BEREA – For the second week in a row, Romeo Crennel says he’s going to stay
the course for this week’s game on the road against the winless Houston Texans.
“We’re going to stay the course as far as personnel changes,” Crennel said.
“I feel the need to give the guys the benefit of the doubt and see if they can
right the ship.”
There has been some speculation that Crennel might replace quarterback Trent Dilfer with rookie Charlie Frye.
Crennel didn’t rule out the possibility of making a change during the game if
the offense isn’t effective.
“It’s a possibility,” Crennel said. “We’ll see how it goes.
“Very seldom is it one person’s fault,” he said. “I decided to give (Dilfer)
the benefit of the doubt.”
Dilfer said Monday and reiterated it again Wednesday that he was just anxious
to get back on the field.
“I’m champing at the bit to just get back out there and have the opportunity
to redeem myself,” Dilfer said. “I just want to try and be consistent as a
quarterback.”
Dilfer’s QB rating last week was just 22.4, as he threw three interceptions
and was sacked four times.
“I have high expectations and there can’t be any more pressure put on me by
anyone more than what I put on myself,” he said.
The Browns were 0-of-8 on third downs against Detroit and are just 32.8
percent for the season on third downs.
“Ultimately, it comes down to those third downs and when you’re not
converting on third down, it makes it very tough,” Dilfer said.
Offensive guard Joe Andruzzi says the Browns can correct their offensive
woes.
“We just need to execute better,” Andruzzi said. “We have a good team here
and have guys with a lot of heart.
Quick Hits
Bigger Role for Braylon: Even though WR Braylon Edwards has not been
elevated to a starting position, Crennel said his role is expanding in the
offense.
“I think you started to see Braylon’s role starting to expand before he got
hurt,” Crennel said. “I think his role will continue to expand.”
Edwards led the Browns last week with three receptions for 30 yards. For the
season, Edwards has 12 receptions for 196 yards (16.3 avg.), including a
touchdown.
Texans Favored: A stroke of reality was given to the Browns (2-4) as
they are the underdogs against an 0-6 team according to Las Vegas betting
oddsmakers.
“I hope it’s motivation to not be Houston’s first win,” Crennel said. “We’re
going to try and not let that happen.
“I try not to look at the odds because to a degree, it’s uncanny how close
they are,” he said. “We’re not crazy about the idea that we’re the underdog.
Sometimes, you can use the underdog as a rallying cry.”
Several of the players were not excited about being favored to lose this
week.
“It’s definitely a slap in the face,” Andra Davis said. “But, we were favored
last week.”
A couple of the offensive lineman said it should help the Browns to be
motivated.
“Yeah, it’s motivation,” Andruzzi said.
“It is what it is,” Cosey Coleman said. “I think we’ve played better than
they have this season.”
By the Numbers: The Browns are 26th in the NFL on offense averaging
277.5 yards a game. The Browns are 29th on defense giving up 359.5 yards a game.
The highest the Browns are ranked is in points allowed at 17.2 which is tied for
eighth in the NFL. The Browns are 30th in the NFL in points scored at 13 a game…QB
Trent Dilfer’s rating is 75.6. He is 118-of-187 for 1,260 yards (63.1 pct.) with
six touchdowns and eight interceptions…RB Reuben Droughns leads the team in
rushing with 431 yards on 105 carries…WR Antonio Bryant leads the team in
receptions with 26 for 304 yards, including two touchdowns.
Injury Update: With CB Gary Baxter being placed on injured reserve, CB
Leigh Bodden is now listed as the starter at right cornerback.
“Gary has made some big plays for us,” Crennel said. “We’ll have to see what
our alternative plays can do. Leigh Bodden will probably get the start and
Michael Lehan will probably see some action.”
RT Ryan Tucker was questionable last week with a neck injury and his status
is expected to be the same. LB Nick Speegle (ankle) was doubtful last week and
did not play, but DL Orpheus Roye (knee) was probable and he played against
Detroit. RB Lee Suggs will get the pin taken out of his thumb and will start
working on his range of motion. Crennel said there is no change in his
timetable.
Moves: WR Brandon Rideau was added to the active roster after placing
Baxter on injured reserve. Crennel said the move wasn’t directly an indication
that changes would be made at the wide receiver postion.
“We elevated Rideau to the active roster,” Crennel said. “We know that
offensively we need a spark, but by putting him on the team that doesn’t
necessarily mean he’ll be dressing for the game. To say he’s the spark we need
wouldn’t be correct.”
Rideau was an undrafted free agent from Kansas who was impressive in the
preseason.
“I was just excited when I was told,” he said. “I want to be ready if I get
the chance to play and make the most of it.
“I’ve just tried to get better every day whether I’m on the show team or
practice team.”
LB Clifton Smith was added to the practice squad. Crennel said he is a player
the Browns had looked at earlier in the season.
“We signed linebacker Clifton Smith to get a good look at him,” Crennel said.
“He’s a bigger, physical linebacker. We’ll teach him the system and see what he
can do.”