Berea – The Browns are looking for a defensive player to step up.
They might have found him in inside linebacker Andra Davis.
The fourth-year linebacker was named as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week
for his performance in the Browns 22-0 win over the Dolphins last Sunday.
“It’s a great honor to receive,” Davis said. “Only so many players can
receive this award.
“It is a great honor, but to me, it’s all about winning.”
Romeo Crennel is not a coach to push an individual in a team sport, but he
has been impressed by Davis’ play.
“Andra is learning this defense,” Crennel said. “He wants to be a leader and
wants to play this scheme.
“I know he’s taken the New England film and studied it because he wants to be
good,” he said “He‘s beginning to be productive because he’s working at it.”
Davis leads the Browns in tackles with 135, with his nearest rival being 43
tackles away from him. His career best was 170 tackles in 2003. He should
eclipse that mark in the final six games of the 2005 season—provided he stays
healthy. Davis is also third on the team in sacks with two.
“Because he’s the leading tackler, I think he has the potential to be a Pro
Bowl player,” Crennel said. “He’s not there yet, but if he plays every week like
he did last week that would be good.”
Crennel says Davis’ top quality is his ability to be a leader.
“His leadership is strength,” Crennel said. “He can get off blocks. His
understanding of the angles gets better as he continues to play. If you’re
lacking physically, you’re probably not going to lead the team in tackles.”
Davis is humbled by his accomplishments.
“I’m just a guy doing my job.”
Davis had 14 tackles in helping the Browns record their first shutout since
2001. Two of his tackles were for loss and he had a QB pressure and two passes
defensed. His pressure led to an interception by Matt Stewart.
Davis is the first Browns player this year to win the award. The last
defensive player for the Browns to win the award was Kenard Lang on Sept. 12,
2004.
Quick Hits
No Controversy: Crennel stressed again that QB Trent Dilfer is the
starter, even before he was asked.
“We have no quarterback controversy,” Crennel said. “Trent Dilfer is the
quarterback. If and when, I’ll make the decision to put Charlie (Frye) in if I
get that gut feeling. Trent is the quarterback, and there’s not much to talk
about it.”
Asked why he felt he needed to address the topic, Crennel smiled and said.
“I wanted to cut you (media) off at the pass,” he said. “I’ve been around you
guys enough to know you probably wanted to talk about it.”
Dilfer was glad that Crennel made it clear he was the starter.
“I’m prepared to start and play,” Dilfer said. “I stand by what I said and
did so because I knew it was going to come up.”
Dilfer said there is no problem between he and Crennel, or he and Frye.
“Everything’s great,” he said. “There is no rift between me and the coach or
Charlie.”
Turkey Day: Crennel is giving the players the afternoon off on
Thanksgiving Day. The team will practice in the morning and have meetings and be
dismissed by 12:30 p.m.
Suggs Update: RB Lee Suggs is practicing and has been inactive the last
couple of week. Crennel said he’s not sure when Suggs will be activated.
“We’ll evaluate who gives us the best chance,” he said. “W hen we determine
he’s ready and gives us the best chance, we’ll activate him.”
Injury update: Crennel said OL Joe Andruzzi (knee) is doubtful for the
Vikings along with S Brodney Pool (ankle). Both are making progress and will be
game time decisions. OL Cosey Coleman (knee) is questionable. KR Joshua Cribbs
(stinger) played last week. RB William Green (ankle) will practice this week and
see how limited he is.
Crennel says injuries are the norm for this time of the year.
“You compensate by playing the next guy,” he said. “If Andruzzi can’t go, you
play (Mike) Pucillo. If Brodney can’t go, Ben Taylor and Sean Jones will take
some of his work.”