Energy almost as high as expectations as Browns begin offseason workouts
Scott Petrak | The Chronicle-Telegram
BEREA — The first game is four months away, but the 2008 Browns debuted Wednesday.
In the second practice of organized team activities — the first open to the media — Derek Anderson took the snaps as the starting quarterback, receiver Donte Stallworth lined up opposite Braylon Edwards with the first team and Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams joined the rotation on the defensive line.
The energy inside the fieldhouse was drastically different than a year ago, and so were the post-practice comments. That’s what happens after an unexpected 10-win season prompts a schedule that includes five prime-time games on national television.
“We asked for it, so now it’s here,” said veteran linebacker Willie McGinest, who’ll retire after the season. “Now we have to go out and perform so we can get more of that.”
The expectations for the Browns are the greatest since they returned in 1999. They finished second in the AFC North last season, missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker, sent six players to the Pro Bowl, then added starters in Rogers, Williams and Stallworth through trades and free agency. They also re-signed Anderson and running back Jamal Lewis.
Someone inside the NFL offices was impressed, as the Browns were given three Monday night games, a Sunday nighter and a Thursday nighter. They also open the season at home versus the Dallas Cowboys in a marquee matchup.
“One thing about being in the NFL is that you want people to watch you,” Edwards said. “We’re confident that they gave us a schedule like this for a reason.”
The sense of optimism was dulled slightly by the absence of tight end Kellen Winslow. He’s recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, but elected to stay in San Diego rather than rehab here and attend meetings. Winslow wants to restructure his contract and it’s unknown if he’ll hold out from training camp if the Browns don’t acquiesce.
“It’s something that happens every year with somebody,” coach Romeo Crennel said of Winslow skipping the “voluntary” OTAs. “It’s part of football.”
Crennel was asked if Winslow’s absent because of the injury or the contract.
“He’s not here and I haven’t spoken with him, so when he gets here I’ll be able to answer that question,” Crennel said.
But even the simmering soap opera with Winslow couldn’t put a damper on the enthusiasm.
“The reason I came back this year was I knew Cleveland was doing some special things, they were bringing a lot of guys into help and they were making a big push to try to be competitive and win,” McGinest said. “It doesn’t really matter until we go out and prove it.
“You’ve seen these all-star teams before where they load up for a year to try to win a championship. I like our chances and I’m confident we’re going to play well, but I’m not going to come out and predict Super Bowls and all this other stuff.”
Anderson has a simple way of dealing with heightened expectations.
“Just go play,” he said. “Obviously we have a goal in mind where we want to be, just keep pushing toward it and whatever it takes to work toward that.”
Crennel is as even-keel as they come, but even he’s caught up in the excitement.
“We’re going to embrace the fact that they want us on national television five times and try to live up to those expectations,” he said.
Notes
The Browns terminated the contract of veteran cornerback Kenny Wright, who played seven games last season. He had two years left on his three-year deal, but was arrested twice this spring on drug charges. He was not at practice Wednesday.
• Offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley wasn’t at practice and Crennel said he might not join the team until mandatory minicamp June 10-12.
“I’ve spoken to LeCharles and he’s got one or two things that he’s got to try to work through, as far as his treating physician and then be able to come and pass our physical.”
Bentley tore his patellar tendon in 2006 and hasn’t played a down for the Browns.
• Offensive lineman Ryan Tucker left practice with hip discomfort. Crennel said the doctor would examine him later Wednesday afternoon.
• Linebacker D’Qwell Jackson is on his honeymoon and expected back at practice next week.
• Safety Gary Baxter (knees), receiver Joe Jurevicius (knee) and tight end Steve Heiden (back) didn’t practice but are rehabbing at the facility. Baxter worked out by himself during practice.
• Rookies aren’t allowed to join the veterans until Friday. Without rookie Martin Rucker, Winslow and Heiden, only two tight ends were available: Darnell Dinkins and Brad Cieslak.
Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com.
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Filed by Scott Petrak | The Chronicle-Telegram May 15th, 2008 in Sports. Popularity: 3% |
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