Knocking on playoff door, Browns go for broke
Anderson, Rogers head long list of veterans tabbed to win now
Tony Dejak / APRe-signing free agent quarterback Derek Anderson over leaving the door open to let second-year man Brady Quinn play was a clear sign of the Browns' win-now focus, writes Dan Pompei.
BROWNS TRAINING CAMP PREVIEW
By Dan Pompei
NBCSports.com contributor
updated 4:53 p.m. ET July 12, 2008
 | Dan Pompei |
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If expectations are high in Cleveland, the Browns have themselves to blame.
They came on strong in 2007, and then approached the 2008 offseason as a team that was on the verge of something special might. The Browns clearly put all of their focus on trying to win quickly, emphasizing veterans over rookies.
They had already traded away their 2008 first round pick during the 2007 draft. That's how they acquired Brady Quinn. Then they traded their third round pick along with cornerback Leigh Bodden to the Lions for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. And finally they traded their second round pick to the Packers for defensive lineman Corey Williams.
They also decided to re-sign restricted free agent quarterback Derek Anderson instead of trying to trade him and allowing Quinn to get his chance. They stuck with veteran running back Jamal Lewis, who was scheduled to become a free agent. And they added to the offense by signing free agent Donte Stallworth.
The Browns were not shy about spending. They have put together a pretty impressive roster that should enable them to build on what they did last season.
Given their go for broke mentality, this team needs to be a contender.
Hot seat
Normally when a general manager makes the kinds of bold moves Phil Savage made, he puts himself on the hot seat. But Savage just signed a lucrative three year contract extension that runs through 2012. So Savage won't feel much heat.
Anderson might if he doesn't play at least as well as he did a year ago. Especially with Quinn warming up on the sidelines.
There still are some who suspect Anderson's 2007 performance was fluky. Even the Browns were surprised by Anderson's sudden command of the offense. And his leadership remains questionable. But no one can argue the fact that he threw more touchdown passes last year than all but five quarterbacks.
Anderson got the payday and he has the weapons. To whom much is given, much is expected.
Overheard at camp
Acquiring Rogers and Williams weren't the only things the Browns did in order to improve their shaky run defense. They also replaced defensive coordinator Todd Grantham by promoting secondary coach Mel Tucker.
With Tucker in charge, look for a simpler Browns defense. The word is the team is trying to streamline its fronts and coverages so players can execute without thinking as much.
Comings and goings
Williams and Rogers give the Browns more talent up front than they have had since Crennel has been in charge. What remains to be seen is how Williams and Rogers will fit in the three man fronts that the Browns use most of the time.
Rogers is starting out at nose tackle. He certainly has the size and power to play that position. But his pass rush ability will be wasted as a nose. Look for him to eventually play some snaps at end as well.
Williams played both end and tackle in the Packers' four man front, but with the Browns he probably will play end most of the time. He has a good frame to be an end in a 3-4, and the right combination of strength and pass rush.
Neither Williams nor Rogers is going to be among the league leaders in sacks playing in this defense, but the hope is their ability to occupy blockers will open things up for Kamerion Wimbley, Willie McGinest and others.
The Browns will need plenty of pass rush to compensate for a questionable back end. In addition to losing Bodden, they also lost starting corner Daven Holly to a season ending knee injury. That leaves 2007 second round pick Eric Wright as their "shutdown" corner, and previous backup Brandon McDonald in the starting lineup.
Prediction
If the Browns played in the NFC, they might be the trendy Super Bowl pick. But in the AFC, there are many levels of excellence.
The Browns look like a contender, no doubt. But whether or not they can hang in there with the big boys like the Patriots, Colts and Chargers remains to be seen.
The nice thing about this team is they won't be dependent on one player to carry them. They have enough good things going that they will be able to win games even on days when key players have off days.
Look for them to win ten games.
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Dan Pompei writes regularly for NBCSports.com and covers the NFL for the Chicago Tribune.
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