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Do IT this week: Layering
If departure is in future, Browns linebacker says he'll have no regrets
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008
PHILADELPHIA: If this is the twilight of his time in Cleveland, Andra Davis could count it down in days and minutes, were he into that sort of thing.
But if Browns management, perhaps a new regime, determines it needs a faster linebacker to replace the seven-year veteran, he will depart quietly in search of another team without worry or regret.
''You know me, I'm one day at a time,'' Davis said last week. ''I've seen a lot happen. Whatever is going to happen next year is going to happen. That's all in God's control. It's not in my control.''
Davis, who turns 30 on Dec. 23, was supposed to be out the door long before this.
His playing time was reduced in 2007, when he was taken off the field on third down and shared snaps with Leon Williams. Then in the offseason, the Browns cut Davis' salary by about 40 percent and terminated the final two years of a $20 million contract he signed in 2005. When the dust cleared, he made a reported $1.675 million in 2008, his contract year.
But rather than leave in a huff, he listened to coach Romeo Crennel, who convinced him that there were more good times ahead after a 10-6 season in '07. That prospect excited Davis, who had seen more bad times than good in his previous six seasons, when the Browns compiled a 38-58 record.
Crennel's prophecy was off the mark. Going into Monday night's game at Philadelphia, the Browns were 4-9, three games from closing out a disastrous season that will probably cost Crennel and perhaps General Manager Phil Savage their jobs.
What lies ahead does not weigh on Davis, a fifth-round pick in the 2002 draft.
''Not really. I'm not a young guy anymore. Me and my family are financially set for the rest of our lives,'' he said, referring to his wife and three daughters. ''I'm not going out there hoping or wishing or looking for that big payday. We're in a nice situation.''
This season, Davis ranks second on the team in tackles with 103, 53 behind leader D'Qwell Jackson. Davis has also contributed four tackles for losses, an interception and three pass breakups. He led the Browns in tackles in 2003, 2005 and 2006 and still thinks he has something left.
''I always believe in myself. I know I can still play this game,'' he said. ''Whether it be here next year . . . I'm pretty much 100 percent positive it will be somewhere else if it's not here. I know I have a lot still to offer. I'm going to continue to do what I've been doing, being professional, coming to work every day and doing my best.''
Dawson sets mark
Kicker Phil Dawson set the Browns' single-season field goal record with his 30th, a 27-yarder, with 6:48 left in the first quarter. Dawson topped Matt Stover, who totaled 29 in 1995. Next season Dawson has a shot at Lou Groza's franchise record of 234 career field goals. The 27-yarder was Dawson's 212th.
More thievery
Browns strong safety Sean Jones made the Eagles pay for a razzle-dazzle play with 6:57 left in the second quarter, picking off a pass by receiver DeSean Jackson in the end zone. It was Jones' third interception of the season.
On the final play of the first half, cornerback Brandon McDonald acrobatically snagged a Donovan McNabb's pass intended for receiver Hank Baskett in the end zone. He returned it 98 yards to the Eagles' 7 before being knocked out of bounds by Baskett as time expired. It was McDonald's fourth interception and the Browns' 21st of 2008. McDonald's interception return was the second-longest in Browns' history, surpassed only by Brodney Pool's 100-yarder against the Ravens in Baltimore in 2007.
Brownies
Nose tackle Shaun Rogers suffered a stinger with about eight minutes left in the second quarter, but returned before the first half ended. . . . Tight end Steve Heiden was carted off with a right knee and ankle injury suffered on the second play of the second half. . . . Fullback Lawrence Vickers' 21-yard reception on the first series was his career-long.
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/.
PHILADELPHIA: If this is the twilight of his time in Cleveland, Andra Davis could count it down in days and minutes, were he into that sort of thing.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 07:22 AM, 12/16/2008
Oh theyre such nice guys. But the end results are always the same arent they? LOSE LOSE LOSE
Stow, OH
Posted 10:46 AM, 12/16/2008
That tackle number is very deceiving,when you let teams march down the field 6 or7 times a game you are bound to have many opportunities to tackle someone,of course that is after he just got the first down.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:31 AM, 12/17/2008
Contrast the maturity of Andre Davis to that of guys like Braylon and K2. 95% of guys in the NFL would have pouted and whined through their agents at the mere talk of a pay cut. It's good to see someone with the perspective and understanding of how good of an opportunity they've had.
If your days are done here, thanks for the time and hustle. Davis was good for several years and would have earned a Pro-Bowl or two had he played on a good team.
Posted 09:44 AM, 12/17/2008
Romeo and Phillip the emailer must go
