Browns fans seeking information about the team's players through the official
NFLEurope.com site are going to be challenged, to say the least. After four
weeks into the season, the four Browns players sent to Europe are not causing
much of a stir.
While Autry Denson continues to show the talent that flashed in
last year's training camp, he is no longer a Brown. Nor is Rashidi Barnes, who
at least got himself into the weekly NFL Europe photos section.
The Browns in Europe continue to toil quietly. From outward appearances, none
are to be jumping to the fore as emerging stars in Europe, although there may be
important skill development occurring which is not evident from game statistics
and write-ups.
Here's an update on how Browns players overseas are faring:
Kalvin Pearson, CB,
Frankfurt
Galaxy
Pearson is starting at left cornerback for the Galaxy, which started the
season 3-0 around a tough defense. Calvin Spears and Rashidi Barnes are two
other ex-Browns who start in the Galaxy backfield. Despite losing to Amsterdam
last weekend, the Galaxy continued to demonstrate a tough defense and held
Amsterdam to less than 50 yards on the ground. Pearson had four tackles and one
pass broken up in the effort. The Grambling product played safety in college and
seems to be gaining valuable experience at the cornerback position.
Chad Mustard, TE, Rhein Fire
Mustard is fourth on the team with six catches for 52 yards for the season,
and is shown as now being second on the depth chart for the Fire at tight end.
In the latest game against Barcelona, Mustard caught a single pass for three
yards.
Jay Taylor, P, Rhein Fire
Punter Jay Taylor doesn't look likely to be able to mount a challenge to
Chris Gardocki if early-season statistics is any indication (not to mention the
Browns pursuit of rookie free agent punters like Andy Groom). Taylor's
punting average so far this season is 37 yards per kick and he averaged a mere
28 yards against Barcelona. Unless he's kicking off and booming them out of the
end zone each time, Taylor doesn't appear to be an immediate threat to Gardocki.
Dimitrius Breedlove, WR,
Barcelona
Dragons
Breedlove appears to be buried deep on the Dragons depth chart, and is not
getting many opportunities, although the Browns are saying via their press
releases that he is appearing in the games. Breedlove has only one catch for
five yards. Sean Morey has emerged at WR on that team with four touchdowns in
the last two weeks and his success probably isn't helping Breedlove's cause. The
speedy receiver hasn't had any punt or kickoff return opportunities to date.
Adding to the woes: despite the team's 3-1 record, Barcelona doesn't appear to
be embracing American football. Attendance at the two Dragons home games has
been 4,700 and 6,100. That's barely enough for a Cavs game.