Cleveland Browns (2008 Season)

[billmac91]

I think it speaks volumes that Phil was willimg to part with Bodden. As bad as our defense was last year, he just showed exactly what he thought the cause was by trading away our best DB.

Our secondary certainly wasn't good last year, and on paper it's awful right now, but I think Phil is extatic that our defensive line became a strength overnight.

There's no way we go into the season with the current roster at DB right now either. We will pick up a starting CB whether through trade or free agency.

 

[OH10]

I think it speaks volumes that Phil was willimg to part with Bodden. As bad as our defense was last year, he just showed exactly what he thought the cause was by trading away our best DB.

Our secondary certainly wasn't good last year, and on paper it's awful right now, but I think Phil is extatic that our defensive line became a strength overnight.

There's no way we go into the season with the current roster at DB right now either. We will pick up a starting CB whether through trade or free agency.

I disagree on how bad the secondary is with the roster right now. Eric Wright is a player, and he'll develop, I think, into a shut-down corner this year. The safeties are average and the other corner position can be shored up if McDonald continues to emerge.

What is a fair criticism is that the secondary is thin... very thin, and if there is an injury, they're gonna have some major problems.

 

[LitlBuck]

I don't think the Browns 4 starters at the end of last year in the starting defensive backfield was that bad. Wright and MacDonald were young but they both have pretty good coverage skill and our safeties of Jones and Pool will improve with more playing time.

There is no way in the NFL that you can trade for a starting CB. The price would be too high. You either have to get one through FA or get lucky in the draft.

It is true that we have bolstered the defense to stop the run but we cannot let our past coverage go by the wayside. If we do not get another good pass rushing OLB our pass coverage will suffer. The two tackles we picked up, except maybe for Williams, are run stuffers not pass rushers.

 

[billmac91]

Truthfully, I'm not sure what our cap room is like right now after all of these signings, are the 2 unrestricted free agents that could start immediately for us if they were signed.

Ty Law
Brian Kelly

Outside of them, we'd basically need to make a trade, or hope we can get a steal in the 4th round.

 

[billmac91]

I disagree on how bad the secondary is with the roster right now. Eric Wright is a player, and he'll develop, I think, into a shut-down corner this year. The safeties are average and the other corner position can be shored up if McDonald continues to emerge.

What is a fair criticism is that the secondary is thin... very thin, and if there is an injury, they're gonna have some major problems.

I appreciate your opinion OH10. I agree with you 99% of the time. On our secondary I completely disagree. They were bad last year, but much of that was due to the DL. If you compare our secondary on paper to the rest of the league, we have to be bottom 5 or 6. The addition of another CB definately upgrades us though.

 

[WoodyWorshiper]

I appreciate your opinion OH10. I agree with you 99% of the time. On our secondary I completely disagree. They were bad last year, but much of that was due to the DL. If you compare our secondary on paper to the rest of the league, we have to be bottom 5 or 6. The addition of another CB definately upgrades us though.

First off, I'd like to say that you have a really classy way of making your points, billmac. Agree that right now, on paper, the secondary is thin. But adding to the DL the way Phil has done immediately makes the guys that we do have alot better. Obviously, you're a great fan. Have confidence in the guys running the show. That's the excuse I've always used, but in the Browns case, I think it's a good one.

Peace.

 

[billmac91]

First off, I'd like to say that you have a really classy way of making your points, billmac. Agree that right now, on paper, the secondary is thin. But adding to the DL the way Phil has done immediately makes the guys that we do have alot better. Obviously, you're a great fan. Have confidence in the guys running the show. That's the excuse I've always used, but in the Browns case, I think it's a good one.

Peace.

Thanks dubs. I definately agree, the incoming DLineman automatically make the guys we do have better. Unfortunately, we're a starting CB short of going from what's on paper an average/good defense to a good/great defense.

Gotta give Phil credit for what he's done so far though. I'm making an assumption, but after the last couple years I'd be willing to bet Phil thinks it's a lot harder tp get good DLineman for our defense as opposed to CB's. Kind of like in the Patriots system where they seem to have a revolving door in the secondary. It all starts up front. That being said, we still need to add one more piece to the secondary.

 

[osugrad21]

DDN
Quinn wants to take over as starting quarterback

Cleveland GM Phil Savage says Derek Anderson is the clear leader heading into training camp.


Associated Press

Monday, March 03, 2008

CLEVELAND ? Browns quarterback Brady Quinn expects to compete for the starting job despite Derek Anderson's $24 million, three-year contract.
"My whole goal is preparing myself and getting ready to try to take over the starting job and lead this team," said Quinn Saturday, March 1, during an appearance at an auto show.
Anderson agreed to his new deal Friday, Feb. 29, a move that took him off the restricted free-agent market. The contract includes $14.5 million guaranteed.
General Manager Phil Savage says Anderson is the clear starter entering training camp. Anderson threw 29 TD passes last season and led the Browns to 10 wins.
Quinn understands the situation and even applauded Anderson's signing, but doesn't plan on carrying a clipboard again. His mind-set is "just competing and try to take this team to the playoffs, something we weren't able to do last year."



Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

DDN

Browns have 'whooped' Cincy so far in free agency

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer

Monday, March 03, 2008
As opening weekend of the NFL's free-agency period unfolded, a line from one of my favorite movies ? the 1976 classic, "The Outlaw Josey Wales" ? played in my mind like a broken record: "Whooped 'em again, didn't we Josey?"
Jaime's (Sam Bottoms) famous phrase to Josey (Clint Eastwood) is being repeated by Cleveland Browns fans, who are laughing uncontrollably at the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Browns fleeced Cincinnati during free agency 2007, ripping off guard Eric Steinbach and defensive tackle Shaun "The Hamburglar" Smith. Would they do it again? You betcha.
After the league office voided the Bengals' trade for Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers on Friday night, Feb. 29, the Browns swooped in and stole the prized "Big Baby" because they made the best offer.
The Bengals were willing to give up third- and fifth-round draft choices to the Lions, but the Browns coughed up a proven player ? cornerback Leigh Bodden ? and a third rounder.



Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

ABJ

Browns beef up defense Savage says big trades for Williams, Rogers legitimize defensive line
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sportswriter

Published on Monday, Mar 03, 2008
 BEREA: A year ago, the Browns used a pricey free- agent signing and the third  overall pick in the draft to rebuild their offensive line in dramatic fashion.
The acquisition of former Cincinnati Bengals guard Eric Steinbach and rookie left tackle Joe Thomas showed quick results. They helped new running back Jamal Lewis rush for 1,304 yards and first-year starting quarterback Derek Anderson throw 29 touchdown passes.
The Browns hope their defensive line can make the same stunning transformation after two huge ? literally and figuratively ? trades on Friday for Green Bay Packers defensive end Corey Williams and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.
Cont...

 

[LitlBuck]

I appreciate your opinion OH10. I agree with you 99% of the time. On our secondary I completely disagree. They were bad last year, but much of that was due to the DL. If you compare our secondary on paper to the rest of the league, we have to be bottom 5 or 6. The addition of another CB definately upgrades us though.

If the secondary was so bad as the end of last year why isn't Savage bringing some free-agent DBs to Cleveland. Before you answer I think that Savage knows that he has 4 good starters. The Browns defensive backfield improved greatly near the end of last season. We might be a little thin at depth but our starters will be fine.

Savage is trying to get another stand up DE to rush the passer in order to further improve the past defense. Why do you think LaBoy was in Cleveland on Saturday if that was not the case.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Eric Wright was solid last year in coverage. MacDonald looks like a solid nickel back right now, but I'm sure they'll monitor his improvement this year. Daven Holly is an Arena League player, and Baxter is done.

They have to do something to at least shore up some depth at the CB position. But for now, the D-Line was more important.

I pretty much agree with OH10 on this one.....the D-line needed to be addressed first and foremost....they may be able to add some depth in the defensive backfield in the draft or go with what they have and then address it next year....more pressure on the QB would definetly help the secondary.

 

[billmac91]

If the secondary was so bad as the end of last year why isn't Savage bringing some free-agent DBs to Cleveland. Before you answer I think that Savage knows that he has 4 good starters. The Browns defensive backfield improved greatly near the end of last season. We might be a little thin at depth but our starters will be fine.

Savage is trying to get another stand up DE to rush the passer in order to further improve the past defense. Why do you think LaBoy was in Cleveland on Saturday if that was not the case.

The thing to keep in mind, is there are many more DE/DL available in FA right now. The only 2 unrestricted FA's out there are Brian Kelly and Ty Law who could immediately help us. I think we'll make a move via trade to solidify the starting group.

Brandon MacDonald looked pretty good in his time, and Eric Wright was also decent. But I certainly don't think they're comfortable throwing 2 second year guys out there, especially when Brandon had limited time. It'd be a huge gamble. Again, on paper we have to be bottom 6 in the league at starting cb's. From listening to ESPN radio just this morning, several commentators commented on how much help we gave the front 7, but have not addressed the secondary. Not that means a whole lot.

I still think Phil will address it before the season.

 

[Bucks21]

Here is an evaluation of the Browns moves from over the weekend. NFL Draft Countdown - The Wright Stuff NFL Draft Blog

 

[SNIPER26]

How do you Browns fans feel about Shawn Crable as a 3-4 OLB opposite Wimbley? I know he's a Michigan alum and all meaning he'll get booed before his first home game, but he can get to the passer and make plays in the backfield. Obviously you don't have a first round pick, but what about 2/3?