In 2007, quarterback, Derek Anderson came from nowhere at reached the Pro Bowl. He used his guts, steel nerves and a strong arm to toss 29 touchdowns to only 19 interceptions. He threw for 3,797 passing yards and won four games in the fourth quarter. His leadership allowed the Browns to end their year 10-6. They earned the title, "the best team out of playoff competition". And how was he rewarded for his effort?
Head coach, Romeo Crennel, took one interception thrown against the Ravens and benched him. Never mind that the entire team began to an 0-3 start. Wide receiver, Braylon Edwards topped the NFL with 16 dropped passes as of Week 10. Tight end, Kellen Winslow never stopped self-promoting his mediocre skills. And, the "defense" made hall of famers out of Baltimore Ravens rookie, Joe Flacco and the Denver Broncos, Jay Cutler.
Anderson's benching allowed Notre Dame pretty-boy, Brady Quinn to play. However, just like Charlie Frye and Trent Dilfer since 2006, quarterbacks not named Anderson have a record of 4-13. Anderson has a 14-13 record. Browns fans wanted a quarterback for a winning team. Go figure.
In 2007, the Browns team finished 5th in the league in scoring. Winslow, Edwards, Jamal Lewis (running back), Josh Cribbs (special teams) and Joe Thomas (offensive linesman) made the Pro Bowl. Anderson earned his spot as an alternate.
In 2008, the Browns scored eight points less than last year. Only Cribbs and Thomas played with Pro Bowl capabilities. Anderson left the field with a season-ending knee injury; much to the fans delight.
As for me, I dumped every Edwards and Lewis card I owned. I never cared for Winslow's big mouth anyway. Unlike his hall of fame father (Kellen Sr.), Junior played like a selfish p*k. He and the New Orleans Saints, Jeremy Shockey are primadonna tight ends. Primadonnas are great talkers of their game, but rarely produce.
Crennel betrayed his quarterback. That quarterback allowed him to keep his job and to receive an extension. His betrayal is deserving of a pink slip this offseason.
Quinn's ineffective play is deserving of a trade for a high, draft pick and some defense. Lewis is deserving of his unconditional release. Winslow has to be traded to Kansas City for a proven professional, tight end. Tony Gonzalez has to come to Cleveland. Give the folks in Arrowhead Stadium a big mouth. Actually, if they're wanting Quinn too, they have to give up running back, Larry Johnson. Cleveland won't mess with his career as Kansas City did.
After these moves are made, Edwards and Donte Stallworth have to understand one thing. This year has to be an arberration; something once in a blue moon and never to be repeated. The Browns are now a team of winners. Losers are not wanted and no longer needed.
AND HOPE FOR MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER OR BILL COWHER.
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Comments: 7
I called the prediction before ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning. Marty is coming to Cleveland, folks!!!!
Anderson is a stud; just check his win-loss record. Quinn is another over-hyped draftee who NFL teams figured out after Game 1 against the worst pass defense in football (ie: the Broncos). He can't throw the deep ball with accuracy. He's skittish in the pocket. So what, he can scramble! He can't make plays down the field.
Phil Savage and Crennel are both ridiculous. I'll give you that! But, Quinn is worth more somewhere else. I'd rather have Anderson and his four, fourth-quarter comebacks. If the damn defense would've played better, the Redskins and Ravens games would've been victories.