Dawgbeat 07/09/2007: An offensive revolution ?
An offensive revolution?
by Eric Brown
07/09/2007
DEFINITION:
revolution (rev·o·lu·tion)
-noun
DEFINITION #1
an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement ...ah, stop right there!
DEFINITION #3
a sudden, complete or marked change in something...hmm comforting!
YOU GET THE PICTURE, RIGHT!
Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, LeCharles Bentley, Seth McKinney. With the recent announcement that LeCharles Bentley will attempt to play in 2007, this could very well be four-fifths of the Cleveland Browns offensive line come September 9th. Quite a difference from what has been the key weakness in Cleveland Browns football since their return. For those who believe you win football games in the trenches (like most Cleveland Browns football fans do) that feeling you may start to feel on sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. is "winning". I know, I know it's wierd and something different for a change, but get used to it.
Phil Savage has identified the major problem with this football team and over the past two offseasons done his best to address it. Let's not fault him for the unforseen injuries that took place, he should be praised for lying a foundation for success. As I see it, when teams address their offensive line they suddenly make progress in the win column. The Browns may now have an offensive line they can rely on and give their offense an identity.
Bentley, is an all-pro calibur center if healthy, his backup, Hank Fraley is a solid performer. Steinbach is also an elite guard that can play center or tackle if needed. While Thomas hasn't played an NFL snap yet, the potential is certainly that of a guy who is expected to be plugged in from day one and be your starter at left tackle for the next ten years. Thomas' potential backup Kevin Shaffer was unspectacular on the left side last season but could really benefit from a move to right tackle where he wouldn't be protecting the quarterback's blindside. In that position in Atlanta, where he blocked for Michael Vick, a left-handed quarterback, Shaffer was starting to come into his own. Ryan Tucker, back from a stint with depression has to be less depressed at the prospects of what his linemates and team can accomplish this year. Seth McKinney was also becoming a solid performer for Miami until a back injury curtailed his progress. The back injury has healed and all indications from mini-camp activity is that the Browns may have found a steal in McKinney. Isaac Sowells, a 2006 fourth-round draft pick has been one of the surprises of mini-camp. He has picked up new offensive coordinator's Rob Chudzinski's offense very well and now is being considered as having a legitimate chance to push McKinney at right guard. Another name you should not forget is Kelly Butler. Chudzinski's offense will feature straight ahead power running and that style may benefit by having Butler at right tackle. Butler is an explosive drive blocker that thrives in the running game. He, along with Sowells may be just what the doctor ordered for the Browns running game on the right side of the line now, and in the future.
The depth on the line has also been addressed with Fraley, Tucker, Shaffer or Butler, McKinney or Sowells, Lennie Friedman, and Nat Dorsey all fighting for positions on the line. Rob Smith and Fred Matua are also in the mix, but as of yet have done nothing to stand out and make a name for themself. All in all, this offensive line, if healthy, may be one the NFL's best and deepest. Jamal Lewis should certainly benefit from the attention paid to it and could have a monster season. The quarterback position, whoever should emerge, may also have the luxury of being able to sit in the pocket and pick out one of many capable targets. Now isn't that a revolution.