The Cleveland Browns took a gigantic leap forward last season under the leadership of Derek Anderson. The Browns added to fan excitement this offseason by adding Shaun Rogers, Corey Williams and Donte Stallworth, among others, to a team that had plenty of offensive firepower but not quite enough to get it done consistently on defense.
With expectations high in 2008 the Browns have too much at stake to let up now. So, with the knee injury suffered this week by expected-starter CB Daven Holly, it would make some sense for them to pursue an upgrade at cornerback.
The Philadelphia Eagles might have just the guy sitting on the trading block.
Even before Cleveland lost Holly, they were suspect at the corner position. They had dumped arrestee Kenny Wright and traded the underrated Leigh Bodden to Detroit in the Rogers deal. The front-runners to start now, according to media reports, are second-year guys Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald.
Eric Wright joined the Browns as a second round pick with some baggage but a ton of talent. He played in 14 games last year, making 76 tackles with a sack and a pick. McDonald was a fifth round pick last year and he played in all 16 games with two picks. Both would seem to have upside, based on media reports.
But wouldn’t a team with this much potential that has been down in the dirt so long want to have, at a minimum, some veteran insurance?
Rotowire quotes ESPN’s Bill Williamson saying the Browns might show some interest in Bronco nickel back Domonique Foxworth.
That wouldn’t be bad. Despite having the name Domonique, he’s shown some versatility.
But making a move for Lito Sheppard, who some argue is better than the guy the Eagles signed to replace him in Philadelphia (Asante Samuel) would really send a message that the Browns are serious about improving on last year’s 10-6 near-playoff run.
It would be expensive, both in terms of draft picks and the new contract he’d reportedly seek. But Sheppard is a two-time Pro Bowler. He’s been a good soldier during a situation that would have thrown many lesser men into tantrum-mode and he’s 27, just heading into the prime years of his career.
Go get him, Cleveland. He’s there for the taking. And so is the AFC North.
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Browns are my pick to disappoint this year, despite the improvements–and Kellen Winslow is already starting to show part of why.
At the same time, no one in the North is really that good, so even when they disappoint, they still might back into the division title.
You hit it, in my opinion. Lotta questions on the offensive line, which was a weak spot last year, in Pittsburgh, with Faneca gone. And Baltimore might have a better future with Joe Flacco at QB, but they are looking at a season of Troy Smith and Kyle Boller before he is ready – and they are staring at the toughest schedule in the league. And Cincinnati, well, I think they are poised to take a big, big step backward this year.
So I think Cleveland, which also has a tough schedule, has a shot to win the division if they can match last year’s 10-6 or even if they fall back a game from that.
But yes, I see your point and could see Cleveland not being as good as they were last year.