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McDonald slows down Andre Johnson, gets interception in first start
By George M. Thomas Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Monday, Nov 26, 2007
CLEVELAND: Browns rookie cornerback Brandon McDonald proved ready for his close-up Sunday against the Houston Texans.
Pressed into service because of an injury to fellow rookie cornerback Eric Wright, McDonald clamped down on Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson and contributed significantly to the Browns' 27-17 victory Sunday afternoon.
At the end of the game, Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowl receiver, owned a rather average stat line that included just three catches for 51 yards, with the longest reception just 29 yards. Not once did McDonald, who was taken in the fifth round of last spring's NFL Draft, or the secondary allow Johnson to scorch them.
In fact, most of the time when Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (22-of-36, 256 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions) looked to Johnson, he found McDonald plastered to him.
On one play in the fourth quarter, McDonald broke up a pass intended for Johnson deep down the left side. On the Texans' next series, Schaub threw toward Johnson again but McDonald intercepted the pass. On that particular play, McDonald said it was just a matter of knowing the Texans' tendencies.
Despite his work to learn the Texans' habits, his first start didn't come without a few butterflies flitting about his stomach.
''At first I was nervous. I'm not usually nervous before games, but knowing that I would get a chance to play today was nerve-wracking. But I think I did good,'' he said. ''Coach (Romeo) Crennel says all the time, you get your chance to step up, you've got to make sure you take advantage of it.''
Before Sunday's game, McDonald made his impact on special teams, getting four tackles in both the win against the Seattle Seahawks and a loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He didn't surprise Crennel with the way he played.
''He has been playing his role on special teams and on defense,'' Crennel said. ''He has good ability and he has been learning all year. It paid off today because he had a couple of big plays and a good first interception.''
Teammates didn't dispute Crennel's assessment of McDonald, who is listed generously at 5-foot-10 in the team's media guide.
''He played very well in the preseason. I knew when he had his opportunity, he was going to go out there and play well,'' safety Sean Jones said. ''Week in and week out he gives our offense looks and he gives those guys pressure over there. He's a great talent and just stepped up big in the place of Eric (Wright).''
Linebacker Antwan Peek agreed.
''He's a talented guy and he continues to get better. He shows what he can do by the way he works on special teams,'' Peek said. ''He's been constantly making plays; he just has a knack of getting after the ball. I'm really looking forward to seeing how he progresses as he matures.''
One of the primary reasons that McDonald performed so well on the field Sunday came from whom he practices against — Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who joked that McDonald cheats when he covers him in practice.
''I've told the team and I've told him that I appreciate the way he pushes me in practice because when I go into games seeing an aggressive, focused cheater-type look,'' he said, ''I'm already ready for it on game day and I have a big advantage going against defensive backs.''
Working against Edwards, who is playing at Pro Bowl level this season, also taught the cornerback from the University of Memphis a thing or two, McDonald said. It prevented him from being intimidated by Johnson.
''I saw it as an opportunity to make a name for myself and help this team win,'' he said. ''I wasn't really set on Johnson. I was just set on what I was supposed to do.''
George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/sportsblitz/.
CLEVELAND: Browns rookie cornerback Brandon McDonald proved ready for his close-up Sunday against the Houston Texans.
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