I'm not going to do it -- I'm not going to rehash the 2006 season in detail. Who wants to relive that? All I can do is render a personal verdict on a few things. Forgive me for a paucity of evidence... it's just not worth going into painful detail.
- The number one priority for the Browns in 2006 was to determine if Charlie Frye was the real deal or not. At this point we need to be able to answer the question, "Is Frye the guy to build around?" On this point the season was a failure. Frye was spotty, his arm strength was a hurdle he often couldn't overcome, and his instincts and competitiveness could only partially overcome the holes in his game. Phil Savage, it appears, still has some faith in Frye, but it's not unlimited. I'm a bit harsher. I think Frye proved himself to be capable, but also that he's a ways off from being a starter. He doesn't have the phycisical ability to overcome his lack of experience and the undeveloped mental side of the game. What he needs most is time. I think a couple years on the bench could do wonders for him.
- The health of Winslow and Edwards. Edwards seemed to pass with flying colors on this count (it's other areas that are concerning). Winslow struggled healthwise but made it through. That is to his credit. But it does mean he's likely to struggle with some nagging injuries in his career and, most significantly, it's doubtful he will ever develop into a true downfield threat. But still, the fact that these guys made it through the season without serious complications is a postiive sign.
- Development of the defense. This was dissappointing due to injuries and the inability for Ted Washington to give the team anything at nosetackle. As a result, the defense struggled statistically but did get some promising performances from Sean Jones and Kameron Wimbley. Pool, L. Williams, and D. Jackson showed enough promise that they could emerge as significant starters or contributors. Some of the backup DBs and DEs made plays and could hold down roster spots in '07. So it was far from a disaster. But the team still faces a crisis on the DL as the aging Orpheus Roye is the only solid starter, and there are gaping holes at DE and NT. The likely career-ending injuries to Gary Baxter also leaves the team down a starter at CB. All this means the Browns will have to invest a lot of effort merely reloading this offseason. Certainly the holes along the DL have to be the highest priority here.
- Offensive line make-over. LeCharles Bentley and Kevin Shaffer were supposed to start a new era for the Browns OL. Shaffer played solidly but unremarkably. And Bentley of course was hurt and is likely a non-factor for 2007. Perhaps more alarming is the continued struggles of Cosey Coleman and, to a lesser extent, Joe Andruzzi. Ryan Tucker, the teams best OL the past couple seasons, spent the year hurt with a mystery illness that leaves his status uncertain as well. The verdict -- 2006 was a failure. Hank Fraley's competent presence and Shaffer's OK play, though not up to many fans expectations, were the only things keeping the line's performance from being a total disaster. As it stands, Fraley has to be resigned or replaces, and the team needs at least 2 more new starters in '07.
- Coaching. A failure. The lack of wins is one thing, but not the biggest factor. The true failures came from the lack of organization on offense and the inability to be creative enough to generate a couple touchdowns a game. But mostly, losing creates problems. No coach in the league can keep a team together when only winning a handful of games.
So to recap:
- Charlie Frye -- fail
- Winslow and Edwards health -- pass
- Defensive developement -- mixed
- OL -- fail
- Coaching -- fail
There are some obvious conclusions that can be reached.
- Crennel I'm willing to give another year to -- I think any head coach deserves three years. But he's obviously gotta prove the team is headed in the right direction in 2007 and win at least 7, and probably 8 or 9 games.
- Frye needs to sit on the bench.
- A veteran QB needs to be acquired to start.
- The offensive line desperately needs new talent, especially on the interior.
- The defensive line desperately needs new talent.
- The Browns ought to spend their high draft picks on OL and DL prospects.
That's it. It's not very exciting but it's exactly what the Browns need if we're going to build on the positives of the 2006 season.