Events Calendar
In This Section
Most Read Stories
Browns try to tackle their problems
For LeBron, most bets not off on defense
Loss leaves lesson to be learned
Girl admits sending nude cell-phone photos
Man's body found in Akron yard
Oh, the weather outside is frightful
Shared title, victory over UM just consolation for OSU
Blogs:
Akron Law Café:
More Questions On The National City Sale
Car Chase:
What will happen at the big January auctions?
The Heldenfiles:
More Catching Up: "Grey's Anatomy," "Survivor"
Patrick McManamon:
Someone gets it that LeBron might not leave, and why the difference in judgment with Quinn and Anderson?
Browns Bulletin:
Texans at Browns live chat
Cleveland Browns:
Quinn has fractured finger
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Gameblog: Cleveland vs. Atlanta Hawks - Quicken Loans Arena
CavsHQ: A Fan's View:
Roasted Hawk - Cavs v. Hawks Postgame Quickhits
Akron Zips:
The morning after
Varsity Letters:
Archbishop Hoban duo headed to University of Akron
Kent State Sports:
Van Benschoten cuts ties with Pirates
Ohio Politics:
Hillary To Accept Secretary Of State Nomination
See Jane Style:
Weekend Inspiration
All Da King's Men:
Should We Bail Out The Big Three Automakers ?
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Prophets And Charts
HRLite House:
HR & Strategy, Police Selection
Akron Gamer:
Perhaps the greatest thing ever
Ohio Travels with Betty:
Pat requests information on the German bands playing at Lock 3.
Sound Check:
GNR's Chinese Democracy set for November 23 release…seriously!
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Sugar Plum Home Tour 2008
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.
Get the full article here.

