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Do IT this week: Layering
Browns tackle to return to Detroit as opponent
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Friday, Aug 22, 2008
BEREA: Granted, it's only preseason. And who knows if anyone knows what makes Shaun Rogers tick.
But talking to the new Browns' defensive tackle about facing the team where he spent the previous seven years, going against the coach who gave up on him, some might wonder if he really pushed to play Monday night.
It doesn't seem a stretch to think that Rogers can't wait to unleash all 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds of himself on the Detroit Lions on Saturday.
But if that's his plan, he wouldn't let on Thursday.
''I think I play every game with a certain level of intensity and confidence. That's how I'm going to approach this game as well,'' he said.
Browns coach Romeo
Crennel figures Rogers will have little fire in his gut.
''I think he probably will be [excited], that seems to be the nature of guys when they play a team they used to play for,'' Crennel said. ''He's coming along good. I still like him. In shorts, we all look good, but in pads he looks good, too. I think you will like what he is able to bring to the table.''
The two-time Pro Bowler came to Cleveland on March 1, acquired in a trade for cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round draft choice as the Browns tried to upgrade a defense ranked 30th in the league. Three days later, the Browns restructured his contract, adding a reported three years and $20 million guaranteed to a deal that was to expire in 2010.
Now the attacking four-man defensive line of Detroit coach Rod Marinelli has no starters over 300 pounds. Rogers' replacement, nose tackle Chuck Darby, is 6-0, 297, while the other tackle, Corey Redding, is 6-4, 295.
Rogers still keeps in touch with his old teammates and resisted the temptation to blast the Lions. Asked if the two organizations had a different tone, he said, ''Yeah, we wear orange and they wear blue.''
Rogers missed three days of practice last week, one with what Crennel described as a sore knee. So Rogers did not play in Monday's 37-34 road loss to the New York Giants.
''I'm all right,'' Rogers said. ''Camp wears on everybody a little bit, but we're going to push through. I'll be ready when the real show goes on.''
Asked if he wanted to see action in the Meadowlands, Rogers said, ''That was a decision Romeo and the medical staff made on my behalf and for the betterment of this team. I always want to play the game.''
Rogers didn't seem worried about what kind of reception he'll get in Ford Field.
''I don't know. I play for the Browns now,'' he said. ''I'm assuming I'll get the same reception the other Browns get.''
Being in the visitors locker room won't seem strange.
''I went over there and chilled before. I'll be all right,'' he said.
And what was he doing over there?
''Talking to visitors,'' Rogers said.
Shear madness
Rookies and first-year players showed up with some strange haircuts, thanks to the veterans. Linebacker Chase Ortiz had several holes cut into his hair, including a large one in back, and a stripe from ear to ear.
''We've got the rookie show tonight, then we're allowed to get it off,'' Ortiz said.
Remembering Upshaw
Browns' player rep Darnell Dinkins mourned the passing of Gene Upshaw, the NFL Players Association's executive director who died Thursday of pancreatic cancer.
''It's unfortunate,'' Dinkins said. ''The main thing we need to focus on is backing his family. It was so unexpected. He was just a class guy, a down-to-earth guy.
''Since Gene has been here . . . we went from having nothing to all the things we have now. One of the best things about him, he was so diversified, [going from] being a Hall of Fame player to an excellent businessman.''
Former Browns assistant coach Terry Robiskie, now receivers coach in Atlanta, played with Upshaw on the Raiders.
''From the first day of training camp, you walked in the locker room and you knew that Gene Upshaw might be the president of the United States,'' Robiskie said on the Falcons' Web site. ''When everybody was down and out and dragging, Gene Upshaw was full of life. He kept the locker room at peace. He kept everyone going.
''He was the epitome of great leadership.''
Brownies
Missing practice were fullback Charles Ali (stinger) and tight end Steve Heiden (sore back), but Crennel said both probably will play at Detroit. Heiden had offseason back surgery. . . . Strong safety Sean Jones (general soreness) was limited. . . . Crennel started practice with the players in pads for run drills, then had the players shed their gear. . . . Crennel expressed condolences to the family of Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who died Wednesday. . . . Crennel confirmed that Pro Bowl returner Joshua Cribbs has a high ankle sprain. . . . The concussion free safety Brodney Pool suffered Monday was his third in four years.
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/.
BEREA: Granted, it's only preseason. And who knows if anyone knows what makes Shaun Rogers tick.
Get the full article here.
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