Berea
– The Browns have waited since last January to get last year’s 6-10 season
behind them.
“The season is here and we’re ready to get started,” Romeo Crennel said.
Crennel and Phil Savage added several key free agents in the off-season,
including Joe Jurevicius, Kevin Shaffer, Willie McGinest, Ted Washington and
LeCharles Bentley. Lost for the season, the Browns were able to acquire former
Pro Bowl center Hank Fraley to replace him.
“I think we’re much further along,” Crennel said. “We’re in the second year
of our system and we have much more confidence as a team, as well as a coaching
staff.”
To go along with the free agents, the addition of a solid draft class headed
by Kamerion Wimbley should help improve the team immensely. He’s expected to
start the season in pass rushing situations to help improve the Browns pass
rush. Wimbley had two sacks in the preseason.
“We’ve been prepared by the coaches and hopefully, we’ll bring home a
winner,” Wimbley said.
Notebook
Romeo Nears Decision: Crennel said who will start at center will most likely
be a game time decision, but he might tell the players as early as today.
“I might decide later today,” he said.
Fraley feels he’s pretty much up to speed.
“It’s a new start in Cleveland,”
Fraley said. “I’m ready to go and feel I’m ready.”
Crennel agreed.
“He seems to be picking up the system pretty quickly,” he said. “I think
having the veteran guards on either side of him helps out a lot.”
Lennie Friedman is working at center and both guard spots.
“It’s the regular season,” Friedman said. “Now, it counts. There’s definitely
more adrenaline flowing.”
He also said he might decide who will start at inside linebacker between
D’Qwell Jackson or Chaun Thompson.
“At linebacker, it’s close competition,” he said “At both positions, I might
decide today so they will know ahead of time.
Crennel also said he hasn’t decided if Ken Dorsey or Derek Anderson will be
the backup quarterback.
Green Gone: Crennel announced RB William Green and the Browns have reached an
injury settlement.
“We got it done before the deadline on Thursday,” Crennel said. “After six
weeks, he would be able to come back to the team if he hasn’t signed somewhere
else if he wants to or if we need him.”
Injury Status: Russell is a game decision according to Crennel. The doctors
will determine if the stitches are healed enough on his elbow to allow him to
play. Other than the stitches, Russell is healthy enough to play.