr . impressed Browns officials during the season opener against New Orleans with more than his on-field production. Although Winslow?s eight catches for 63 yards was as much as anyone could have hoped for the young tight end, insiders say the way he cheered for his teammates, both on offense and defense, and kept his head in the game was almost as important to team officials.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Notebook

Andra Davis feels frustration

Browns linebacker says season has to get better after ugly loss to Saints

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

BEREA - Wondering where the hope is for the Browns after that dismal loss in the season opener?
Andra Davis has it.
``We're at the bottom,'' he said. ``It can't get any worse. It's got to get better.''
This comes from one of the team's captains, a guy so frustrated and angry he barely could talk Friday.
``You tell the fans that however bad they feel, we feel 10 times worse,'' Davis said.
For the first time all week, some of the emotions of playing poorly against the Saints started to seep out. Until Friday, players largely had depended on the same old statements. Friday, they talked as if they were mad and they said the week of practice showed it.
``It was one of the toughest weeks I've been around,'' offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer said.
``We needed it,'' Davis said.
``We worked hard,'' fullback Terrelle Smith said, ``because we need it.''
The attitude started from the top.
Though coach Romeo Crennel was polite all week, he seemed to be quietly seething.
So he had the team practice all week in full pads -- a rare occurrence during an NFL season, and a clear message to the players.
``It was real physical,'' Davis said. ``They said we were going to concentrate on running the ball and stopping the run, and we did that this week.''
Shaffer attributed the week's work to the hangover from the loss to the Saints, a feeling he said nobody enjoyed.
``Everybody is ready for a change, ready to do something different,'' he said.
``We want to make a statement this week,'' running back Reuben Droughns said.
``We take too much pride in ourselves to play the way we played,'' Davis said.
He did not like hearing that fans wonder how a game like the opener can happen -- ``We're not working all year trying to lose,'' Davis said -- but he sounded as upset as any fan.
``I can understand their frustration because I'm frustrated,'' he said. ``This is my fifth year and since my first year we haven't won.
``I don't even know if we've won back-to-back games.''
Told that hadn't happened since October 2003, Davis shook his head.
``That's terrible.''
A man named Smith
Shaffer knows he will have a challenge this weekend.
Justin Smith, the Bengals' best defensive lineman, will be across from him.
Smith had three sacks in the Bengals' season-opening win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
``He's a hustle player,'' Shaffer said. ``He runs around; he doesn't stop. Got a great motor. A couple of (the sacks) came from him not giving up.''
A day earlier, Smith had heard the same comment about having a ``great motor.''
``That's how they describe every white guy,'' Smith said.
OK, then.
Shaffer knows he did not have a great game in the opener. His holding penalty negated a first-play touchdown pass.
``I'm definitely looking forward to redeeming myself a little bit,'' he said.
Shaffer was facing Will Smith, a speed rusher.
The rap against Shaffer is that he struggled against speed rushers.
``He's more of a power guy,'' Shaffer said of Smith. ``More of an into-you guy, in your pads. Not as much a run-around-you'' guy.
On the lineup
Crennel downgraded cornerback Daylon McCutcheon to doubtful, meaning McCutcheon will not face the Bengals.
``He wasn't moving very well,'' Crennel said. ``He wasn't moving as well as I thought he needs to move or should move.''
Rookie D'Qwell Jackson will start at inside linebacker, but Crennel said Chaun Thompson would get time as well.
``I don't know how much it will be,'' Crennel said, ``but as the game unfolds, that will determine that.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Droughns deserves vote of confidence

By Tom Reed

• Crennel suggests Winslow zip lip
• NFL notebook: Prosecutors suspect Foley was on steroids
• Droughns deserves vote of confidence

BEREA - In the spirit of the upcoming midterm elections, Reuben Droughns wants to run again.
He has the qualifications, the requisite past performance and endorsement of most fans.
So why is the incumbent being treated like a write-in candidate within his own party?
The Browns' coaching staff needs to show its only proven offensive performer from a season ago a bit more respect.
Droughns earned just 11 carries for 27 yards in the Browns' wretched 19-14 season-opening loss to the New Orleans Saints. He was sidelined twice on failed third-and-one conversion attempts in favor of rookie fullback Lawrence Vickers.
The play-calling of offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon was baffling. The day-after explanation from coach Romeo Crennel was nearly as puzzling.
``I'm not sure how many carries (Droughns) had in the first half (six), but I don't think he set the world on fire with those carries,'' Crennel said Monday.
If the Browns want fire-starters, perhaps they should have drafted Mrs. O'Leary's cow. If keeping quarterback Charlie Frye in one piece Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals is a goal, they ought to make better use of Droughns. Sacked five times and stalked all afternoon by the Saints, Frye required an IV to treat his dehydration. He might need a priest this week.
Did you see the wallop Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers administered to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green last Sunday? The Bengals registered seven sacks in a 23-10 win at Kansas City. If their defensive line applies any more gale force, the World Meteorological Organization might have to name it.
How do you slow a fierce pass rush? Running a muscular 215-pound back with almost 2,500 yards the past two seasons seems like a good starting point.
Droughns wouldn't be any fantasy leaguer's first pick -- not with nine career touchdowns in seven seasons -- but he runs hard and commands the respect of teammates. On a franchise that hadn't boasted a 1,000-yard rusher since 1985, his 1,232-yard effort was more than noteworthy.
So why is it Droughns always has to prove himself to Carthon? Even in a 2005 season that saw Droughns set a team record with 309 attempts, he went nine weeks before getting more than 22 carries in a game.
``You have to prove yourself every year when you play football,'' said Droughns, quoting the party line. ``Some guys fall off, some guys don't. I feel I have to prove that I earned this (three-year contract extension).''
Droughns joked Thursday about the fact that Frye led the team in rushing Sunday.
Carthon called the game as if the Browns trailed by three touchdowns at halftime. Even Frye found it peculiar his team abandoned the run while never down by more than nine points. The offensive line's trouble in pass blocking often forced receivers to break off routes.
Crennel conceded Wednesday that the Browns might have gone away from the run too soon. The coach understandably is protecting an embattled Carthon, but he must know a few more third-down fullback sweeps could get everyone called into the principal's office.
Asked Thursday about his ideal number of carries, Droughns responded: ``It's uncapped.''
If you watched the Minnesota Vikings' 19-16 comeback win over the Washington Redskins on Monday night, you saw a coaching staff commit to the rushing attack. Chester Taylor gained just 88 yards, but his 31 carries wore down the Redskins in the fourth quarter.
``With the weather we get in November and December, it will behoove us to run the football,'' Crennel said.
If the Browns don't rush more effectively in September and October, nobody will be watching in the latter months.
This doesn't mean they have to run at the expense of throwing the ball to Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards. Winslow said a dependable ground game will open up the passing lanes.
The Saints' Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush combined for 36 carries and Drew Brees still managed 31 passes -- four more than a dehydrated Frye.
Run with a purpose or have your quarterback run for his life? The choice seems logical.
Not that the Browns will make logic a running mate for Droughns.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Browns notebook

Crennel suggests Winslow zip lip

Coach advises letting Bodden speak for self

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

• Crennel suggests Winslow zip lip
• NFL notebook: Prosecutors suspect Foley was on steroids
• Droughns deserves vote of confidence

BEREA - Kellen Winslow has this habit of making national news by making remarks in the most innocuous tone of voice.
Wednesday, Winslow made the remark that Chad Johnson was a talented receiver but Leigh Bodden would ``shut him down.''
``He's the best corner in the league,'' Winslow said.
He did not make the statement with an edge, nor was he screaming or ranting or raving. He merely said it.
The statement on paper, though, comes out a little differently -- so Winslow's remark was national news.
His coach addressed the issue with Winslow on Thursday.
``I told him that I didn't think he should speak for Leigh Bodden,'' Romeo Crennel said. ``He should let Leigh Bodden speak for himself in that situation.''
Crennel said the Browns know Winslow's personality. ``He's a fiery guy, and he's a competitor,'' Crennel said. ``I don't think that he can play defensive back, and I don't know what his abilities would be at that position.''
Crennel did say at the end of his news conference that ``maybe'' one guy played well against New Orleans, and that one guy was Winslow.
Legends named
Doug Dieken, Earnest Byner, Jim Houston and Walt Michaels were named to the 2006 class of Cleveland Browns legends.
Michaels was a key linebacker for the Browns' defense from 1952-61. He intercepted 11 passes and was a part of five NFL championship teams.
Houston appeared in four Pro Bowls in the 1960s, and was a key contributor on the 1964 championship team.
Dieken was the team's starting left tackle for 14 years. He played in 194 games in a row, and 203 total as a Brown -- third in team history.
Byner joined Kevin Mack in topping the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 1985. That was the last 1,000-yard season for a Browns back prior to last year.
The four were selected in a vote of fans and a 10-member legends panel. They will be honored during the Nov. 26 home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Slowing the rush
The Bengals had seven sacks in their opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Logic might say that the best way to slow the rush is to run the ball.
``You could say that,'' Reuben Droughns said.
``That's always been my philosophy,'' guard Cosey Coleman said. ``Pound that rock. Get the defense to take the edge off.''
``If you run the ball, it opens up everything,'' tackle Ryan Tucker said. ``I've only been on one team that could throw the ball 70 times a game and run 10 and still win.''
But even that team, the St. Louis Rams, had an outstanding back in Marshall Faulk.
What's the Bengals' pass-rush secret?
``They bring it, that's what they do,'' Tucker said.
Tucker called Justin Smith (three sacks) one of the better all-around defensive ends, and he said tackle Sam Adams is exceptionally quick off the ball.
Injury report
Crennel did not sound optimistic that cornerback Daylon McCutcheon would return Sunday.
``He did a little bit (Wednesday) early in practice,'' Crennel said. ``He is making slow progress.''
McCutcheon, who had arthroscopic knee surgery on Aug. 1, wants to play but might not be able to.
That would again make Ralph Brown the third cornerback, behind Leigh Bodden and Gary Baxter.
Terrific trio
The Bengals have an outstanding trio of receivers in Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chris Henry.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Droughns can't feature drone role

Runner still wants to be the main man in the Browns' backfield

Friday, September 15, 2006

Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter

Reuben Droughns answered before the question could be completed.
"If it's third-and-1 in Cincinnati," someone began to ask.
"I would love to be in," Droughns interjected. "I would love to be in. But you never know. Coaches have different ideas."
The removal of Droughns on short-yardage plays against New Orleans is one of the great mysteries of the young Browns season. Falling a close second is the fact Droughns had only 11 carries against the Saints.
Droughns finished the game with 27 yards - 17 fewer than quarterback Charlie Frye.
"That was kind of sad, wasn't it?" Droughns said Thursday.
It amounted to Droughns' lowest rushing total in 17 games with the Browns. Certainly not what he envisioned following his 1,232-yard first season in Cleveland.
Establishing himself as a featured ball-carrier outside the running-back-friendly Denver offensive system was important to Droughns last year.
He became the first Cleveland back to topple 1,000 yards in 20 years. The club rewarded him with a $12 million contract in March.
The big payday did not make Droughns lazy and content.
Rather, it motivated him to have a better year. He has talked of reaching 1,500 yards.
?You have to prove something every year when you play football,? he said. ?Some guys fall off, some guys don?t. I feel I have to prove that I deserve this contract.?
Since last season ended, the Browns talked of complementing Droughns with a change-of-pace back. They drafted Jerome Harrison in the fifth round and showcased him in the preseason.
What nobody fathomed was that yet another rookie back, sixth-round pick Lawrence Vickers, would be featured as a short-yardage runner. Vickers was stopped cold on two third-and-1 attempts in the New Orleans game.
?I knew the ball was going to be spread around a little more,? Droughns said. ?I knew we would use different guys in different packages. I hope we can spread the ball around a little bit but use me a little more.?
With no running game to speak of against the Saints, Frye scrambled six times and was sacked five times. Everyone knows the philosophy of the offense must change for the Browns to have a chance Sunday against the heavily favored Cincinnati Bengals. It was General Manager Phil Savage who said the offense will be built around Frye, not through him.
?I think Reuben?s obviously going to get the ball a lot more,? Frye said. ?He?s a great back. I think when we?re able to run the ball, it makes my job a lot easier. They can?t focus on just one thing. When we?re balanced, hitting the run and the play-action, I think that?s when we?re at our best.?
Guard Cosey Coleman agreed that there must be an emphasis this week on running the ball.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

BROWNS INSIDER
QB's slide rule doesn't measure up for Frye


Friday, September 15, 2006

Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer reporter

The Browns' leading rusher says he'll keep running if the team needs a spark and he won't give up yards by sliding.
The only problem with that mentality is it's a quarterback talking, not a running back.
"I don't go into the game saying I want to run," Charlie Frye said. "But sometimes the tempo of the game, when things aren't going very well, sometimes you've got to do things that spark the team or have a 'do whatever it takes mentality.' That's the mentality I have."
Frye wasn't harmed during any of his six runs for 44 yards against New Orleans. But quarterback safety is back in the news after Kansas City's Trent Green suffered a concussion when hit during a slide.
Cincinnati's Robert Geathers wasn't fined for the hit because he was blocked and couldn't avoid hitting Green.
The NFL emphasized to clubs on Wednesday that a defender must avoid contact when a quarterback slides feet first. The rule also requires a quarterback to begin his slide before contact is imminent.
Frye said Green's injury is the reason he doesn't like to slide.
"Unless a linebacker's coming full speed, I'm not going to hit the deck," he said. "That's kind of like a give-up play. I'm not saying Trent gave up. But that's my mentality, the way I approach things."
Browns coach Romeo Crennel said he doesn't feel the need to instruct Frye on the art of the quarterback slide.
"I think Charlie is smart enough to know that he needs to protect himself when he can, and he'll slide when he has to," Crennel said.
Bodden-Johnson revisited:
Crennel said he was not happy to hear tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. predict that cornerback Leigh Bodden would "shut down" Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson in Sunday's game.
"I told him that I didn't think he should speak for Leigh Bodden," Crennel said. "He should let Leigh Bodden speak for himself in that situation."
Bentley update:
Center LeCharles Bentley's rehabilitation from knee surgery on July 28 is proceeding slowly. The center still is walking with crutches.
"We want to give him some time on that knee," Crennel said. "It's one of those things where we want him to stay off of it and give it a chance to heal. LeCharles is an aggressive kind of guy. If he thinks he can walk, then he thinks he can run. We want him to be slower with [the injury] than he wants to be."
Don't worry, be happy:
The Browns don't believe the sky is falling after losing the opener to New Orleans. Although some players termed Sunday's game in Cincinnati a "must-win," others are cautious about exaggerating the importance of the second game of a long season.
"Just be relaxed, be calm," said receiver Braylon Edwards. "Don't let [the loss] get us down. That's what I keep preaching. Be calm."
Said linebacker Willie McGinest: "I'm not in the panic mode. We just have to play better."
Legends of their time:
Linebacker Walt Michaels, defensive end/linebacker Jim Houston, offensive tackle Doug Dieken and running back Earnest Byner are the newest members of the Browns Legends, the club announced.
The players were selected in voting by a panel of 10 media members and fans on the Browns' official Web site
The new inductees will be honored at the Nov. 26 game against the Bengals as part of the Browns' annual alumni weekend. The Browns Legends was created in 2001 to honor former players who've made a major impact on the franchise.
Brownie bits:
Cornerback Daylon McCutcheon (knee), who has been out since knee surgery on Aug. 1, was downgraded to doubtful for Sunday. . . . The Browns re-signed defensive lineman Jovan Haye to their practice squad and released Kendrick Mosley.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4670

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Cincy

Frye follows Kosar's footsteps

BY KEVIN KELLY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

A poster of Bernie Kosar still hangs on the bedroom wall where David and Sally Frye's youngest son put it so many years ago.
Charlie Frye grew up a Browns fan and idolized the quarterback who three times helped the team reach the AFC Championship game.
"Bernie was a great player," Frye said. "He was a smart player."
The kid from tiny Willard, Ohio and the University of Akron grew up to become a quarterback talented enough that the Browns feel confident relying on and whom Kosar has befriended.
"He provides a lot of knowledge," Frye said of Kosar. "He answers any questions I might have ... (about) living in Cleveland, growing up in Cleveland, knowing the tradition and ... just how valuable your time is and most of the time should be spent on football. He's been a big help in that respect."
Frye took over for Trent Dilfer and, as a rookie, started the Browns' final five games last season and went 2-3.
In seven games overall, he completed 98 of 164 passes for 1,002 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions, was sacked 22 times and had a 72.8 quarterback rating.
"I took a lot of things from Trent," Frye said. "About how he prepared for the game. Watching film. He helped me out a lot. I can't thank Trent enough for the things he did for me."
Cleveland committed to Frye, its third-round draft pick last year, when it traded Dilfer to the San Francisco 49ers in May for backup Ken Dorsey.
"That position is the leader of the offense and has a leadership role on the team," Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. "If you can say who that is going to be then I think the team has an opportunity to rally around that guy and begin to follow his leadership."
Frye is one of nine quarterbacks since 1999 to start a game for Cleveland.
His second career start came in a 23-20 loss against the Bengals on Dec. 11 at Paul Brown Stadium. Frye completed 16-of-24 passes for 138 yards with one touchdown pass and an interception, and also rushed for 14 yards on four carries and scored one touchdown.
"I feel more comfortable about the offense after going through the whole offseason as the starter and getting all the reps," Frye said. "And (I'm) just more comfortable being under center.
"A lot of things have happened since then. We've made a lot of changes on offense. A lot of different guys are here."
At the center position, in particular. Veteran Hank Fraley, acquired from the Eagles on Sept. 2, is the sixth different center Frye has worked with since last season ended.
"Hank is doing a good job," Frye said. "He's a veteran guy that helped Donovan (McNabb) out when he was younger. ... I'm pretty comfortable with Hank."
In a 19-14 loss against the Saints on Sunday, Frye became the fourth different quarterback to start a Browns season opener in as many years.
Cleveland gained 283 of its 339 total net yards in the second half and Frye was sacked five times.
"Charlie is a very confident individual and he handled the situation well," Crennel said. "Even though he had to run more than he wanted to run, when he did run he was able to make some plays, keep the offense alive and move the chains.
"We're going to have to try to do what we can to help him a little bit more so that he doesn't have to carry the whole load on his shoulders."
Frye's 44 yards rushing on six carries led the Browns on Sunday. His 1-yard touchdown run and 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Winslow accounted for the Browns' only touchdowns during the game.
"He's one of those Ben Roethlisberger types," Bengals linebacker David Pollack said. "They find a way to get away from people and make plays with their feet as well as their arms.
"He's definitely going to be a challenge. We've got to make sure he's bottled up."
E-mail [email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

View from Pluto

BUCK STOPS WITH COACH On play calling, offensive coordinator Carthon is on the spot, but Crennel's on bottom line for success of Browns

By Terry Pluto

Let's start with this: Romeo Crennel is the coach, so if the play calling of offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon remains disjointed and strange, the fault is with Crennel. He has worked with Carthon for more than a year. The coordinator calls the plays, but the coach should have his fingerprints on the game plan, giving a general direction to his coordinator.
? Yes, Carthon is on the spot today when the Browns play in Cincinnati, but so is Crennel. They have worked on the same coaching staffs in New England. They know each other well. It's up to Crennel to make it known exactly what kind of offense he wants from the Browns.
? One of the reasons the Browns lost to the New Orleans Saints 19-14 in Week 1 was a decision by the Saints to keep it simple. They knew they had two terrific offensive players: Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush. They had 71 plays. Fourteen were incomplete passes. In the remaining 57 plays, the two running backs touched the ball 44 times. The Saints didn't get tricky. If they were going to lose to the Browns, they planned to lose with their best players having the most opportunities.
? You probably know where this is going, given the strange offensive approach used by the Browns in the same game. It's like the Browns did not think about who should have the ball. There is no excuse for this. Everyone knows Reuben Droughns gained more than 1,200 yards in each of the past two years. It's no secret that Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards are the most gifted receivers.
? But the Browns used three packages: (1) The first was with Droughns, Winslow and Edwards together; (2) In third-and-short situations, Droughns and Edwards disappeared. The Browns went with two tight ends and two fullbacks (Terrelle Smith and Lawrence Vickers); (3) In third-and-long, Droughns was out, and rookie Jerome Harrison was the back.
? Let's help Carthon simplify: Only two guys should run the ball: mostly Droughns, occasionally Harrison. Every time you give the ball to Vickers, Smith or someone else, you waste an opportunity for your two top runners to carry the ball. OK, you can run a reverse with Dennis Northcutt, or even better, Joshua Cribbs. But don't get too complicated until you figure out the basics.
? Maybe Carthon forgot that in his first three years as an NFL starter, Droughns was a blocking fullback in Detroit and Denver. In those three years, he carried the ball a total of 40 times. You want a fullback to carry the ball in short-yardage situations? That should be Droughns, your current tailback.
? Winslow was impressive with eight catches, and he's the only receiver who showed chemistry with Charlie Frye. Hard to know how many of those receptions came from set plays, and how many were desperate tosses from a rushed Frye to a tight end smart enough to get himself open for his quarterback under duress. But Winslow did, and give him credit.
? The Browns were even happier about Winslow this week, because he took a lot of hard hits in that game and came through it with no physical problems. It had been nearly two years since he played in a regular-season game. Given that, it was a remarkable performance.
? With Joe Jurevicius (rib injury) out, look for the Browns to use Winslow as a wide receiver at times, with Steve Heiden at tight end. Winslow is quick enough to get open against most defensive backs, and Heiden is a reliable receiver.
? The Browns gave Frye decent marks for his performance. One interception was clearly his fault, the other was on Edwards. Frye did have a fumble, but he was under tremendous defensive pressure. The coaches expect more pressure today in Cincinnati, where the Bengals are coming off a seven-sack performance in a 23-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
? Most NFL defensive coordinators know if you stop the run early, teams will throw and throw and throw -- especially in the second half. In essence, they will stop their own running game.
? Bengals coach Marvin Lewis understands this, especially when facing the Browns. Last year, he kept giving the ball to Rudi Johnson, who had 26 carries for 126 yards in one game, then 30 carries for 169 yards in another vs. the Browns. He opened this season with 96 yards on 28 carries as the Bengals beat the Chiefs.
? Left tackle Kevin Shaffer had the worst penalty of the day, a holding call on what would have been a 74-yard touchdown pass to Edwards. But it was left guard Joe Andruzzi who struggled the most. He gave up two of the three sacks to the Saints' Brian Young. Overall, it was not a great day for the left side of the line.
? Here's what the Browns won't tell you: Within a week of camp, rookie D'Qwell Jackson had beaten out Chaun Thompson as the inside linebacker. It wasn't even close. The rookie from Maryland is a natural at the position, as he showed with 10 tackles Sunday.
? So why the did Browns insist the competition was close? (1) To make the rookie earn the job. (2) To keep Thompson interested. He's a sincere, hard-working young man, and they didn't want to break his spirit by just handing the job to a rookie. (3) The Browns were trying to keep his trade value up by giving him preseason exposure.
? Thompson is in his fourth season and has been relegated to special teams -- at least, in the current 3-4 defense.
? The Browns noticed how the Saints ran plays into the heart of the line when massive defensive tackle Ted Washington was on the bench. He was replaced by Ethan Kelly, who is an OK backup. The Bengals could run a lot of no-huddle plays to try to wear out the 38-year-old Washington, or even keep him off the field.