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Pro Bowler will show whether Cleveland has ironed out troubles
By Stephanie Storm
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Saturday, Oct 25, 2008
BEREA: Despite all the Browns' defense has done in limiting opponents' forays into the end zone this season, it owns one glaring weakness.
Despite allowing 14 or fewer points in four of six games, the Browns rank 26th in the 32-team league in run defense.
The Browns rank seventh in the NFL in points allowed (17.7 per game).
''When we play good technique, set solid edges, don't give the runner seams inside and we play physical, we do a decent job in the run,'' Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker said. ''When we don't do those things, people tend to get yards, and we are inconsistent that way right now.''
Stopping the run is one of the Browns' main goals Sunday at the Jacksonville Jaguars, who enter the game ranked 14th with an average of 116.5 rushing yards per game.
At the center of the Jaguars' running attack is Pro Bowler
Fred Taylor, who needs only 43 yards to reach 11,000 for his career and one more touchdown to set the franchise record.
''He's a heck of a back,'' said linebacker Andra Davis, who played with Taylor for a season at the University Florida. ''He has the total package. It's fun watching a guy like that, especially a guy you know well. You wish him success when he's playing against other teams, but I definitely don't want him to have any success this week.''
Taylor has a history of big games against the Browns, averaging 154 yards in three career games. He has racked up 462 yards and five touchdowns on 79 carries.
In addition to Taylor, the Jaguars also feature the versatile Maurice Jones-Drew, a speedy threat in the rushing, receiving and return games who averages 130 all-purpose yards. Jones-Drew leads the Jaguars with five rushing touchdowns this season, providing another threat out of the backfield.
''They're two running backs with different styles,'' Browns safety Sean Jones said. ''Both of those guys are very talented. But if everybody flies to the ball and gang-tackles, we'll be fine.''
It won't be easy.
''It's going to be interesting because you've got two good running backs, yet different types of running backs,'' said defensive end Corey Williams, who is playing with a banged-up shoulder that Browns coach Romeo Crennel said earlier in the week would need ''tightening up in the offseason.''
''Both of them run hard with power,'' Williams said. ''It's going to be a challenge for us to stop them. One is more of a power back, [the other] is more of a speed back. They're giving you different looks.''
It's not something the Browns' defense hasn't already seen.
''[Teams] we've played lately are committed to running the football, and Jacksonville is no different,'' Tucker said. ''That is one of their keys. When they run the ball well, they seem to win games. When they've lost games, you look at their rushing totals and they have been down. We know what we're up against and we have to get it done.''
Helmet malfunction
Unlike a wardrobe malfunction that happens in plain view for all to see, when the communication device in the helmets of the allotted two Browns doesn't work (as occasionally has been the case this season), it isn't apparent until the team has to use a timeout to get everyone on the same page.
The inconsistent communication has led Browns quarterback Derek Anderson to have the security of a Plan B.
''I just try to have something ready just in case,'' said Anderson, who wears a wristband with 10 to 15 plays on it based on certain situations. ''It's kind of a deal where you're just trying to get in the flow of things and expect plays to be coming in and out, and all of a sudden it's like, 'Whoa! It doesn't work.' So you gotta think quick, call a play and go with it.''
On the defensive side of the ball, Davis and fellow linebacker Leon Williams rotate with the communication helmet, which is left at the 50-yard line for each to grab when it's his turn to run onto the field.
''Quarterbacks have it on all the time, and they don't get hit as much as linebackers do,'' Williams said as a possible reason for a defensive malfunction. ''As a linebacker, you may get rumbled a little bit. Heck, you may get somebody else's phone calls.''
All joking side, Crennel said patience is required as the league-wide problem is being addressed.
''A lot of things have been done since the beginning of the season,'' he said. ''I know that some bugs got worked out after the preseason was over. Now they are continually trying to make sure there are no other bugs. All I know is that there have been some other teams that have had some issues.''
Well-rested
In six years under coach Jack Del Rio, the Jaguars are 10-2 in games that start between 4 and 4:15 p.m. Sunday's game against the Browns is scheduled to kick off at 4:05.
The Jaguars also are coming off their bye week. They are 7-6 in such games.
Injury update
Browns defensive tackle Shaun Smith will not play Sunday. He is sidelined with a hand injury.
On Friday, linebacker Shantee Orr (foot) and guard Ryan Tucker (knee) were listed as doubtful, safety Mike Adams (hamstring) and defensive end Corey Williams (shoulder) were questionable, and tight end Steve Heiden (pectoral muscle) was upgraded to probable after participating in full practice.
Adams, Orr and Tucker have not practiced all week.
For the Jaguars, wide receiver Mike Walker is expected to miss the game with a knee injury. Defensive tackles John Henderson (hamstring) and Rob Meier (knee), and guard Tutan Reyes (knee) practiced with full participation for the first time all week Friday.
Stephanie Storm can be reached at sstorm@thebeaconjournal.com.
Beacon Journal sportswriter Marla Ridenour contributed to this story.
BEREA: Despite all the Browns' defense has done in limiting opponents' forays into the end zone this season, it owns one glaring weakness.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Naples, FL
Posted 09:38 AM, 10/25/2008
Fred Taylors son, Kelvin Taylor is only an 8th grader, yet played for the local High School, Belle Glade-Galdes Day Garors last night and ran for 211 yards in just over ONE QUARTER. See you in the NFL Kelvin!
akron, oh
Posted 11:47 AM, 10/25/2008
Nice to see a FOOTBALL story
GO BROWNS!!!!
Posted 01:06 PM, 10/25/2008
When you Watch Maurice Drew Jones ...Remember he is about the same size 5'7" and weight 208 as Harrison....
They both played their Senior Year in the Pac 10 Harrison playing on the worst team in the league rushed for 1900 yards Jones for about 1400 (maybe less that is from memory ..Both were drafted in 06...Jones team gave him a chance to play...Harrison's team does not give him that chance...Even though Harrison is the ideal change of pace back for Lewis...Averaged 6.2 yards per carry last year and Is averaging 7.5 yards per carry this year...
DID YOU SEE THE DIVING CATCH JEROME MADE IN THE NY GAME?
Posted 01:09 PM, 10/25/2008
Our brain Trust does not choose to play our speedy back Jerome Harrison...Or even work Josh Cribbs into the line up more...
Speed on the bench is wasted.
Port Saint Lucie, Fl
Posted 05:12 PM, 10/25/2008
When the communication device in the helmets of the allotted two Browns doesn't work(from the article).What! With al todays tech.that's hard to believe.Heck,Paul brown toyed with that idea back in the 50"s.Go back to the ol'shuttle.
