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Do IT this week: Layering
Despite struggles, Anderson remains confident that offense will find its stride
By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008
BEREA: At this point last season, the Browns wondered what could be. Already this season, they are wondering what happened.
Coming off a 34-7, opening-day loss last season to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns shocked fans by winning a shootout 51-45 the following week over the Cincinnati Bengals. That game provided the first glimpse into what new offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski's plan could produce.
Two games and two losses into this season, the offense is off track.
Next up is a strong defensive team in the Baltimore Ravens on the road Sunday.
''They're darned good teams — the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys,'' quarterback Derek Anderson said. ''There's nothing wrong with us. Remember last year? I've got to throw the ball better, and they have to catch it and make plays.''
The explanation should be that easy, but it's a tad more
complicated. The offense has proved to be its own worst enemy in the two games. There have been 10 offensive penalties, mostly on little things such as false starts and illegal motion; the sign of an undisciplined team.
''I don't know what it is. It's disappointing, of course, because we feel like we have a really great offense to carry over from last year,'' right tackle Kevin Shaffer said. ''We still feel good about things; it just hasn't come together, yet.
''I'm not sure why and what the deal is, but we have to work harder next week to make some stuff happen.''
The play of Anderson and wide receiver Braylon Edwards hasn't proved to be inspiring, either. Anderson tossed an inopportune interception just before the end of the first half Sunday night against the Steelers, and he hasn't looked sharp.
Edwards, coming off a Pro Bowl season, has dropped at least six balls, including one against the Cowboys that likely would have gone for a touchdown.
Anderson said he's aware of the problems.
''Obviously that's just focusing. It's not just dropped passes; it's bad throws,'' he said. ''It goes both ways. You give them a better ball, and they're going to catch it.''
Can all of this be laid at the feet of the players? In one respect, no.
Anderson had a concussion that caused him to miss the final two preseason games, and a freak accident during camp forced Edwards to miss the final three games with a heel injury.
Add to the mix that in pregame warmups for the first game, wide receiver Donte' Stallworth went out with a strained quadriceps. That put another crimp in the offensive game plan that was going to include a significant role for Stallworth, if the preseason games were any indication.
''It's been a little bit of a revolving door. This is the NFL and injuries are a part of the game so those are the things that you have to be able to adapt [to], improvise and overcome,'' Chudzinski said. ''That is what we have stressed and want to stress with our players is, the guys that are in the huddle, that's our team.
''We have the same expectation of those guys as of any other guys that would be in the huddle. It's the same for us and that's how we approach it.''
There could be something else in play here, too.
Anderson was a virtual unknown when he assumed the reins of the offense last season. With a new passer and offense, opposing teams might not have known what to expect. Have they caught up to Anderson and the team's attack?
''If you look at the results, you can say that they have, but I think if all the weapons were healthy and out there that we'd pose some problems with opposing defenses,'' coach Romeo Crennel said.
Tight end Kellen Winslow doesn't buy into that notion.
''It doesn't matter what plays you run. It's all about execution,'' he said. ''There's only so many plays you can draw up. You just have to execute.''
Winslow is more frustrated that they wasted an outstanding defensive effort against the Steelers.
''The defense did a helluva job and to hold a team like that to 10 points, all the credit goes to them,'' he said. ''If we can play like that during the 16-game season, we're going to win a lot of games. Offensively, special teams, we have to pick it up a little bit.''
Smith on IR
Browns defensive end Robaire Smith will miss the rest of the season after being placed on injured reserve Tuesday because of a left Achilles' injury that he suffered Sunday. The Browns signed defensive end Santonio Thomas to fill the roster spot. Thomas spent the past three seasons with the New England Patriots, mainly on the practice squad. He played in four games last season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/sportsblitz/
BEREA: At this point last season, the Browns wondered what could be. Already this season, they are wondering what happened.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 08:35 AM, 09/17/2008
It's hard to get any offense going when 5th & 6th string wide receivers starting.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:53 AM, 09/17/2008
We have the players and they are paid well, but I believe the coaches decision making on the field is the problem, not the team.
Posted 09:26 AM, 09/17/2008
Cranial's head is in the noose.
Posted 09:45 AM, 09/17/2008
Anderson is the bright spot for the Browns. He still can throw those bullets. And in the year 2008 NFL, all passes must be bullets or they are intercepted. And what is wrong with Lewis...look at all the money he is paid. Why doesn't he practice in the off season, and why can't he play a whole game. By platooning the running backs we loose effectiveness, and telegraph all our plays right to the opponent's coach who is no dummy...he can veiw films and he knows what Lewis's number is..
Posted 10:09 AM, 09/17/2008
A QB that can only throw bullets is a liability in the year 2008 NFL. An NFL QB has to have all the tools - strong arm, mobility, touch, and the ability to accurately read defenses and make decisions. DA has failed, in year 2008, in 3 of those 4 and mobility is something he'll never have. RAC, Chud, and DA should all be on the hotseat for their jobs. Preseason is over now (although it's hard to tell they are aware of that fact) and it's time to 'put up' or move aside for someone who will. Mediocrity and mistakes are unacceptable on a team that has postseason aspirations. Just ask Ned Yost.
cuyahoga falls, oh
Posted 10:41 AM, 09/17/2008
Cleveland sux, always has sucked and always will suck, get over it!
Posted 03:02 PM, 09/17/2008
I'm tired of the coaches and the players putting a spin on things when the spin is just excuses for poor execution, lack of preparation and lack of discipline. The good teams have all of the above and because of that make the most of their available talent. WE need coaches who will coach and players who will play.
Posted 03:33 PM, 09/17/2008
All of the above observations are correct. Injuries have played a part; the talent is thin to begin with. Far an away the most pressing problem with this team is the leader. The head coach sets the expectations and demands the players meet his standards. The players obviously have no respect for this pathetic head coach who appears to be trautmatized on the sidelines.
Posted 07:24 PM, 09/17/2008
What the Browns need is a montage. Look how much Rocky accomplished in a short time. From a nobody to heavyweight champion in the span of 20 minutes. Browns have 3 days to put a montage together and use it. Go Browns
Cleveland, Oh
Posted 03:42 AM, 09/18/2008
This is Romeos 4th year these are his players! Romeo sold his self on being a defensive guru and said in 4 years we will be better defensively! Yet are defense has stayed on the bottom tier in the league! New Englands defense did not suffer from his departure and their players are much older and slower than ours! That coupled with his crazy game management skills let me know he sold the city of Cleveland and more importantly worldwide Browns Backers like myself a dream! Well its time for the dream to end Romeo, times up buddy! C U! As far as DA is concered he had all offseason to learn of to beat a cover 2 or 3 zone defense and he has not accomplished that! He tries to throw the ball to the left side as a quick slant, instead of letting the receiver clear the LB and hit the receiver behind the LB more in the middle of the field! I know Quinn feels like it will not be long know for his chance to roll, but of course Romeo will wait to we have no chance to make the playoffs before he makes the switch! Quinn has showed that he can beat a cover 2 or 3 zone underneath! Teams are going to play the highschool cover 2 or 3 zones until DA beats them and he has not done that to date!
Posted 08:37 AM, 09/18/2008
The Browns were not prepared to play either of these games. They have talent but none of it is on the coaching staff.
akron, oh
Posted 09:37 AM, 09/18/2008
They need to play as a team or they are never gonna win. Its always easy to put the blame on the coach or on the QB. They need to put the blame on each other. They played like a bunch of little girls. I saw high schools games better than this. We all pay good money or at least use too, to watch them lose. I have always been a Browns fan but maybe its time to change. They can play when they want to, maybe everytime they lose a game each of them to pay the city $5000.00 per player. At least that way they have a reason to win.
San Antonio, TX
Posted 12:27 PM, 09/18/2008
Hmm,I saw the same game K2 saw and I didn't see that the defense played exceptional. Rogers was the lone smasher. I mean he had a great game. But still with his good play big Ben had a lot of time to pass. It is tough to cover a receiver when there is no pressure on the QB. In fact impossable. The defense couldn't stop the steelers when it mattered most plane and simple. The lack of consintration wasn't there either. That interception was in excusable. DA had no real preasure on him and he totally didn't see K2 wide open in the end zone. I still don't understand that move by DA.
