What's a blogger
fan to do when the defensive line is even more of a liability than the
much-discussed quarterback position? I actually hold out more hope for injured
Orpheus Roye than I do for Mt. Washington, the oldest and heaviest defender
in Browns history. The newcomer Smiths might be halfway solid, but looking at the depth
chart, they darn well better be.
Creative blitzing, aggressive fills from the
linebacking corps, and a ball-hawking secondary will be required to get this
defense off the field. Forcing turnovers will be absolutely essential. The
absence of an experienced punt returner won't even be an issue, because I don't
see this team prompting many three-and-outs on the opponents' side of the
field.
So, I repeat, what's
a blogger to do? Conjure up the past, I suppose. Happy birthday today to this
trio, all fine defensive linemen from Browns teams of yore:
- Rob Burnett, 40. No
Browns defensive end has been any better since this fifth-rounder from Syracuse
wore the brown and orange from 1990-95 and amassed 40.5
sacks.
- Michael Dean Perry,
42. Five-time Pro Bowler, 47.5 sacks as a Brown, by far a better player than his
more famous big brother.
- Derrell Palmer, 85.
I did a few quick checks, so I'm hoping and assuming that he's still kicking.
The TCU All-American was a starting tackle on some dominant championship
defenses from 1949-53.
