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Cornerback faces new test after starring Sunday
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Saturday, Dec 01, 2007
BEREA: For seven games, Browns rookie defensive back Brandon McDonald played only on special teams. Little did he know that General Manager Phil Savage considers that the perfect trial.
''Priest Holmes was a gunner for us in Baltimore before he ever carried a football,'' Savage said of the former Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs running back. ''Brandon had shown up on special teams. If you show that demeanor, usually you can become a pretty decent offensive or defensive player.''
Last Sunday against the Houston Texans, McDonald was more than decent, earning game balls for defense and special teams. Playing cornerback in the nickel defense because starter Eric Wright was out with a sprained right knee, McDonald had a career-high four tackles, an interception, a quarterback pressure and three pass breakups. He added two
special-teams tackles. McDonald helped hold Texans receiver Andre Johnson to three catches for 37 yards.
''I really wasn't surprised,'' McDonald said. ''I always expect to win my battles. Sometimes I expect to make plays I shouldn't be making. That's just the competitor I am.''
With Wright doubtful for the game Sunday against the Cardinals at Arizona, McDonald must prove he's more than a one-game wonder. It might be tough going against Cardinals receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, who have combined for 12 touchdowns.
McDonald, a fifth-round pick from Memphis, has practiced against Braylon Edwards, which should be good preparation.
Edwards said of McDonald: ''I've always liked him. I thought he was aggressive, physical, brought a swagger to the game, a confidence that was strong from Day One.''
But it might be tough for McDonald to cover a leaper, especially because Fitzgerald (6-foot-3) has 5 inches on him.
Edwards said McDonald will have to rely on his strong fundamentals.
''He's technical, he stays in his backpedal as long as he can, he has good footwork, he has good position,'' Edwards said. ''A lot of times I'm forced to make great plays over him. There's a lot of times I don't make the play because he's in position.''
But has McDonald intercepted one?
''No,'' Edwards said. ''I'll trip him before I let him pick it off.''
Injury update
Also doubtful is nose tackle Ethan Kelley (knee), the lone player on the list who did not practice. Questionable are Edwards (hamstring), linebacker Antwan Peek (knee) and defensive end Orpheus Roye (knee); all were limited. Probable are tight end Steve Heiden (limited, ankle), right tackle Kevin Shaffer (knee) and defensive end Robaire Smith (knee).
Edwards sat out Wednesday and Thursday, but he insisted, ''I'm feeling great. I'll be at my best.''
Mom likes hit
Browns free safety Brodney Pool said his mother was thrilled with his second-quarter tackle on Texans tight end Owen Daniels that jarred the ball loose and forced a Houston field goal last weekend. Rose Brimmer played volleyball and basketball and ran track at Texas A&I-Kingsville, and Pool said she was a tougher competitor than his father, who played football there.
''She always says I go for the interception,'' Pool said. ''She loved it.''
Friendly rivalry
Edwards said Fitzgerald and Donte Stallworth of the New England Patriots are his two best friends in the NFL. He's inspired playing against Fitzgerald.
''He's been kicking my butt the last two weeks,'' Edwards said. ''It's going to be fun to go against the Cardinals and a little private individual battle. I don't care about the catches; I care about'' the touchdowns.
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/.
BEREA: For seven games, Browns rookie defensive back Brandon McDonald played only on special teams. Little did he know that General Manager Phil Savage considers that the perfect trial.
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