Category: Cleveland Browns (Page 105 of 114)

Patrick McManamon has a great profile of Jeff Faine in the Beacon Journal as the Browns wrap up minicamp, pointing out that Faine has to prove himself to the new coaching staff. Crennell again demonstrates that he’s all business and only cares about performance, pointing out that he’s not concerned about Faine’s weight as long as he gets the job done.

McManamon also includes another interesting story about Butch Davis, explaining that the offensive coaches perferred Eric Steinbach, who now starts for the Bengals, over Faine. Davis, on the other, hand wanted to go with a guy that he had recruited. Faine hasn’t turned out to be a terrible pick, but he’s another first-rounder under Davis that hasn’t cracked the Pro Bowl yet.

ESPN’s Lee Pasquarelli takes and in-depth look at the new Browns being built by Savage and Crennell and likes what he sees. Pasquarelli likes the new emphasis on character, contrasting that with the widely-held impressions of the out-of-control Browns under Butch Davis. We’ve said it here since Savage took over. This organization is much more professional than the spin-obsessed regime of Davis, and they have backed things up with a toughness and honesty not seen in Berea for years. By completing a solid draft and then getting rid of loudmouths like Ross Verba and Big Money, Savage and Crennell are starting to get recognition around the league as solid managers who might finally bring a winner to Cleveland. The true test will be on the field and results may not come till next season, but it looks like they’re off to a great start.

Injured Browns tight end Kellen Winslow will undergo surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Tuesday, ESPN reports. The article also says that team officials are denying that there is any further damage to Winslow’s knee while also saying Winslow is expected to be ready for the 2006 season. Yeah, I’ll believe that when I see it.

As expected, the Browns have offered Ross Verba his release in exchange for Verba’s agreement to repay $465,000 of a roster bonus. Meanwhile, the Browns added another veteran tackle by signing Marcus Spears. This should give them some depth and insurance after signing tackle L. J. Shelton last week.

Savage and Crennell continue to remake this troubled roster. Verba was overrated as a left tackle, and his contract demands were ridiculous. Savage has shown he will not be intimidated by contract demands, and that no individual player is more important than the team. Expectations are low for the upcoming season, and they are rebuilding this team for the long term, so guys like Shelton and Spears just need to be adequate for now. Who knows, they might even be better than Verba.

In another strong move, the Browns signed massive left tackle L. J. Shelton, a former first-round pick out of Eastern Michigan. Shelton is not an All-Pro and Crennell might have to whip him into shape, but he’s certainly an adequate replacement for loudmouth Ross Verba. Savage has indicated that he will not restructure Verba’s deal, and Verba is now screaming for his release.

If I were Savage I’d tell him to pound salt and hold out if he wants. With Shelton this team does not need Verba, and they certainly don’t need someone like him to disrupt the new chemistry they are trying to build on this team. Verba is a decent player, but he is not a dominant left tackle, and he really doesn’t fit the power game Crennell is trying to install in Cleveland. Verba is one of those “versitile” linemen Butch Davis always yapped about. Sure, he can play guard as well, but what we really need is someone to play tackle, play it well and keep his mouth shut while doing it.