Staying Positive…
Derek Anderson impressed again. I wonder how many more games it will take before we feel comfortable that he should be our starting quarterback – regardless of Frye’s health. He has done things in his short stint that I have been waiting to see from Frye all year. Take for instance Anderson’s first completion to Kellen Winslow. You know, the dart that he laced right over the Raven defender who had good coverage on Winslow, but never turned around for the ball. You can find throws like that every Sunday – if you watch other games besides the Browns game. That my friends was an NFL throw, and I’m sure if we can all be honest…..at least to ourselves….. we will realize that we have never seen Charlie make that throw before.
That’s not to say that Anderson didn’t have his share of bad throws yesterday. He overthrew a few balls, one of them was picked off early, and he was lucky that some of the other ones were not as well. However, as a Browns fan stuck in St. Louis, who must resort to watching the games on the television, Anderson’s throws just look better. They come out with tight spirals, and have oomph behind them…..They don’t seem to have that Frye “loopy-ness” to them….when Anderson throws I feel more confident watching the ball move across my screen then I do when Frye throws. How that translates into NFL success – I have no idea, but it just makes me feel better.
Also, how many times have we seen Frye lead us down the field late in the half or late in the game? Not many, if at all. How many times have we seen Frye get on a roll like Anderson did in the third quarter? Not many, if at all.
Anderson has led us back against Kansas City in his first game, and he nearly did it again in his third game against the Ravens yesterday. The NFL is a quarterback league. We all know it. Is Frye an NFL quarterback? Putting all of this “local hero” stuff aside – I’m not so sure that he is.
Barks and Growls:
Derek Anderson was sacked five times yesterday, but many of them were on short three-step drops. He would look to the first option, and if that was covered, he had no time to check down.
The officials were headed by Terry McAuley – we all remember him from “Bottle-Gate” against Jacksonville a few seasons ago – anyways, they missed a blatant facemask call on the first sack of Derek Anderson, who got up screaming at the refs in disbelief of the mistake. It happened on third down, and would have given the Browns a much needed first down already down 14-3 at the time.
It’s about time we began criticizing the defensive line as much as we criticize the offensive line. I know, they are banged up, but none of them (Simon Fraser, Ted Washington, Alvin McKinley, Ethan Kelley) could get any kind of penetration into the backfield yesterday to either knock Jamal Lewis for a loss, or put pressure on Steve McNair and Kyle Boller. Any pressure the Browns did get on the quarterback came from blitzes that left them in dangerous one-on-one coverage. If the Browns cannot address the defensive line next season, then perhaps Willie McGinest could play defensive end? He has clearly lost a step as an outside linebacker, yet he would be considered very fast and slippery as an end. He is strong enough to clog up the run, and quick enough to get to the sideline to cut down an outside run.
I like Justin Hamilton as a player, but it was obvious yesterday that Brian Russell was missed badly. Russell is a smart player, and he would not have let Demetrius Williams get behind him for a 77-yard touchdown. The pass may have still been completed, but it wouldn’t have gone the distance.
Leon Williams is a future starter in this league. I just hope he is still wearing a Browns helmet when that time comes.
Interesting stuff. I’m with you about Derek Anderson. He’s played against two of the better defenses in the NFL, and had some success. I love how he doesn’t lock in on a receiver like another QB I know. He also has a rocket launcher attached to his right shoulder. I expect him to torch the Bucs and the Texans if he starts the final two games of the season. I imagine that Charlie’s wrist will be healing real fast….LOL!
I don’t think McGinest could handle DE. He’s too small and would get engulfed at the point of attack by OTs.
I never thought I would ever say that I miss Brian Russell…but I did yesterday.
Yeah, the McGinest thing is wishful thinking on my part – you know, the kind of thoughts that race through your head after you go 0-6 in your division…
Anderson HAS to start the last two games – it will be a tragedy if he doesnt. I believe in him so much, Im willing to anoint him the starter for next year.
If we could get Russell’s brain in Sean Jones’ body – we could create the perfect safety…
I still would bring in a veteran QB that has been a starter in the past to challenge Anderson and Frye for the starting job.
Thats a good idea, but the problem is, who would that be? The free agent quarterback class is very weak…and I’m not so sure I would want someone like Mark Brunell, or Jake Plummer, or Drew Bledsoe here to start over Anderson…I really think at this point, Anderson gives us a better shot to win then guys like that. Our money could be spent wiser on the defensive and offesnive lines…you know?
I think the draft is where to build the lines. I still would like a veteran to compete for the starting job at QB. Don’t promise him a starting job, but don’t hand it to Anderson or Frye either.
I just want the lines built period. If it happens in the draft – great. If it happens in free agency – great. But it has to be done, I agree.
Looking at the free agent class though, there are a bunch of good offensive lineman…but the quarterback class is weak. I expect us to spend quite a bit of money on the lineman.
Which veteran quarterback do you want to bring here – because I got to be honest – none of the ones available really excite me.
Braylon Edwards is a cancer to this team & needs to go!
How does a non-producer with a “me” T.O. attitude, but w/o the results get the right to put himself B4 the team?
Take his pompous, holier than thou attitude, bundle it with another non-producer & get whatever you can in return! Great athlete w/ tremendous skills that will be a cancer with whatever team he’s on.
Give me 22 guys like Joe Jurevicious and I could successfully coach this team.
I agree with your frustration…I really do. But I don’t think that it’s quite time to make him walk the plank yet.
It was interesting this weekend because Romeo finally took action and suspended Edwards during an actual game…let’s see how he responds to it.
If Edwards keeps getting worse AFTER the suspension…then I’d be more inclined to agree with you.
I am frustrated over this season too, but I’m not ready to start “shooting from the hip” yet and giving away one of our first round picks.
Hell, we gave Gerrard Warren WAY more time and patience before we let him go…let’s give Braylon at least the same amount of time.
I agree. No one can doubt Edwards physical tools. Hopefully he’ll grow up soon.