Dawgbeat

Dawgbeat: 08/02/2007: The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

by Eric Brown

08/02/2007

      Brady Quinn still hasn't signed yet, Orpheus Roye is having surgery that may cause him to miss some time, Travis Wilson isn't living up to expectations of a third round pick, Kevin Shaffer is moving to right tackle, Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson don't seem to be taking a step forward as camp swings into high gear. All of these and many more story lines are developing as the season gets closer and closer. To a fan they are all interesting, but, only one thing really matters now...winning football games.

      The man responsible for winning football games in Cleveland is Romeo Crennel. Crennel is on the hot seat in Cleveland as Phil Savage believes the talent needed to win is available to him. The 2007 season may end very quickly for Crennel as the NFL schedule makers were not friendly to his future. Crennel is 1-11 in AFC North games in two seasons. The first four games feature home contests against Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Baltimore. Quite an overwhelming task for a man that has failed to get his troops ready for big contests in the past. But the past is the past and Crennel now has one more shot to prove he is worthy of a head coaching position.

       Browns fans are loyal if you win their trust and unforgiving if you let them down. However, winning seems to cure all evils and that is what the 2007 Browns must, must do. They must win football games and show that they are headed in a positive direction. Another season like last year and I fear that what loyalty is left among Browns fans will dissipate...quickly. The task at hand for Crennel and the Browns in 2007 is a very simple one. Find out what your strength is and stick to it. The offensive line seems to be coming together in the early stages of training camp and may end up being the rock this team is built upon. That is a great thing for us as fans as we have watched several years of exactly the opposite. If the 2007 Browns can establish the running game early on and give the team an identity, it could be a very fun and surprisingly successful (at least to media pundits) season. The running game as well as an improved defense could be the ticket to a improbable playoff flight for the Browns.

      No matter what happens and what stories are written during the off-season and training camp, one thing needs to be focused on in Cleveland...winning. Winning games will take care of everything else. No matter who is in the lineup at certain positions, no matter what injuries occur doesn't matter. The depth on this team has been upgraded and players need to step up and make plays. It is time to quit with all the excuses and blaming this and that, it is time to win football games in Clevleand, and that's the bottom line.

Notes/Observations from camp:

• Brady Quinn has all but thrown away a chance at starting in 2007. A starter will be named soon, possibly next week after the Chief pre-season game and Quinn hasn't practiced yet. Good luck Brady, it was nice to have had you as a Brown for a few minutes, but we have to play football games soon.
• The secondary of this team, maligned by NFL experts may end up being a surprise strength, there is alot of talent and depth in the group.
• Look for the Browns to scour the waiver wire or explore trades for another veteran receiver. Jurevicius is solid but aging and is better suited as the third receiver. Carter, Wilson, and Cribbs remain unproven and none have stepped up in their effort to become a starter aside Braylon Edwards.
• Leon Williams, at some point in 2007 will take over one of the middle linebacker spots and become a star in the league.
• Antwan Peek will be the starter at left outside linebacker, unseating Willie McGinest and pushing him into a 3rd down pass rushing defensive end.