Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

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Droughns is 'in dark' about his role
Jeff Schudel, [email protected]
11/30/2006

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Reuben Droughns, who last year became the Browns' first 1,000-yard rusher in 20 years, is now having difficulty getting into a game.
"I don't know what's going on," Droughns said Wednesday. "I'm kind of in the dark right now. At the same time, they have some younger guys they trust in. It's one of those situations you have to understand the moves they're trying to make."
Droughns missed the game against the Steelers with a foot injury. He was healthy enough to play last week but Jason Wright started for the second straight game. Droughns carried the ball only twice, gaining 4 yards. Wright had a team-high five carries for 12 yards.
Droughns said he has been given no explanation. Usually when an injured player returns he gets his job back, especially if he misses only one game.
Wright started against the Steelers and rushed for 74 yards on 18 carries. His 4.1 yards-per-carry average was higher than what Droughns has produced in any game this season.
Droughns, with 476 yards on 155 carries, is averaging 3.1 yards an attempt. He averaged 4 yards a carry last year.
Droughns is listed as questionable with the foot problem on the injury report this week.
Edwards, always Edwards
No player over the last two weeks has drawn more attention for what he does off the field than Braylon Edwards. The latest is the revelation that he chartered a helicopter to fly him to Columbus on Nov. 18 for the game between Ohio State and Michigan. Edwards did not break any rules - until he showed up late for the 8 p.m. team meeting that night in the team hotel. The Browns played the Steelers the next day.
Edwards was undoubtedly fined, but Coach Romeo Crennel would not reveal the damages. The most he could have been fined, as spelled out in the collective-bargaining agreement, is $5,000.
Edwards was free to go because the time between noon Saturday and the 8 p.m. meeting belongs to the players. Crennel made it clear, though, he was very unhappy.
"We had a major game to play that week and we put a lot of effort into it," Crennel said. "It takes energy to go somewhere else. I tell the players to get their rest because Friday is really the last practice day we have. I talk to those guys about getting their rest from Friday to Sunday so they can be as rested as they can.
"I can't hold everybody's hand. I talked to them about not using energy on unnecessary things. It's stressful to fly down to the game and possibly not get back on time. It takes energy away from the job you have to do on Sunday. With that being said, he did a pretty good job that week."
Edwards caught seven passes for 137 yards against the Steelers.
"Just like anything, you start with a plan and the plan is supposed to go one way, and a lot of times they don't end up going the way you'd like," Edwards said. "I got to the Ohio State game on time. I left on time. But something happened when I got to the airport. But there's no excuse. I was late, so that's that. I took a shot. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I was off by a little bit, so I apologize."
Edwards said he was two minutes late to the meeting.
Tucker wants to return
Crennel said Ryan Tucker wants to resume his football career this season. Tucker was put on the non-football illness list Tuesday after suffering a relapse of an undisclosed problem that forced him to miss games against the Jets and Chargers. Tucker started against the Bengals and fell ill at halftime.
"We hate to lose Ryan because he's been a good football player for us," Crennel said. "We do want what's best for him and his family. We'll support him and his recovery.
"I spoke with Ryan, and he wants to play football. If the recovery goes well, he'll have an opportunity to do that. Because of the privacy and legal concerns, I cannot comment or talk about the illness itself."
A statement regarding Tucker's condition will be released soon, Crennel said.
Minter a no-go
Rookie cornerback DeMario Minter will remain on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Minter started training camp on the PUP list because of knee surgery in June. He practiced for the last three weeks while the Browns decided whether he was healthy enough to play.
Cornerback Leigh Bodden was restricted in practice Wednesday but might try to work today, Crennel said.
Defensive end Orpheus Roye is doubtful with a knee injury.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Don't cut coach during season

By Terry Pluto

Paul Tople/Akron Beacon Journal
Browns coach Romeo Crennel (left) watches the on-field action during a home game. He faces criticism over the team's dicipline.

• Audio | Phil Savage on the State of the Browns (MP3)
• Audio | Romeo Crennel deals with controversies (MP3)
• Browns' Savage supports Crennel
• NFL report: Bengals take bite out of Ravens

BEREA - It's never good when a coach receives a vote of confidence, but it makes no sense for the Browns to fire Romeo Crennel during the season.
The last thing the Browns need is an interim coach.
Northeast Ohio sports fans should have seen enough coaches fired during a season to know that it rarely works. Remember Terry Robiskie after Butch Davis quit/was fired with five games left in 2004? The Browns responded by finishing that season 1-4 and were outscored 124-51.
The Cavaliers fired Paul Silas with 18 games remaining in 2004-2005. They were 8-10
with Brendan Malone.
When a coach is canned
during a season, many fans
think, ``Great, that will shake them up.''
The players look at the interim coach and think, ``substitute teacher.''
The Browns are 3-8. They have a battered offensive line, a depleted secondary, an offense that hasn't scored a touchdown in 10 quarters and a wide receiver whose mouth has helped light the fire that has landed Crennel on the hot seat.
You'd hate to wish that team on your worst enemy because nothing can be done during this season to make a major impact. The best Crennel can do is to restore some order on the sideline, and keep his players from arguing and his quarterback out of the hospital.
At Thursday's press conference, General Manager Phil Savage implied he wanted ``continuity'' and that he and Crennel ``were in this together.'' He essentially, and wisely, said Crennel would finish the season.
Crennel is the Browns' fourth coach in eight years. Firings aren't always the answer, but Crennel has been at the crossroads of his head coaching career since early in the season when it was clear offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon had lost the support of many in the organization, especially the players under him.
The coach refused to acknowledge the obvious. No matter how they spin it -- remember, Carthon officially ``resigned'' -- the front office stepped in and persuaded Crennel to replace his friend.
At Thursday's news conference, Savage stressed that the Browns were under control, that they have had relatively few problems -- compared with most teams.
That's true.
They've had a lot of trouble with one guy who just so happened to be Savage's top pick in the 2005 draft. Braylon Edwards had an adventure-filled eight days in which he:
? Hired a helicopter to fly to and from the Ohio State/Michigan game, and then was a few minutes late for a team meeting the night before the Browns/Pittsburgh Steelers game.
? Ripped defensive back and teammate Brian Russell.
? Ripped offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson.
? Ripped into the offensive line during the 30-0 loss to Cincinnati, while at the same time seeming ready to rip Charlie Frye's jersey to make a point.
Through it all, Crennel has been stoic.
Whatever the coach did after Edwards was warned by veteran players not to take that helicopter trip to Columbus for the game because he could miss a meeting -- well, Edwards ignored it.
He started the next day against the Steelers.
Then he just kept disrespecting his coach with some of the silly things he did all week.
Savage and Crennel insist the discipline is being handled internally, but all the fans see is Edwards starting on the field and talking far too much away from it.
Maybe he will sit this weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs. If so, why not say it? People will notice come Sunday. Right now, there's a sense Edwards will not suffer any serious consequences, and that Crennel is being too lenient.
A few fans have defended Edwards' actions by saying that at least he cares enough to call out the offensive line. He has not been around long enough or produced much in his 21 pro games to have any real respect from his teammates.
Crennel should say that, too. He also should have announced a benching for the Kansas City game. Perhaps that would grab Edwards' attention.
The Browns need a way to reach this 23-year-old, who possesses the talent to be a star.
This much is certain: Crennel's approach to Edwards until now has not worked -- except to put his own future in jeopardy.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Browns' Savage supports Crennel

GM says team owner and players back coach

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

BEREA - Phil Savage walked into Romeo Crennel's office Thursday morning and gave the Browns coach a message: I'm going to try to put an end to all this.
``This'' referred to questions and talk from outside the team that Crennel's job is in danger.
At a morning news conference, Savage strongly backed the team's coach.
``Romeo has the total support of Randy Lerner and myself,'' Savage said.
He continued by saying Crennel has his support ``in the next five games, in the upcoming offseason and next year.''
In one sense, the impassioned defense was not necessary. The only questions about Crennel's future came from outside the team.
But one of Savage's duties as general manager is to critique the coach, and if a change is ever made, Savage would be the one to do it.
That being said, a change is not imminent.
``It's really not fair to him (Crennel),'' Savage said of the talk. ``It's ridiculous. It's utterly ridiculous.''
Savage also reiterated Crennel's statements that discipline with Braylon Edwards had been handled within the team and would not be made public.
``I'm completely satisfied that it's been handled by Romeo, other staff members and I think it has been put to rest,'' Savage said.
Savage did not approve of Edwards' actions on the sidelines in Sunday's loss to Cincinnati, but he was not unhappy that Edwards was upset about the way the Browns were getting beat.
``Braylon has great talent,'' Savage said. ``The challenge for him is to channel that ability to be a great player and teammate.''
Savage also did his best to debunk other reports:
? He said a report that the next two games against Kansas City and Pittsburgh would determine Crennel's future was ``ludicrous.''
He called this time of the football season the ``silly season,'' the time when speculation runs rampant, and emphasized the team respects Crennel.
Crennel said he appreciated the remarks but understood the reality of the NFL.
``It should be the end of the whole story,'' he said. ``But from what I've learned in my tenure in the NFL, I know it probably will not be the end of the story.''
? Savage said reports that he wants to give up some of his GM duties next season and concentrate solely on personnel are ``absolutely, totally false.''
? Of reports that Savage wants out of Cleveland after this season, he said: ``I'd like to squelch that one, too. I'm not going anywhere.''
Savage stressed that though the team has struggled this year, Crennel has the trust and respect of the players.
``They believe in him,'' Savage said.
He ended by saying the Browns need to maintain some sense of continuity.
``That is our only chance,'' he said, ``to stay the course.''
Savage touched on other elements of the team, including:
? Tackle Ryan Tucker may release a statement today about the illness that has sidelined him for the rest of the season. Savage said the problems go back to May.
``Our concern is for him to get better, to get his life back,'' Savage said.
? He insisted that Edwards will ``get it'' after the past week's episodes.
``When does anybody `get it?' '' Savage said. ``We were having these same conversations to a lesser degree in regards to Kellen Winslow five or six weeks ago. He seems to have turned the corner in terms of being a better teammate and a team player.
``That is one of the real attractions to Romeo is that he understands it's a team game. That is something that he emphasizes on a daily basis when he talks to the team. It's not a one-man show, it never has been and it will never be.''
? Of the team's struggles, Savage said: ``I don't know how you blame the coach when there have been certain players who haven't played to the level they did last year.''
? Running back Reuben Droughns ``just hasn't been able to get on track,'' Savage said.
? He also hinted the team may consider moving Kevin Shaffer from left tackle to right, saying Shaffer is the left tackle ``right now.''
``Based on the options we had last year, we felt like he was a good choice,'' Savage said.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

Winslow says he?s limping to finish line

Friday, December 1, 2006
By Steve Doerschuk REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER



BEREA A month has passed since Kellen Winslow Jr. headed for Antonio Gates country boasting that, as tight ends go, he?s the greatest show on earth.
?I just did it for fun,? Winslow says now, ?for laughs and giggles.?
It?s December. Losing has mellowed the tone coming from Winslow?s locker stall.
?The season wears on you,? he said Thursday. ?I haven?t hit the wall or anything, but my body?s tired. My knee?s sore.?
Winslow wants to play out the last five games, get arthroscopic knee surgery, and return as a better player on a better team.
His vision for 2007?
?I?m not even healthy right now,? Winslow said. ?A lot of guys don?t know that, but ...
?Hopefully I get healthy next year, and it?ll be twice the damage.?
Coming off 30 games lost to leg injuries, Winslow has held up through 11 games to the point he leads NFL tight ends with 66 catches. No. 2 is Todd Heap with 51, followed by Gates with 50 and Tony Gonzalez with 48.
The Browns are 3-8 as Winslow prepares for a game against the Chiefs, featuring Gonzalez.
Gonzalez, 30, has faded since 2004, the second 1,200-yard receiving year in his 10-year NFL run. Still, Winslow says, ?He?s the best,? amplifying that by comparing Gonzalez to his Hall of Fame father.
?We chilled a lot when I came out as a rookie,? Winslow said of Gonzalez. ?We did a Reebok commercial together. We worked out a couple of times. He passed down some knowledge.?
Winslow?s 66-catch, 649-yard output already represents the biggest expansion-era season for a Browns tight end, by far. Steve Heiden, the No. 2 tight end, previously staked that claim, with 43 catches for 401 yards in 2005.
If his legs hold up, Winslow is a big part of the offensive plans deep into the future. But who will throw him the ball?
He seemed fairly certain it?ll be Charlie Frye.
?Charlie?s a great leader, a good quarterback. He?s gonna be a great quarterback,? Winslow said. ?It?s really his first year starting.
?We have to protect Charlie so he feels comfortable back there. When he?s back there just running for his life and we?re not protecting him ... I?m sure it looks bad on TV.?
Winslow played in the bright lights in college, for a team that won a national title. Is it an adjustment for Frye to live in the NFL spotlight after playing roughly .500 football at Akron?
?Charlie?s a winner,? Winslow said. ?There?s a saying. ?It?s not where you?re from. It?s where you?re at.? ?
Given his background and stable position on the team, does Winslow see fit to tell Frye everything will be OK?
?Charlie is the leader of this team, especially the offense,? Winslow said. ?He gets us up. He doesn?t need that. He?s fine.?
Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]
?Oz? and ?K2?
A look at Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome?s five best full seasons as a Browns tight end compared to Kellen Winslow Jr.?s 2006 season through 11 games.
Player, year Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs
Winslow 2006 66 649 9.8 3
Winslow projected 96 944 9.8 4
Newsome 1981 69 1,002 14.5 6
Newsome 1984 89 1,001 11.2 5
Newsome 1983 89 970 10.9 6
Newsome 1979 55 781 14.2 9
Newsome 1985 62 711 11.5 5 STEVE DOERSCHUK

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

BROWNS NOTEBOOK
Droughns doesn?t feel he?s a backup
Friday, December 01, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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BEREA, Ohio ? Reuben Droughns said he still considers himself the Cleveland Browns? No. 1 running back even when that is no longer the case.
Droughns, who rushed for 1,232 yards last year, is fighting frustration while staying mentally prepared after being demoted to backup. He returned from a sprained foot last week, rushed for 4 yards on two carries and played special teams.
"Injuries have played a part," said Droughns, who signed a threeyear extension in the offseason. "Other than that, I can?t say what else happened."
The starting job has gone to Jason Wright, who has 86 yards rushing in two games.
Droughns also had a shoulder injury, but he thinks he can still contribute despite his ailments. He has476 yards rushing this season and hopes his down year doesn?t affect his future with the organization.
"I hope it stays strong," he said. "I don?t know if it does or not. That?s something I can?t control. The only thing I can control is what I do on that field."
Back to basics

A lot of things got lost during a 30-0 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday, but one of the most significant might have been that quarterback Charlie Frye lost sight of his fundamentals.
He looked shaky and threw off his back foot for most of the second half. His poor mechanics contributed to four interceptions and one of the worst games of his two-year career.
"Sometimes pressure makes you throw off your back foot," coach Romeo Crennel said. "Now, if we felt like he was throwing off his back foot and there was no pressure, then that?s a problem and that?s an issue. He should be able to set his feet and deliver a good ball when there?s no pressure. But when there?s pressure, you?ve got to work around some things."
Present meets future

Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. said he?s excited to play opposite Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez on Sunday.
Gonzalez was one of Winslow?s favorite players growing up and widely considered the best at his position.
"Ever since I was little, I watched Tony play and he reminds me a lot of my dad," Winslow said. "He?s the best tight end, and just to go against him is an honor and a dream come true."
Winslow?s two best games this year have been vs. San Diego and Atlanta. Each has top-flight tight ends in Antonio Gates and Alge Crumpler, respectively.
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Dispatch

BROWNS
GM, players still support Crennel
Embattled coach?s job isn?t in jeopardy, Savage maintains
Friday, December 01, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH



BEREA, Ohio ? Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage ended speculation about the future of coach Romeo Crennel yesterday.
"(Owner) Randy (Lerner) and I are 100 percent behind him," Savage said. "We?re going to do everything in our power to help him in these next five games, in the upcoming offseason and next year, and that?s it.
"Romeo and I are in this together. When he has failure, I have failure. When he has success, I have success."
The public showing of support came as rumors began swirling this week that Crennel?s job was in jeopardy. The Browns fell to 3-8 (9-18 overall under Crennel) on Sunday with an embarrassing 30-0 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. But Savage?s statement cleared the air.
"It should be the end of the whole story," Crennel said.
Savage addressed several other key topics:

? He said he was "disappointed" in receiver Braylon Edwards? actions on the sideline Sunday. But Savage is "satisfied" with the way Crennel handled the situation and believes the Browns do not have a problem with team discipline.

? Charlie Frye is being evaluated by the front office as the team?s quarterback of the future. Savage said he doesn?t regret not signing a veteran but didn?t rule out the possibility of bringing in one to challenge Frye next season.

? Savage said the team is undecided on whether to hire an offensive coordinator for next season or keep interim coordinator Jeff Davidson.
"We?ll evaluate it at the end of the year," Savage said. "I think our focus is on these five games and trying to help Jeff as much as we can to see if the current setup can work."
Also going to bat for Crennel were Frye, Edwards, linebacker Willie McGinest and tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. They said to place the blame on the players, not the coach.
The sentiment for Crennel to remain in charge sounds universal within the organization.
"For coach Crennel to be ridiculed or persecuted for what went on or what is going on, I think that is ridiculous," McGinest said. "The man is a decorated general ? a captain in this game who is right there with (Bill) Belichick and (Bill) Parcells as far as winning championships and being successful is concerned. The man knows how to win."
Winslow said, "That?s a joke if he?s in the hot seat, because he?s a great coach. He has Super Bowl rings. We love Romeo as a coach and we love him as a person."
When Savage took the job nearly two years ago, he spoke of developing continuity with the players, coaches and frontoffice staff, something the Browns have not had since returning to the NFL in 1999.
Changing a coach two years in, Savage says, is simply not the answer.
"It permeates down through an organization when the stability is there," Savage said. "I think we?re on the right track in doing that, and I think Randy is 100 percent on board with that approach, knowing that is really our only chance is to stay the course."
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

BROWNS
Sidelined Tucker will miss rest of the season

Saturday, December 02, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH




BEREA, Ohio ? The Cleveland Browns shed some light on offensive tackle Ryan Tucker?s "undisclosed illness" yesterday, classifying it as a mental disorder not related to football.
Tucker missed two games this season and didn?t play in the second half Sunday against Cincinnati because of the condition. He was put on non-football injury reserve this week.
"The nature of Ryan?s mental health issue is one that is commonly experienced by the general population, as well as by professional athletes, and it is a treatable disorder," Browns head physician Anthony Miniaci said in a statement. "Ryan has been battling this condition since before the season began and has been actively receiving treatment. At this time, it is in his best interest to focus entirely on his medical treatment and concentrate on his recovery."
Browns officials say they are optimistic that Tucker can return for the 2007 season.
Opportunity knocks for Fraser

Browns and former Ohio State defensive end Simon Fraser continues to climb the depth chart.
After playing well as a reserve this year, Fraser could get his first NFL start Sunday when the Browns (3-8) play host to the Kansas City Chiefs (7-4).
The defensive line has been ravaged by injuries. Fraser likely will replace Orpheus Roye, who is out because of an injured knee. Tackle Ethan Kelly (knee) was recently put on seasonending injured reserve and tackle Nick Eason is questionable because a bad ankle, eating away at the line?s depth.
Fraser has 15 tackles this year and is third on the team with three sacks.
"Each week I come in and try to get better in practice and in film study," Fraser said. "I?ve been able to go out in practice and show the coaches that I?ve been able to do it, and with some bangups I?ve gotten some opportunities to get out there and play."
Open market

Even if backup quarterback Damon Huard never plays another down for Kansas City this year, he has helped himself tremendously if he goes on the free-agent market.
Huard is in the final year of his contract, and Cleveland could be one of several teams looking for a veteran quarterback.
In his eight starts in place of Trent Green, Huard threw for 1,824 yards with 11 touchdowns and one interception while leading Kansas City to a 5-3 record.
"He has kept us afloat when things looked bad early," Chiefs coach Herman Edwards said. "It?s a credit to him and what type of professional he is. He?ll have some suitors because he did a good job for us."
Last - minute changes

The Browns had four players change from "questionable" to "probable" after practice yesterday: safety Brian Russell (elbow), linebacker Willie McGinest (pectoral muscle), running back Reuben Droughns (foot) and tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. (knee).
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ABJ

Browns' runner loses his way

Droughns' production down. Chiefs' Johnson thriving with more work

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

BEREA - In the past six games, Larry Johnson has hitched the Kansas City Chiefs to his wagon and taken them for a ride.
In that same time, Reuben Droughns has missed time to injury, seen his playing time diminish and seen himself on the kickoff-coverage team.
Johnson is carrying his team.
Droughns wonders about his future with his.
``I hope it stays strong,'' Droughns said Thursday. ``That's something I can't control. All I can control is what I can do on the football field.''
Droughns' season has not been one he'll call his best.
After running for more than 1,200 yards each of the past two seasons, with the Denver Broncos and the Browns, and earning a new contract after last season, Droughns has 476 yards in 2006.
His yards-per-carry average is 3.1, a yard less than a year ago.
Over the past six games, Johnson has averaged nearly 30 carries. In that time, Droughns has carried the ball 87 times.
Droughns missed the Pittsburgh Steelers game two weeks ago because of a sprained foot. He returned against the Cincinnati Bengals and got two carries.
Coach Romeo Crennel said the injury was a factor in his limited time, but Droughns was healthy enough to cover kickoffs.
Droughns made his mark on special teams with the Broncos, but it's rare for a No. 1 running back to be used on kickoff coverage. It can mean the player is in the coach's doghouse.
``That's the message I got,'' Droughns said. ``But at the same time, I enjoy special teams.''
Crennel said the Browns wanted to see Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison run the ball, and if Droughns was going to be active, he had to contribute on special teams.
``I told Reuben, `I know you've played special teams before, and you were good at it, so I would like for you to play special teams and help make a contribution,' '' Crennel said. ``He said, `Coach, I will do that.'
``He was a team guy, took the team attitude and was more than willing to do that.''
On the other sideline, Johnson has made himself into an MVP candidate by running for 1,202 yards in 11 games and averaging 25 carries per game.
``As long as he's healthy and wants to touch the ball, he'll get it,'' Chiefs coach Herman Edwards said.
``It would have been nice to get those (carries) early in the season,'' Droughns said, who has battled injuries. He took a vicious shot to the shoulder from David Pollack in Cincinnati in Week 2 and tried to play through the pain. It affected his running, and the Browns sat him for a game.
He came back and got 100 yards against the Oakland Raiders, then struggled as his offensive line struggled. Droughns got 18 carries against the Carolina Panthers and 12 against Broncos, then got 33 in Jeff Davidson's first game as coordinator -- against the New York Jets -- and gained 125 yards.
The San Diego Chargers shut him down, and he hurt his foot in Atlanta.
Since that game, he has been inactive and covering kickoffs while Wright has started and Johnson has been running more than most think he can.
``Guys like me and Larry's size, we tend to get better as that 25th carry comes along,'' Droughns said. ``We feel like we get stronger in the fourth quarter as we wear defenses down.''
The numbers buttress his argument. Droughns reached that magic 25-carry figure twice this season. He topped 100 yards in both games, and the Browns won both.
General Manager Phil Savage, however, said Droughns ``just hasn't been able to get on track'' this season.
``We've had some issues on the offensive line, but to anticipate that we are going to have that kind of fall off from 1,200 yards to 500 is something that you can't really predict,'' Savage said. ``Hopefully he can get back on track here toward the end of the year and get his game back in order.''
Droughns said that he doesn't think he has done anything wrong if he is in the doghouse, and he will not blame his line, though it has not opened a lot of holes for him.
``It's not my job to say that,'' he said.
He will say he does not want to be buried. He wants to be the starter, and he badly wants to prove that he deserved the contract he received in the offseason.
``I don't feel like I've changed at all,'' Droughns said. ``I still have the same passion for the game. I probably have more passion because I did get a new contract. I want it more.
``I want to be part of the team that helps turn the program around.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

View from Pluto

BATTERED QUARTERBACKS Frye not only one having a tough go of it

By Terry Pluto

? It has been a tough year for young quarterbacks, not just Charlie Frye. If you look at the quarterback ratings, here's what you find: No. 16 Alex Smith; No. 23 Eli Manning; No. 24 Ben Roethlisberger; No. 29 Matt Linehart; No. 30 Frye; No. 32 Vince Young. Roethlisberger leads the league with 19 interceptions, Frye is next at 16. In the past five games, Eli Manning has eight interceptions, only three touchdown passes.
? Stats like that are why it's hard to judge Frye -- or most of those guys. The NFL is an unforgiving place for most quarterbacks. Consider that Peyton Manning had a quarterback rating of 71 as a rookie, with 26 touchdown passes compared to 28 interceptions. His career rating is 94. Drew Brees had a 71 rating for his first two years (27 games) with 28 touchdowns, 31 interceptions. Super Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck had a 71 rating in his first year as a starter.
? A strong case can be made that the position where a player is most likely to show improvement is quarterback, assuming a team is patient and builds around him. That's because most quarterbacks take over when the team is losing -- why else make a change, other than injury? And usually, far more is wrong with the team than the quarterback.
? I don't think the Browns having a veteran quarterback would have made much of a difference this season, unless Frye was hurt and the guy played. Could the right veteran help Frye? No doubt. But the real problem is the line, the mess with offensive coordinators and no productivity from the running backs.
? That's not an excuse for Frye. He was rattled and lost his composure Sunday, the worst he has looked all year. A few more games like that, and major questions should be asked about him.
? Listening to Phil Savage's news conference, the general manager kept mentioning needs of the team: offensive line, defensive line, cornerbacks, running back and then he talked about quarterback. The point is Frye is not the biggest hole.
? In Monday's View, I mentioned that Frye has been sacked 73 times in his first 16 pro starts. That's more than any Browns quarterback in history, even Tim Couch. Even if 20 sacks are purely Frye's fault (and that's estimating on the high side), it's still an indictment of the line.
? If you think about it, every starting Browns quarterback since 1999 except Frye has suffered a significant injury behind a battered line. Couch has not played since leaving the Browns because of massive arm and shoulder injuries. Jeff Garcia broke a leg. Kelly Holcomb broke a foot, three ribs and had other physical problems. Trent Dilfer had surgery on both knees after last season, and he was falling apart when the Browns switched to Frye after 11 games last year.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Stupid mistakes get compounded

It's nice he cares, but Edwards has to get to work

By Patrick McManamon

CLEVELAND - There was a time a while back when Dwight Clark didn't like something I had written about the Browns.
He was pretty steamed, and while letting me have it, he said something memorable: ``It's the attitude in this town. Everything is negative. There's a culture of negativity.''
This past week, the Braylon Edwards saga lingered and lingered. Edwards was the topic of discussion on talk radio and TV, in news conferences and at water coolers.
His sin: Getting mad when the Browns were getting waxed last week by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now... this is no apology for Edwards. The Browns receiver messed up big time in calling out his teammates, just like he's messed up other times this season.
He was wrong, and he should have been fined or suspended or something-ed.
That being said, there was another incident involving another player in another city last Sunday.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Mike Vick did not like being yelled at by Atlanta's fans, so on his way off the field he gave the fans an obscene gesture.
I wonder... which is worse... what Vick did or what Edwards did?
Would you rather have a guy on your team who gets mad at losing or a guy who casually flips off the hometown fans right in front of a 10-year-old wearing said player's jersey?
Both were wrong, obviously.
But perhaps it's time for a little perspective. Edwards has shown a lot of immaturity this season, and made a lot of mistakes. That can't be questioned.
But to take it to the length it was taken was a bit much.
What he did on the sidelines was rail about the pass protection, then grab quarterback Charlie Frye and say: ``Look at this jersey. Look at how dirty it is. We have to keep it clean.''
It looked on TV like Edwards was attacking Frye, but he was not. It should not have happened, but isn't it odd that Romeo Crennel is criticized for not showing emotion on the sideline and a guy who does is also criticized.
Edwards is not a villain. He's not a productive player yet, but he didn't get arrested and didn't flip off the fans. He made a mistake, and he can erase it by playing on Sundays.
Perhaps the ``culture of negativity'' that Clark referred to has some validity, and perhaps it affected the way Edwards was treated.
Edwards Part II
Now, it's good that Edwards cares, but embarrassing a teammate?
Not a good idea.
Edwards did it twice the week of the Bengals game, first when he questioned Brian Russell's hit on Chad Johnson, then Sunday on the sideline.
Just can't do that.
Especially when you've... disrespected the cornerbacks on a good Carolina Panthers team, dropped passes at key times, chartered a helicopter to fly to Columbus to watch Michigan play Ohio State when your teammates advised against doing so, jogged your way through one of the most important plays of the Pittsburgh Steelers game, produced your own absurd TV show that is basically all about yourself, and during the first few episodes of that show, included a segment criticizing the Browns for the way they negotiated your multi-million dollar contract and showed how angry you were when the Miami Dolphins didn't draft you and how disinterested you were when the Browns called to say they were drafting you.
Put all those things on one side of the ledger, and you don't exactly get a pretty picture.
A long time ago, when Ryan Leaf played for the San Diego Chargers, Junior Seau did a conference call with the media and the question was asked: How does a young player earn the respect of his veteran teammates?
He said there's only one way, and that's show up on Sunday and help the team win. Guys will put up with a lot from a teammate if he's performing on Sunday.
Until Edwards shows up regularly on Sunday, the TV shows and everything else he's been doing won't go over real well.
``You have to earn your stripes,'' Browns General Manager Phil Savage said. ``Whether you are a seventh-rounder or the seventh pick in the draft, you have to earn your way. This is an unforgiving league and until you do that, you are not going to be given much credibility.''
Late discipline
Savage said that Edwards' decision to go to the Ohio State-Michigan game might not have been a big issue had he not been two minutes late to the team meeting upon returning.
Gotta disagree with that one.
Edwards was advised not to go and he thumbed his nose at his teammates and team by going. When he was late, he compounded the mistake.
When the Browns only fined him, they also missed a chance to send a message.
The time to discipline him would have been when he was late returning from Ohio State. Don't let him start. Sit him for a quarter, or (gasp) a game. (The Browns are 3-8 with him, can't they be 3-8 without him?)
Asking to discipline him a week later when he just put more bricks on the pile is like trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube.
Some hard facts
The Web site coldhardfootballfacts.com, which often serves up intelligent and insightful analysis, points out that rookie quarterbacks almost always struggle. They throw more interceptions than touchdowns, do not complete half their throws and don't win.
Dan Fouts completed 44.8 percent of his throws and the Chargers were 2-11-1 his rookie year. Troy Aikman had nine touchdowns, 18 interceptions and a rating of 55.7 as a rookie. John Elway completed 47.5 percent and had a 54.9 rating. And Peyton Manning had the lowest completion percentage (56.7) and rating (71.2) of his career. The Colts were 3-13.
The point?
Experience matters. Patience is required with Frye, who has 16 starts and is barely more than a rookie. Judge him when he has some experience, and when he has a line blocking for him.
And finally
A reader wrote about the Browns disclosing that Ryan Tucker has a treatable mental illness.
This individual writes that he has suffered from his own ``demons and chemical imbalances.'' His experience illustrates what Tucker is going through:
``While more and more people have accepted the fact that mental illness is indeed a physiological disorder, it is still somewhat of a `stigma' for many of us. Those of us who can still function quite nicely in society, given the right medications, still have some fears of being labeled by those who are still a bit ignorant to the whole situation.
``While I have personally been unable to stay on my meds consistently, due to some rather bad luck, I understand the importance of getting diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.''
He concludes by asking to remain anonymous to prevent those who meet him in the future from rushing to judgment.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

SCOUTING REPORT

Chiefs at Browns
Kickoff: 1 today, Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Broadcast: TV -- WOIO (Channel 19); Radio -- WMMS (100.7-FM), WHBC (1480-AM), WONE (97.5-FM), WQKT (104.5-FM).
Record: Chiefs are 7-4; Browns are 3-8.
Injury Report: Browns -- OT Ryan Tucker has been placed on injured reserve and will not play. DE Orpheus Roye (knee) is out. CB Leigh Bodden (ankle), DL Nick Eason (foot), S Justin Hamilton (back), LB Mason Unck (groin) are questionable. RB Reuben Droughns (foot), LB Willie McGinest (ankle), S Brian Russell (elbow) are probable. Chiefs -- DT James Reed (groin), T Kevin Sampson (back) are out. TE Tony Gonzalez (back), LB Derrick Johnson (ankle) are probable.
Key Stat: 25 and 110 -- the number of carries and yards RB Larry Johnson averages per game.
Matchup to Watch: Browns DL vs. Chiefs OL. It's generic, but it's pertinent. The Chiefs have a powerful line, and the Browns defensive front is depleted by injury. That does not seem to bode well for stopping Larry Johnson, a tough task to begin with.
The Browns win if . . . : They hold Johnson to less than 100 yards and limit tight end Tony Gonzalez. Those are Kansas City's two main weapons, and without them, the Chiefs offense doesn't scare many people.
Pick: The second bad matchup in a row for the Browns, who will struggle to stop the Chiefs running game. Again, Kansas City needs the game, the Browns are playing for nothing. Kansas City 31-14.

-- Patrick McManamon​

​

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Browns have lot more on line than meets eye
Sunday, December 03, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

</IMG> Any hope of a strong finish for quarterback Charlie Frye, coach Romeo Crennel and the Browns starts today against the Chiefs.


BEREA, Ohio ? There will be a lot of eyes closely watching the Cleveland Browns today, and it will have little to do with X?s and O?s.
The game against the Kansas City Chiefs is about being professional, showing pride and not quitting on the season, although there is no longer much at stake.
That is the current state of the Browns, who are 3-8 and assured their seventh nonwinning season since 1999. They?ve had internal turmoil with receiver Braylon Edwards and some speculation of coach Romeo Crennel fighting for his job.
Every year, losing teams land in this predicament and either fall apart or play hard in a spoiler role. With five games remaining, Cleveland will get a good idea of where it stands against the Chiefs, who are playoff contenders and winners of five of their past six games.
"We are going to work hard to win these last five," Browns quarterback Charlie Frye said. "Eight-and-8 isn?t bad from where we are at right now. If we can pull together and finish this thing strong, it will leave a lot of positive thoughts in our heads."
The Browns would do themselves a major service by playing good football through the rest of the season. Many are questioning the team?s progress from top to bottom after the way Cleveland played last week in a 30-0 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
If the Browns somehow put together a winning streak of four or five games, they would top last season?s 6-10 mark.
"We have five games left and can finish 8-8. Then what will be said?" linebacker Willie McGinest said. "We will have had a better season than last year, and all of this stuff, people won?t even care about it. I think one week at a time. The guys in this locker room ? the only guys that can make any changes to make things go the way we need them to go are right here in this locker room. Everyone needs to be accountable."
The Browns looked helpless against the Bengals, who shut out Cleveland for the first time this season despite entering the game with the NFL?s lowestranked defense. The listless performance is what sparked Edwards to yell at teammates for their lack of passion and effort.
Chiefs coach Herman Edwards doesn?t believe the Browns, who are five-point underdogs, will lack passion two weeks in a row.
"Cleveland is going to play a lot better this week and there is no doubt in my mind," Edwards said. "That is what I?m stressing to my football team this week. We?re going in there with a team that?s ready to play and we better be prepared for that."
With all the turmoil surrounding the Browns, one of the least talked-about topics this week could turn out to be the most important today.
Cleveland?s defense needs to find a way to stop Kansas City running back Larry Johnson, who has 845 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in his past six games and will face a run defense that is ranked 25 th.
"Well, we can put ropes on him to try to keep him from running the way he runs," Crennel said jokingly. "But it?s tough. He?s a really good runner. The thing that we have to do consistently is we have to tell the defense to build a wall. That means everybody has to be where they?re supposed to be up front so that he doesn?t get a seam that he can get into."
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

Savage: Continuity is crucial
Sunday, December 3, 2006
SUNDAY SPECIAL BY TODD PORTER

BOB ROSSITER Support for Browns quarterback Charlie Frye may be wavering a bit in the Browns? front office following last week?s dismal showing against Cincinnati.
​

Stone-faced.

That was the expression last Sunday on the faces of Browns owner Randy Lerner and General Manager Phil Savage as they made their way from their suites to the locker room at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Both thought the Browns were long past a 30-0 beating from the .500 Bengals, which brought in the worst defense in the NFL.
They wondered what just happened. A culmination of all the wrong forces caught up to the team on the wrong week.
Start with:
The Browns were coming off a revenge game against Pittsburgh. Cleveland led for 31⁄2 quarters before finding a way to lose again. Savage said the team put nine months into that game after last year?s 41-0 Christmas Eve massacre.
When the Browns are healthy, their defense doesn?t match up well against the Bengals. Throw in cornerbacks who couldn?t guard a piggy bank against very good receivers, and you see what happens.
Starting right tackle Ryan Tucker left at halftime because of his undisclosed illness.
Receiver Braylon Edwards didn?t endear himself to teammates by chartering a helicopter to the Ohio State-Michigan game, returning late for a team meeting, calling out the offensive coordinator and throwing veteran Brian Russell under the bus in a one-week period.
Let?s be honest. All of those are excuses.
So when Head Coach Romeo Crennel?s job security became an issue last week, it remained interesting where Lerner leaned. It?s been said the most influential person in the organization is whomever talks to Lerner last. Savage said he and Lerner are firmly behind Crennel and support him.
That only makes sense, but the Browns don?t have a track record of making sense.
?When you look at the constant turnover at the key positions, Randy realizes the only way to do it is to maintain some continuity,? Savage said. ?He is totally on board with that and realizes that.?
The Browns have become a training ground. They have an owner who?s never been an owner, a general manager who?s never been a general manager, a head coach who?s never been a head coach and a quarterback who?s never been an NFL quarterback.
Surprised this team is 3-8?
?Frank Beamer was 2-9 a couple of times, and they were calling for his head a couple of years ago. Now he has a successful program,? Savage said. ?Look at the situation in my home state. They?re on their fifth head coach since 2000 and people wonder why Alabama has not been among the elite college teams.
?Look at Pittsburgh in our own division. Look at Baltimore. This time a year ago, everyone was ready to cash the chips in on that particular setup. They?ve been able to persevere because they?ve been together a long time.?
Now some of this is spin, and that?s Savage?s job. But, since watching this team since 1999, Savage is the brightest football man this team has employed.
He makes sense. He?s intelligent. He?s patient. He understands he is losing his fan base, and you are growing impatient.
Savage and Crennel have been at this for 22 months. The Browns spent six years digging this hole with bad hires, bad picks, bad signings and bad decisions. Is the team burning up its goodwill with fans?
?In a lot of ways, it already has,? Savage said. ?Yes, we are concerned about the fans and yes, we want to please them, but if we make a reaction or do something every time the fans react or want us to do something, then we?ll be sitting out there with them. I don?t want to be there yet.?
SAVAGE RUMORS
Rumors have persisted that Savage is looking to unload some of his responsibilities and focus on the personnel and scouting end of his GM title.
Not true, he said.
?It?s never been one thought for one second that I?ve wanted to ... have a reduction in duties. It?s ludicrous,? Savage said. ?I came from another team and a terrific job. The reason I did that was because I wanted to be a general manager.?
While with Baltimore, Savage?s duties centered on college scouting. If he would have wanted to have that role, why come to Cleveland? He knew what he was getting into here.
As far as scouting, Savage generally spends two days a week away from the team. The typical NFL schedule goes like this: Sunday, game; Monday, film corrections, Tuesday, players off; Wednesday and Thursday, heavy practice days for the upcoming opponent; Friday, light practice; Saturday, meetings or travel.
?There?s a perception ... I scout eight days a week. It?s just a joke,? Savage said.
WHO?S THIS BIGGER FOR?
Who will the next five games be more important for, Crennel or quarterback Charlie Frye?
Frye.
Unless there is a complete collapse, Crennel is coming back. He?s a classy coach who has the respect of his players.
Frye is looking more and more like he?s not the answer. He didn?t exactly get sweeping endorsements last week.
Sure, Frye is playing behind an inferior offensive line. But how many of the sacks are Frye?s fault? We?re willing to bet a good number of times the quarterback has a hand in taking a sack. There have been times when Frye simply holds the ball too long because he?s looking for a home run. There are times when he doesn?t throw to the hot side of the field, where the blitzing linebacker or safety is coming from, and there are times when he is a clueless young QB in his pre-snap reads.
See if any of that improves the next five weeks.
K2 VS. BRAYLON
What?s the difference between Kellen Winslow Jr. sounding off about former Offensive Coordinator Maurice Carthon and Edwards popping off about teammates and play calling?
Winslow has proven he?s a difference maker and earned the right. All Edwards has proven is he can?t play up to his first-round draft status.
?Whether you?re a seventh-rounder or the seventh pick in the draft, you have to earn your way,? Savage said when asked if being a leader comes down to performance. ?This is an unforgiving league and until you do that, you?re not going to be given much credibility.? Amen.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Browns seek 'focus' after stressful week


Sunday, December 03, 2006 Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

Can Team Tumult overcome a horrendous week and play decent football today against the Chiefs?
"When times are hard, it draws guys closer together," said quarterback Charlie Frye. "We lean on each other and have each other's back.
"We just have to set aside the distractions and focus on football. The fans deserve a win this week after the last two weeks. They come out and cheer us on every week, and we're going to do everything we can to get a win."
Among some of the distractions the Browns have to overcome today against the 7-4 Chiefs:
Braylon Edwards' sideline rant - primarily against the offensive line - that rattled Frye and others during the second half of the 30-0 loss to Cincinnati last week. Edwards is expected to be active today, but might not start. If he does start, you can be sure Crennel socked him hard in the wallet.
A demoralizing shutout, one almost as devastating as the 41-0 loss to Pittsburgh last season. Browns owner Randy Lerner called it "sickening" and said the "wheels came off."
Coach Romeo Crennel being placed firmly on the hot seat by the team's flagship radio station, with WTAM AM/1100 talk-show host Mike Trivisonno claiming that Crennel would be fired if the Browns lay another egg today. Browns General Manager Phil Savage called it ridiculous and gave Crennel a resounding vote of confidence.
The loss for the season of captain and starting right tackle Ryan Tucker to a mental illness. His departure was another blow to an offensive line that has suffered ever since center LeCharles Bentley went down on the first contact drill of camp.
The call by Edwards and respected veteran linebacker Willie McGinest for some players to put forth more effort.
The benching of starting running back Reuben Droughns, whose long-term status is uncertain.
The questioning of Frye by fans and media.
But the Browns need only to look back at last year for some reassurance. After getting drilled by the Steelers, they rebounded to beat the Ravens, 20-16, in the season finale.
"This is a tough business and you have to be able to hang in there," Crennel said. "We're doing as much as we can to try to win. I know that our last performance doesn't back it, but I think this team will bounce back."
Some reasons it won't be easy:
The Browns' 25th-ranked rush defense will have to stop Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, who leads the league with 1,202 yards. He's also rushed for 150 yards or more in four of his last six games - and has 11 touchdowns in that span.
The Browns are 1-14 at home in the month of December since 1999.
The Browns are 1-5 at home this season and 19-43 since 1999 - the fewest home wins by any NFL team.
The Chiefs have committed one turnover and haven't lost a fumble in their previous four games. The Browns are 31st in the NFL with a minus-11 turnover differential.
The Browns are 30th with an average of 15.5 points per game despite leading the NFL in average starting field position after opponents' kickoffs.
"We're going to try to play a good game against Kansas City," Crennel said. "I think the product on the field is going to be better than the last outing we had."
Frye, who threw four interceptions last week, said the team is firmly behind Crennel.
"Everybody in this locker room has Romeo's back," Frye said. "I tell him before every game I'd go to war with him every week. We've just got to keep fighting for him and find a way to pull out some wins."
Crennel said Frye must try not to force throws
"The thing that manifested itself in the Cincinnati game was Charlie's desire to try to make a play and help his team win," Crennel said. "We ended up turning the ball over, and when you turn the ball over, it's hard to win in the NFL."
He acknowledged, however, that Frye was hit as the ball came out on two of those picks.
"When he has had time, we see him completing balls down field and making plays," Crennel said. "It's the time when he's been pressured when he hasn't done as well."
Despite losing five of the past seven, Frye says he's confident the 3-8 Browns can right the ship.
"We have five games left and we're going to try to win these last five," he said. "If we can pull together and finish strong, it will leave a lot of positive thoughts in our heads."
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4670

 

[osugrad21]

DDN

Colonel White graduate inspires Browns


By Tom Archdeacon

Monday, December 04, 2006

CLEVELAND ? The embattled Cleveland Browns had just pulled off an amazing come-from-behind victory ? a 31-28 overtime upset of the Kansas City Chiefs ? and as they began the postgame celebration in private, they made sure to open their dressing-room door for one special guy.
As Dayton's Bobby Martin rolled in on his glorified skateboard, the players saluted how he'd helped make them ? losers in eight of their first 11 games ? storybook winners.
"We gotta get B back for our next game," Browns receiver Braylon Edwards said. "He's our good luck charm."
Hall of Famer Jim Brown agreed and soon stood with Martin in the middle of the room as players came up and shook Bobby's hand.
The Browns had invited the former Colonel White High School football player ? who was born with no legs ? to join them for the weekend.
The Sunday previous ? in an embarrassing 30-0 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals ? Edwards had squabbled with quarterback Charlie Frye and some linemen on the sidelines. In the past few days there was speculation that Browns coach Romeo Crennel's days were numbered.
Before Saturday's walk-though, Crennel told Martin's story to his team. Then Bobby let them see it firsthand.
"I had some fun," he said. "I started messing with Braylon and Charlie. They were standing next to each other, and I said, 'Did you two settle your differences, or do I have to settle them for y'all?'
"Braylon said, 'Oh yeah, we're cool.' And they shook hands."
That new connection paid dividends in the first quarter Sunday when Frye ? before a wrist injury sidelined him ? hit Edwards with a 23-yard touchdown pass. In the dressing room later, Edwards reminded Martin how he'd promised to make a TD catch for him.
The two had so hit it off during Saturday's practice that Edwards bet fellow receiver Dennis Northcutt $100 that Martin would be able to tackle Northcutt in a 20-yard race to the end zone.
"He tried to shake me a little bit, but I stayed with him," Martin said. "I pushed him out of bounds at the 1, and he was like, 'Wow! I thought I was gonna leave you in the wind back there.' "
Before he left the training facility, Martin said the Browns "stacked me up with a lot of gear," some of which he wore on the Cleveland Browns Stadium sideline Sunday.
In turn, he gave the players something, Edwards said:
"When you see B, it lets you know nothing you go through is that bad. There's a lot of times you're mad at how things are going. Then you see B enjoying life and you think, 'If he can do it, why should I complain? I better damn sure believe I got a blessed life.' "
Martin seems to strike a chord with pro athletes. Although he's just 3-foot-1, they realize he often stands taller than they do. That's why the Bengals and the Green Bay Packers had him on their sidelines last season. Sunday, Martin will be on the Oakland Raiders' sidelines at Paul Brown Stadium, thanks to defensive lineman Warren Sapp, who saw a profile of Martin, contacted him through Colonel White and sent him an autographed helmet.
Thursday at Boise State University, Martin received a 2006 Humanitarian Award from the Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. While there, he visited an Idaho VA hospital.
"I met some veterans who had lost limbs and I showed them what I could do and stuff," he said. "One of the men got so emotional, it made me cry. He's like, 'I'm so amazed by what you do. I'd given up. I'm just lyin' in bed waiting for my life to end.'
"I said, 'No, don't never give up 'cause you only live once. You gotta do what you gotta do. Make every day count.' "
It's what he does.
And Sunday, it's what the Browns ? down 14 in the fourth quarter ? did.
Edwards was so appreciative that just before he left the dressing room, he gave Martin one last thing ? his phone number. And as Edwards walked out the door, he turned and yelled:
"Hey B. Call me."