Kevin Jones and Mike Doss.
I will always wonder if Lewis is going to show the kind of fire we need him to. I think Kevin Jones would make a great addition to the Browns as sort of a 3rd-down back / frequent backup to Lewis. It makes sense on a number of levels.
- Jones is good. Really. He's strong, runs well, and can catch the ball. Maybe he won't be a world-beater, but on the other hand he's got a lot of ability. And he's only been on one NFL team widely acknowledged to be among the lesser franchises.
- His health situation is an obvious issue, but I think the Browns are in position to gamble some money on the guy. They are going to have to gamble on somebody anyway. I'd take a shot with Jones.
- I don't dislike our current stable of runners. But none of them can be a strong inside runner like Lewis is. Jones could be, albeit not quite in the same category. But the point is that the offense probably wouldn't have to change if Jones is subbing for Lewis.
And Doss.... I am not a huge fan of Doss but I wonder if answer in the secondary might be to move Pool to corner and bring in another safety. I'm not sure if Pool is up to that job. But I know he's inconsistent at safety even while coming up with an occasional big play. The thing is, I don't think the Browns need big plays at that safety position. They just need some consistency.
Neither of these guys are the answer to our prayers. But I'd welcome both under the right conditions.
--------------
Anyone else suprissed that LeCharles Bentley didn't have another team lined up after asking for and getting a release from the Browns?
I think this pause pretty much validates the Browns' caution with Bentley. If other teams had no concerns about his knee he'd have been signed within a couple days. Instead, the whole league is waiting. Bentley will get a shot somewhere in camp in a few weeks. But he's probably getting the same cautious response from other GM's in the league. And I can't help but wonder if his somewhat adversarial relationship with the Browns FO is making other teams think twice before giving him a shot.
Of course, Bentley's situation is not unique.
Quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Daunte Culpepper; running
backs Shaun Alexander, Kevin Jones and Ron Dayne;
linebackers Takeo Spikes, Junior Seau and Jeremiah Trotter;
defensive linemen Rod Coleman and Orpheus Roye; and
defensive backs Chad Scott, Duane Starks and Mike Doss.