Cleveland Browns’ Fantasy Football Preview: Sleeper Players To Watch

With one official regular season game in the books for 2009, I found myself tracking players that I had on my fantasy football team who were playing in last night’s Steelers-Titans game, and thought to myself, “Who do the Browns have on its team that are sleeper picks that I can stash on the bottom of my depth chart?”

After spending some time thinking about it and doing some research, the following players, I believe, are worth picking up and putting on your team because they may surprise many and produce some good fantasy numbers in 2009.

 

Josh Cribbs WR/KR/PR

If you are in a league that gives out points for return yardage, then Cribbs is a must-have addition to your team, but to top it off, he is now listed as the starting wide receiver opposite of Braylon Edwards.

Cribbs is the type of “team-first” player that all coaches love and he has the drive and passion for football that will allow him to succeed for many more years in the NFL.

Very exciting once the ball is in his hands, Cribbs runs with the ball like a 250-pound running back and he is very hard to tackle.

If Edwards continues to drop passes in 2009, then look for Brady Quinn to throw more passes to Cribbs, whose fantasy value can only increase.

Cribbs will not be worthy of starting in week one of your fantasy season, but if he has a few great games right out of the gate, then you may have to move him up on your depth charts.

Projected stats:

Receiving: 40 receptions for 750 yards and five touchdowns

Rushing: 150 yards and one touchdown

Kick Returns: 1,200 yards and two touchdowns

Punt Return: 315 yards and one touchdown

 

James Davis RB

Though Davis may not start in the first few weeks of the season, if Jamal Lewis cannot perform at a high level, look for Davis to take over the starting role at some point during the 2009 season.

Davis has that rare combination of strength, speed, and elusiveness that can make a running back a great player at the NFL level.

He may not run for over 1,000 yards, but look for Davis to have a decent rookie campaign and he may be a good No. 3 running back option on your fantasy team.

Projected stats:

Rushing: 700 yards and four touchdowns

Receiving: 250 yards and one touchdown

 

The Cleveland Browns’ Defense

You may be thinking, “The Browns defense are you crazy?”

No, I am not crazy, but the defense is better in 2009 than it has been compared to the last several years with added depth on the defensive line, in the defensive backfield, and at linebacker. The players will be fresh throughout games with a steady stream of substitutions.

In 2008, the Browns were second in the NFL in interceptions (23) and look for that ranking to stay around the same level (they had five picks in their four preseason games), and look for their near the bottom of the league pass rush to improve dramatically, especially since it can’t get any worse.

The two leaders of the defense, inside linebackers D’Qwell Jackson and Eric Barton, will keep all of the other players in the right position and make the proper adjustments according to what the opposing offense is doing.

Also look for linebacker Kamerion Wimbley to make major contributions for the defense since he will be playing in different spots on the defense to throw the offense off balance.

Shaun Rogers is a beast, and he will continue to gobble up double and triple teams, freeing up others to get pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.

Projected stats: 265 points given up, 25 interceptions, 10 fumbles, 30 sacks, three touchdowns, three blocked kicks

 

These three may not garner the type of attention as other players or defenses in the NFL, but you should still keep one eye on them because they may be a solid pick up as a backup for your team.

 

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source)

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Cleveland Browns Regular Season Home Openers: A Decade of Bad Starts

This upcoming home opener against the Minnesota Vikings is going to be an astounding eleventh straight home game for the Cleveland Browns to open their season.

You heard that right.

 

The Browns have opened each of their seasons, since coming back to the league, at home.

 

No other team in the NFL can even come close to that mark.

 

The schedule makers for the NFL must really like to see the Browns start off their season with a loss because it has been that way every year, with the exception of one, since 1999.

 

Generally, a team and it’s fans would be thrilled to open at home. But the Browns fans may to open with an away game to help break the trend of losing game one.

 

To do the Browns a little justice, their only victory did come against a division rival: the Baltimore Ravens. In 2004, Cleveland topped Baltimore, 20-3.

 

In 2009, the Browns will open against the Vikings, Brett Favre, and the player who has been called “the most exciting player in the NFL,” running back Adrian Peterson.

 

Here is a recap of home openers since 1999.

 

1999 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Lost 43-0

2000 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Lost 27-0

2001 vs. Seattle Seahawks Lost 9-6

2002 vs. Kansas City Chiefs Lost 40-39

2003 vs. Indianapolis Colts Lost 9-6

2004 vs. Baltimore Ravens Won 20-3

2005 vs. Cincinnati Bengals Lost 27-13

2006 vs. New Orleans Saints Lost 19-14

2007 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Lost 34-7

2008 vs. Dallas Cowboys Lost 28-10

2009 vs. Minnesota Vikings ??-??

 

With the ultimate question answered (the quarterback competition winner), but being kept secret from the public, Eric Mangini’s trial as the Browns head coach begins in less than one week.

 

 

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source)

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

No Brady Quinn, No Derek Anderson, but Young Guys Shine in Cleveland Browns Loss

In a surprise move, Eric Mangini didn’t play either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson in a move that looks to be all strategy in looking toward the regular season home opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

Brett Ratliff got the start against the Bears and threw an interception on his first pass attempt, but then recovered by throwing a touchdown pass to Mohamed Massaquoi later in the first quarter on a slant that Massaquoi dove into the endzone for.

With the majority of the Browns starters getting the day off, the rookies and younger players had their opportunities to make the team before the final roster cuts, which take place no later than Saturday.

Of the younger guys who made an impact, the most notable were CB Gerard Lawson, CB Coye Francies, RB James Davis, TE Martin Rucker, QB Richard Bartel, and RB Chris Jennings.

Gerard Lawson, CB/KR/PR

Lawson made the most of his chances as a kick returner, since Josh Cribbs was sitting, by returning many kicks way past the 20 yard line. He averaged 33 yards per return.

Coye Francies, CB

Francies, once again, showed that he is another solid late round pick by the Browns by consistently breaking up passes. And he also made a TD saving tackle in the game. He ended up with seven tackles.

Chris Jennings, RB

Jennings, who is a lesser known name, showed great power and some nifty spin moves on his hand offs and runs after catching screen passes. There were several times where Jennings ran straight at would-be tacklers and just ran through them.

Jennings has rushed for 59 yards and caught six passes for 42 yards and was the Player of the Game by Cleveland’s Channel 3 sports broadcast.

With the running back position very crowded, if the Browns do not put Jennings on the practice squad, then he will get picked up quickly by another team just based on his performance against the Bears.

James Davis, RB

Davis also ran very well (37 yards with a 7.4 yard per carry average) and on one particular play, he was swallowed up by the line, and then burst through out of nowhere for a 21-yard run. Davis led all Browns running backs in yards with 187 yards and a 7.7 yard per carry average.

Martin Rucker, TE

Rucker finally broke out and caught three passes for 37 yards and also showed that he is very hard to get on the ground. There were two different times that Rucker caught a pass in the middle and it took more than two defenders to bring him down.

Richard Bartel, QB

Bartel had a very strong outing (going 12-for-14 for 137 yards), whereas Ratliff struggled (8-for-20 for 71 yards with one touchdown and one interception) to consistently move the offense down the field.

Those performances create another tough decision for Mangini to make regarding his third string quarterback.

With 23 players getting the pink slip by Saturday, it will be a very tough choice as to who stays and who gets cut by Mangini and his staff.

At least it was refreshing to see the Browns’ backups perform well, and their depth looks better than it has in recent years.

 

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source)

Browns-Bears Preview: “Bubble Bowl” 2009 – Players Fighting for a Roster Spot

After coming off an impressive game versus the Tennessee Titans, the Cleveland Browns have a short week of practice before they have to play the Chicago Bears on Thursday night at Soldier Field in the “Bubble Bowl.”

 

You’re probably asking yourself, “What is the Bubble Bowl?”

 

The Bubble Bowl is the last game of the NFL preseason, when the potential starters play maybe one series and then are benched for the rest of the game so that the younger players and rookies—those that are on the bubble—can prove to the coaching staff they are talented enough to make the final roster cut.

 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said many times that he wants to get rid of the final preseason game so that he can lengthen the NFL regular season.

 

There are still discussions as to whether losing a preseason game would benefit or hurt the NFL, but it would definitely limit the opportunities for younger players to show their skills on the football field.

 

The following is a list of players who are on the bubble and need to perform at a very high level to prevent themselves from getting the dreaded pink slip.

 

 

Beau Bell—Linebacker

 

After being hurt most of his rookie season in 2008, Bell has had to prove himself to the new Browns regime in order to keep a place on the roster.

 

Unfortunately, the new regime selected two linebackers in the 2009 NFL Draft, David Veikune and Kaluka Maiava, and both of those guys have impressed on both defense and special teams.

 

If Bell wants to make the team, he will need to have a strong showing against the Bears, especially on special teams.

 

Known as a very hard hitter, Bell has only shown that a few times, the most recent being against the Titans on a kickoff coverage that was stopped at the 20-yard line.

 

 

Martin Rucker—Tight End

 

Many analysts and experts said that Rucker was supposed to be the Browns’ answer to losing Kellen Winslow, Jr. and his pass-catching abilities, but he has almost been nonexistent during the preseason.

 

The Browns coaching staff wants tight ends that can block, first and foremost, to help the running game, but blocking may not be Rucker’s strong suit compared to the other tight ends, Steve Heiden and Robert Royal.

 

Some NFL teams carry two tight ends, and others carry three. If the Browns carry three, Rucker might make the cut, but if they only carry two, then there’s no chance.

 

 

Charles Ali—Fullback

 

Ali has seen minimal playing time, and with the tight ends and running backs lining up in the backfield for running formations, it does not look good for Ali. He might get cut very soon.

 

 

Corey Ivy—Cornerback

 

With the sudden release of Rod Hood, Ivy’s roster spot may be more secure as of right now, but he has made some mental errors in his limited playing time. However, he has also had some really good pass breakups on key plays in the first three preseason games.

 

Ivy may be in the running to be the Browns’ nickelback, but with rookie corner Coye Francies making major strides during training camp and in games, Ivy may not hold onto a roster spot due to Francies’ impressive play.

 

If the Browns choose to keep five cornerbacks, then Ivy should be safe, but if the Browns go four corners and keep an extra safety, then Ivy may be on the chopping block.

 

 

Noah Herron/Jerome Harrison—Running Back

 

Herron has shown that he is a capable third string runner in the NFL, but with Harrison recovering from the injury he sustained in the first preseason game, Herron will have a tough time securing the third string spot on the roster.

 

The Browns may surprise many by keeping Jamal Lewis, James Davis, Harrison, and Herron all on the roster by sacrificing a roster spot at another position.

 

 

Lance Leggett/Paul Hubbard/David Patten—Wide Receiver

 

Both Leggett and Hubbard were making great plays in the first two weeks of training camp, but they have not shown those same skills in any of the preseason games so far.

 

Patten has been injured the majority of training camp, and he has leadership, but is he worth the cost of taking another guy’s spot who has played in preseason?

 

With a wide receiver position that is very crowded, most NFL teams only keep five (maybe six) receivers on their final roster. Currently it looks like Braylon Edwards, Josh Cribbs, Mike Furrey, Mohamed Massaquoi, and Brian Robiskie will make the roster.

 

Look for either Leggett or Hubbard to make the practice squad, or perhaps both.

 

 

 

These are just a few of the players who are on the bubble right now. Of course, there are many more, seeing as the Browns need to go from 75 players to 53 players in a week.

 

That’s a total of 23 players that are on the bubble.

 

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source)

Potential Unlocked: Cleveland Browns LB Kamerion Wimbley to Surprise Many in ’09

 

Coming out of Florida State, Kamerion Wimbley was drafted No. 13 in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft and the Cleveland Browns had high hopes that Wimbley could be the pass rusher that they have not had in many years.

 

During his rookie season, Wimbley achieved that status of being one of the new and exciting linebackers in the league by getting to the opposing quarterbacks and sacking them 11 times.

 

Then after his promising rookie campaign, Wimbley hit the wall and it was a very big wall by only registering nine total sacks in 2007 and 2008 combined.

 

Many experts said that Wimbley’s ineffectiveness was due to his inability to develop more than one move when he got off the line at the snap of the ball.

 

There could have been many different variables in Wimbley’s decline since his rookie year, but the most notable was the inability of former head coach and former defensive coordinator, Romeo Crennel’s use of Wimbley on game day.

 

Now a new coaching staff is in place and Eric Mangini knows he has something special in Wimbley.

 

Mangini and defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan, have seemed to unlock Wimbley’s potential so far during Training Camp and preseason, by utilizing him not just as a pass rush specialist, but as an overall defensive presence on the field.

 

Wimbley’s performance through three preseason games has been very interesting since he has been lining up as a outside linebacker, inside linebacker, and on the defensive line (he used to be a defensive end at Florida State).

 

There were even several moments during Training Camp when Wimbley lined up as a tight end in goal line drills just like Mike Vrabel did when he was with the Patriots.

 

Wimbley’s stats in three preseason games so far are: vs. Green Bay – four tackles, vs. Detroit – 6 tackles (led the team), and vs. Tennessee – four tackles, one sack, and one QB hit.

 

Clearly Mangini and Ryan know how to get the most out of Wimbley’s skill set and it looks like Wimbley will be lining up all over the field to throw off opposing offenses as Mangini has promised when camp began.

 

Even if Wimbley does not manage to lead the Browns in sacks in 2009, he will make a name for himself once again due to his versatility on the field.

 

 

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source)

 

Leigh Bodden: New England Patriots May Have Another Pro Bowl CB

Leigh Bodden has taken a very unlikely road in order to land himself in what may be the perfect place to resurrect his career: New England.

Bodden is by no means a small defensive back, standing at 6’1″ and 195-pounds. He has the ideal size for a conerback in the NFL.

After playing college football in Duquesne, where he was an All-American as a junior and finished with 28 career interceptions, Bodden was passed up by every NFL team during the 2003 draft.

Bodden’s phone rang shortly after the draft, and it was the Cleveland Browns on the other end offering him a undrafted rookie free agent contract.

Bodden accepted.

He made the Browns’ roster based on his excellent special teams play and his ability to play slot receivers as a nickel cornerback.

In 2003, Bodden played in 13 of the Browns’ games, recording one interception.

His special teams play progressed in 2004, leading the Browns in special teams tackles with 18, but in Week 8 he sustained a biceps injury that kept him out for the rest of the season.

Once recovered from his injury, Bodden was more focused than ever during his recovery, and pushed himself to the limit during rehab so that he could come back and be an even better player than he was in his first two seasons as a pro.

The hard work paid off in 2005, when Bodden became the Browns’ starting cornerback by impressing both new head coach Romeo Crennel and new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.

During 2005, despite missing three games due to injuries, Bodden had a breakthrough season. He recorded 47 tackles, 17 passes defended, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles, earning him a four-year contract extension.

Injuries continued to plague Bodden in 2006, when he only played in nine games.

Bodden’s best statistical year came in 2007, when he stayed away from the injury bug for the first time in professional career and started all 16 games.

He finished 2007 with 76 tackles, 15 passes defended, and six interceptions, but that didn’t come without some drama.

Before the 2007 season began, Bodden was arrested at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport for illegally parking his vehicle and resisting arrest. He pleaded not guilty and was released after paying $1,000.

Bodden made a public apology and didn’t receive any suspensions for the incident.

After 2007, the Browns cut their ties with Bodden. They packaged him and a draft pick in a trade with the Detroit Lions for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.

In 2008, Bodden was again able to stay healthy for the entire season. The Lions didn’t favor Bodden’s abilities after one year, and cut him in February of 2009.

After looking for a new team for almost a month, Bodden was offered a one-year deal to sign with the New England Patriots.

The matching up of Bodden with the Pats is a perfect scenario. He already has some knowledge of the defensive scheme that the Pats run from his time playing under former Pats defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel with the Browns.

With a rebuilding secondary, Bodden has the chance to once again get back to his 2007 form and have another break-out year in 2009.

Already pegged as a starter, Bodden will be playing for a team that has a history of taking players and making them into Pro Bowlers.

The Pats have already said that they gave too much cushion to opposing receivers last year, and that they need to play more press.

Bodden said (regarding press coverage), “We have been working on re-routing receivers throughout training camp. There is no way better way to stop a really good receiver than to disrupt the timing of his route.”

The Pats may be taking a chance on Bodden due to his injury past, but if he works out, then look for a big year from the seventh-year player.

Cleveland Browns vs. Tennessee Titans Preseason Preview: Key Battles To Watch

The third preseason game is traditionally the “dress rehearsal” for a team’s starters, followed by the fourth preseason game, which is the last chance for younger players and rookies to catch the eyes of coaches with the hope of earning a roster spot before the final cut.

 

For the Browns, their biggest battle seems far from being one, and that is their quarterback competition.

 

Other teams, like the New York Jets, that had quarterback competitions have already moved on and named their regular season starters (the Jets said Mark Sanchez is their man).

 

The Titans will be playing their fourth and final preseason game, so it is not known if they will be playing their starters for very long, but it will still be a battle.

 

The following are a few key battles to watch for in Saturday’s game.

 

 

 

Derek Anderson vs. Brady Quinn

 

You already know know this story. Moving on…

 

 

 

The Browns starting offensive line vs. the Titans starting defensive line

 

Eric Mangini has been moving the Browns’ offensive linemen around (with the exception of LT Joe Thomas) to see how versatile his guys are, but he has yet to find his core starters.

 

Against the Titans, the starting offensive line may be the opening day line, so pay attention to who the starters are. The Browns line needs to be cautious, though, because even though Albert Haynesworth is not with the Titans anymore, they still have one of the best defensive lines in the game.

 

Hopefully, the Browns line can get a big push against the Titans and not only open up holes for the backs, but protect their quarterbacks.

 

 

 

Browns defensive line minus Shaun Rogers vs. getting getting pressure on the Titans quarterbacks

 

Mangini has said that he doesn’t need to see Rogers play in the preseason because he knows what Rogers brings to the table.

 

That is fine, since Browns fans would rather see a fresh and uninjured Rogers start the regular season, but he is the key to the pass rush attack for the team.

 

Without Rogers, the Browns have been having trouble getting consistent pressure on the quarterbacks in their first two preseason games by only getting one sack so far.

 

Rogers is such a dominating force on the line that he usually gets double- and triple-teamed by the opposition, which frees up the linebackers to get into the pocket and cause destruction.

 

The Browns need to find a way to get to other teams’ quarterbacks without Rogers against the Titans, and, in order to do that, don’t be surprised to see more blitzes and perhaps a few more all-out nine-man blitzes.

 

 

 

Abram Elam vs. himself

 

Elam came to Cleveland with many predicting he would become a possible breakout player in 2009, but, after two preseason games, Elam has made two crucial mental errors.

 

First versus the Packers, when he let Donald Driver behind him for a 50-plus-yard score, and the second against the Lions on a holding call during the opening kickoff, when Josh Cribbs took it to the house for a 95-yard touchdown.

 

Yes, it is preseason, so these mental errors have time to be corrected, but with the regard that Mangini has in Elam, it is time to step up and play like a starting safety.

 

 

 

Josh Cribbs vs. the Titans special teams and defensive backs

 

Cribbs was electric against the Lions, and all Browns fans want more!

 

Cribbs has improved by leaps and bounds in his transition to becoming a receiving weapon on offense. Even though this has been three years in the making, fans are finally seeing the true talent that Cribbs has unfold in front of their eyes.

It is a beautiful thing to watch, and what’s insane is that he is only getting better at what he does.

 

Whether the Browns win or lose, most Cleveland fans will tell you that as long as the games are competitive and entertaining, that’s all they can really ask for in a preseason game.

---

Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source.

Browns RB Jerome Harrison Was Hyped Before Camp, But Is He On the Bubble Now?

Coming into the Cleveland Browns 2009 Training Camp, there were many experts and fans who thought that Eric Mangini was going to be the guy who would finally take advantage of running back Jerome Harrison’s talents.

 

There were even comparisons of Harrison and the New York Jets running back Leon Washington, who Mangini used extensively while he was the Jets coach.

 

After almost a month of practices and two preseason games in the books, Harrison has suffered a two week long injury which has only given the other running backs more reps.

Rookie James Davis has made the most of his opportunities and so has backup Noah Herron.

 

So, what about Harrison?

 

With the kind of coach that Mangini is, there is no guarantee that he will put up with Harrison’s continuing mystery injury.

 

There are only two preseason games left and if Harrison wants to make this team, then he needs to heal quickly, get into the final games to prove himself, and claim a roster spot.

 

Harrison has shown signs of flash in his short NFL career, the most memorable being against the Buffalo Bills when he broke through the line and took off for a 72 yard touchdown back in November of 2008.

 

That is all in the past, and Mangini wants to see what he has right now.

 

It looks like Jamal Lewis and Davis will be making the roster, and if Harrison does not play in any of the remaining preseason games, Herron could take Harrison’s roster spot as the third and final back on the Browns opening day roster, but at least there is still time for Harrison.

 

If Harrison does not make the roster, hopefully Mangini will place him on the practice squad so that no other NFL team can pick him up.

 

 

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source)

Browns RB James Davis Is Becoming a Fan Favorite and a Draft Day Steal

Rookie running back James Davis has made a name for himself in the month since training camp began for the Cleveland Browns’ back on Aug. 1.

During the two weeks of practices, Davis broke off plays of over 25-plus yards almost once every practice session.

In the first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers Davis was nearly non-existent, but it is really hard to establish a running game when a team is down two scores early in any NFL game.

Then the Browns’ coaching staff wanted a better commitment to the running game versus the Detroit Lions, and everyone knows the outcome of Davis’ performance in that game.

Rushing 12 times for 116 yards and that 81-yard touchdown run.

Not to put a damper on Davis’ performance against the Lions, but his 81-yard run was against the Lions’ third string defense, but it was still an amazing run and fun to watch.

Now to back track a little, let’s take a look back in time to Davis’ high school career and his college career at Clemson.

In high school as a senior, Davis rushed for over 2,300 yards with a 6.8 yard per carry average and 28 touchdowns. He was named All-State too.

For his high school career, Davis ran for over 7,300 yards with 80 touchdowns.

In Davis’ first three years at Clemson, he ran for 3,000 yards with 36 touchdowns, but during his senior year his production dropped to 750 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.

Here are some highlights of Davis’ senior year.

Everyone knows that Davis could have been a first or second round pick had he entered the NFL Draft after his junior year, but he choose to stay and unfortunately with the rise of fellow running back C.J. Spiller, Davis lost many carries in his senior year.

That was probably the best thing to happen for the Browns because they were able to pick up Davis in the sixth round of the past draft.

Now Davis is hungry and wants to prove to all those other NFL teams that passed him up on Draft Day, that he is a talented running back who may have a chance to become a starter at the NFL level.

So far he has not disappointed and many fans are crying for Eric Mangini to play Davis with the first team offense to see how he performs, since it appears that Jamal Lewis may be struggling a bit so far this preseason.

Lewis may still be recovering from his offseason surgery.

Davis’ true test will be this Saturday versus a Tennessee Titans’ defense that is always one of the best units in the NFL year in and out.

 

Just in case you wanted to see it again.

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source)

A Braylon Edwards Theory: Is He Showing Favoritism to Derek Anderson?

Braylon Edwards has had very few issues throughout his career, but the most important and reoccurring issue has been his dropped passes.

 

Going back to his college playing days at Michigan, Edwards was plagued by drops, but nothing like what has happened over the past year.

 

Edwards has been quoted that he is more focused than ever this year, which makes sense since it is the last year of his contract and he wants to get paid.

 

He has also said that dropped passes are a part of the game of football.

 

Okay, let’s give Edwards the benefit of the doubt with that last statement, but to what extent?

 

Dropped passes should not occur when you have your defender beaten, especially in Ed Reed’s backfield, and if you catch the ball it’s an easy touchdown (as pictured above against the Ravens).

 

What is most disturbing, is that it appears Edwards may be showing favoritism to QB Derek Anderson over Brady Quinn during his play so far this preseason possibly due to his liking of Anderson’s better deep ball.

 

Here are some points to help defend this possible theory.

 

First, during training camp practices, it has been reported that Edwards looks smooth and fast while catching everything that comes in his direction, but that is just practice.

 

Next, in the Green Bay game, Edwards dropped an easy pass from Quinn for a touchdown and he jumped when there was no reason for him to jump for the ball.

 

Then, the next play in the Green Bay game, Quinn threw the ball to Edwards again but the ball was intercepted and Edwards didn’t even make an attempt for the ball or fight the defender for it.

 

Against the Detroit Lions, Edwards made a good attempt to catch an Anderson throw that was out of bounds, but he didn’t keep both feet in and he obviously didn’t know where he was with the sideline, but he still caught the ball.

 

Finally, while on a Quinn deep throw, which was overthrown, it looked like Edwards was just casually running his route and taking the play off when he could have easily had a better chance to catch the long ball if he was going full speed.

 

Not to beat this into the ground, but also remember the 34-yard pass Edwards actually caught from Anderson when he was concentrating on catching the ball so much that he couldn’t even run after the catch.

 

This is just a theory, but it had to be brought to the attention of the public because after looking at these specific plays it looks like there may be a slim amount of truth to it or perhaps it’s all just coincidence.

 

 

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source)

 

Here is the Edwards we all want to see…

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