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Published on Sunday, Oct 21, 2007
The Browns enter their bye date today at 3-3. While not a winning record, it's a mark many fans and some players, too embrace as a sign of improvement.
The team is a botched field goal from a 4-2 record and has won twice in three games against AFC North rivals.
So what has gone right for the 2007 edition of the Browns? What problems remain to be corrected? Here are some surprises and disappointments:
Surprises
Derek Anderson
Anderson didn't have the moxie to win the starting job in training camp, even though he was the favorite of the coaching staff and seemed ahead when July sessions began. Whether he was worrying over Cleveland drafting Brady Quinn No. 22 overall or unable to get into a rhythm while sharing time with Charlie Frye, Anderson blossomed after the stunning trade of Frye on Sept. 11.
The Browns are averaging 32 points a game this season with Anderson behind center. The three-year veteran from Oregon State ranks third in the league in touchdown passes with 14, trailing only New England's Tom Brady (21) and Dallas' Tony Romo (15). His quarterback rating is 88.9.
Now 3-5 as a starter over two seasons and 3-2 in 2007, Anderson has a tendency to have a bad half or a bad quarter, but in the Browns' last game, against Miami, he threw no interceptions for the first time in those eight starts.
''He's making throws that some big-time guys have made,'' tight end Steve Heiden said. ''There's some tight coverage.''
Some figured Quinn would have seen regular-season action already. If Anderson enjoys continued success, the Browns could find themselves in a Drew Brees-Philip Rivers scenario. Braylon Edwards
Finally playing like the third overall pick in the 2005 draft, Edwards has taken a giant leap in maturation and commitment.
Only New England's Randy Moss and the Giants' Plaxico Burress have scored more touchdowns (both with eight) than Edwards' seven. He ranks third in the league in receiving yards with 552 and is tied with tight end Kellen Winslow for the team lead in catches with 29.
Edwards has gone all-out to leap or dive for balls, not necessarily his trademark in the past.
''Braylon's getting better and that's a scary thing,'' Winslow said.
While he's becoming one of the most marketed faces in the league, Edwards is learning to focus on game preparation rather than his own interests. More importantly, he's becoming a team leader, something few expected when he grabbed Frye's jersey on the sideline in 2006.
''He's such a confident player and the talent backs it up,'' running back Jason Wright said. ''He has become such a team leader. It's great to see him have success, because that gives the whole team a boost morale-wise.'' Joe Thomas
That Miami defensive end Jason Taylor, the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2006, had only one meaningless sack during a Cleveland touchdown drive last weekend is an indication the Browns did the right thing in picking Thomas third overall in April.
The Outland Trophy winner from the University of Wisconsin has lived up to expectations.
''Joe Thomas had a pretty impressive game on Sunday,'' owner Randy Lerner said Wednesday.
''I've been doing all right. I think there's a lot of room for improvement,'' Thomas said before that game. ''When you're a rookie and you're starting on the offensive line, you're going to have a bull's-eye and people are going to try and come after you, maybe scheme toward you to try and take advantage of you.
''That's just the way it is in the NFL. (There haven't been) really any surprises. I think I've prepared myself very well for what I was going to see during the year.''
The Browns' past aversion to selecting offensive linemen high in the draft makes Thomas an even better addition. Kellen Winslow
There were doom-and-gloom forecasts after reports surfaced that Winslow had undergone microfracture surgery Jan. 30 on his right knee, the same one reconstructed after his 2005 motorcycle accident.
But Winslow has bounced back with 29 catches for 506 yards and two touchdowns.
He's playing in pain after separating his left shoulder Sept. 23 at Oakland.
Always willing to sacrifice his body for the cause, Winslow is even more determined now that his former position coach at the University of Miami, Rob Chudzinski, is in his first year as Browns offensive coordinator. Rob Chudzinski
Winslow often calls Chudzinski ''a genius'' and it is apparent his attacking approach has energized the team. Players love his go-for-the-jugular style of throwing for the end zone after a turnover.
Asked how much of a difference Chudzinski has made, tight end Heiden said, ''A ton. There's so many things he does with motioning people and putting Kellen and Braylon in different positions where a defense can't key on what they're doing.'' D'Qwell Jackson
While most of the Browns' linebacking corps has been nondescript, the 2006 second-round pick from Maryland looks to be a keeper.
He's tied for third on the league's tackle chart with 51, although Browns coaches have credited him with 57 17 better than No. 2 Andra Davis.
Jackson has also broken up three passes (second most on the team) and has two tackles for losses. Now he needs to work on creating turnovers, where he has been shut out.
Disappointments
Kamerion Wimbley
The first-round pick in 2006 made a seemingly easy transition from college defensive end, ranking second last season among NFL rookies with 11 sacks.
He can never be faulted for a lack of intensity or determination, but aiming for a sack a game, Wimbley has only three at the break, mainly because teams have concentrated on him.
Perhaps Antwan Peek's recovery from a foot injury will help Wimbley after the bye.
Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham should try to move Wimbley around more. Sean Jones/Brodney Pool
Jones had a Pro Bowl-caliber season in 2006 with five interceptions, tied for 10th in the league, but has only one to this point and has struggled covering tight ends.
Pool, a second-round pick in 2005, has athletic ability but has contributed little.
The Browns desperately miss Brian Russell, who was let go in free agency and signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Andra Davis
One of the most likable Browns, Davis has played in pain with a nagging ankle injury and still has recorded 40 tackles (22 solos).
He's not a roving renegade whom teams must be wary of, however.
Chaun Thompson, one of the last remnants of the Butch Davis regime (along with Winslow and long snapper Ryan Pontbriand), is making more of an impact. Ted Washington
Why the 39-year-old, 17-year veteran nose tackle remains on the team is anyone's guess. He has contributed only nine tackles.
When he growls at a teammate or an employee in the locker room, even fellow Browns seem to have no use for him. Tim Carter
The third receiver because of a touch of speed and no one else to challenge him, Carter has caught five passes for 86 yards and a touchdown, which wouldn't even be a good game for Edwards.
The Giants were about to release Carter when the Browns acquired him in the Reuben Droughns trade in March.
This spot needs upgrading for 2008. LeCharles Bentley
It was a pipe dream to expect the Pro Bowl center to come back this year from a torn left patellar tendon suffered in 2006, and four operations. But the thought of what might have been with Bentley is the greatest disappointment on the team.
One wonders whether he even will be able to play guard in 2008.
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/.
The Browns enter their bye date today at 3-3. While not a winning record, it's a mark many fans and some players, too embrace as a sign of improvement.
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