BEREA - Daven Holly, Ralph Brown, Mike Hawkins and Jereme Perry. Who are these guys?
Before training camp started, these four guys were not in the Browns plans.
But when your top three projected cornerbacks go down with injury some things
have to happen.
“These guys have done a good job when their number was called,” Brian Russell
said. “As defensive backs, we study a lot of film together so we’re on the same
page.”
Daylon McCutcheon never recovered from arthroscopic surgery on his knee and
was placed on injured reserve before the season started. Gary Baxter battled a
pectoral strain before tearing both of his Patellar tendons in his knees. He
played just three games. Leigh Bodden has battled ankle injuries all season and
has played in only six games.
“They all have ability,” Russell said. “There’s a reason Ralph Brown has been
in the league for seven years.
“Daven was a draft pick,” Russell said. “Perry has played well. He was Mr.
Everything in college. He has a lot of speed and can play at a high level.”
Several of those players look at the path of Leigh Bodden and how he made the
most of his opportunity as an undrafted free agent from Duquesne. He was signed
to a four-year extension at the end of the 2005 season and is considered one of
the top cover guys in the league.
“There’s not doubt Leigh’s been a great example for those guys,” Russell
said. “It’s given an opportunity for those guys to fill in and show what they
can do.”
Holly agrees.
“I do believe it’s all about opportunity,” Holly said. “Leigh was inactive
for some games just last year and he’s now considered one of the top corners in
the NFL.”
Holly is sixth on the team in tackles with 42. He also has two interceptions,
one which was returned for a touchdown.
Perry started as a tryout player after not being drafted and started the
season as a practice squad player.
“Leigh is an inspiration because he has given me confidence,” Perry said.
“He’s told me that I am capable of playing at this level.
“I feel this is my chance for opportunity and I want to make the most of
it.”
Perry has 12 tackles with six passes broken up in seven games.
“I give a lot of credit to coach (Mel) Tucker and (Todd) Grantham,” Perry
said. “We have guys likes Holly and Brown, who weren’t here at the start of
training camp and they’re making plays.”
Notebook
On Braylon’s Situation: Crennel said he addressed the situation of WR Braylon Edwards and his sideline incident with QB Charlie Frye and the team is moving
forward.
“We spoke to the team about focusing on Kansas City and leaving the distractions
behind us,” Crennel said. “That’s the main focus of this week.
“I’ve indicated to the team we are going to concentrate on Kansas City,” he said. “I
would appreciate you not ask about Braylon. We’ve addressed the situation and
we’re moving forward. I’m not going to talk about it.”
Crennel was asked if he felt the rest of the team was behind him for the way
he dealt with it.
“I feel all the players have backed me 100 percent.”
He would not say if Edwards would not start against Kansas City or what if any sanctions would be
leveled against him.
“We’ll see Sunday.”
Edwards reportedly chartered a helicopter to fly to the Ohio State/Michigan
game and Crennel wasn’t happy with him for that. Edwards arrived back late for a
team meeting Saturday Night.
“It did bother me,” Crennel said. “We had a major game that week and it takes
major energy to go away. I’ve told the players to get their rest so they are as
rested as possible. I told them to not use unnecessary energy that could take
away from the game. However, with that being said, he had a pretty good game on
Sunday.”
Edwards had seven catches for 136 yards against the Steelers.
Tucker, Kelly Out: OL Ryan Tucker was placed on the non-football illness list
and will miss the remainder of the season, as will DL Ethan Kelly was
placed on injured reserve with a broken bone in his knee.
“We hate to lose Ryan because he’s been a good player for us, but we want
what’s best for him and his family,” Crennel said. “I spoke to Ryan and he wants
to play football. Due to privacy and legal complications we cannot talk about
it. There will be a statement in a day or two on the situation.”
Kelly Butler is expected to start in place of Tucker in his absence.
“On Ethan Kelley, the MRI showed there was a fracture in the knee area and it
will take some time to heal.”
Parker, Smith Back: With Kelley going to injured reserve and Tucker to the
non-football illness list the Browns added defensive lineman. J’Vonne Parker and
OL Rob Smith. Both were with the Browns in training camp. Parker was waived in
the final cut downs and Smith was on the practice squad. Alvin Smith was signed
to the practice squad. He was with San
Diego
in training camp.
Not a Big Endorsement: QB Derek Anderson has been the backup quarterback for
most of the season and is listed as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart.
Crennel was asked if he would like to see Anderson get some time before the season is
over.
“If we’re ahead by 30, then I would like to see some of (Anderson).”
Minter Shelved: Rookie CB DeMario Minter will remain of the Physically Unable
to Perform (PUP) list for the rest of the season.
“He worked very hard but we don’t think he’s ready,” Crennel said. “He worked
hard to try to be ready, but we determined he wasn’t ready and so he will not be
able to practice anymore.”
Roye Doubtful: Crennel listed several players as questionable for the week,
but said DL Orpheus Roye is doubtful with a knee injury. The others he mentioned
were: RB Reuben Droughns (foot), DL Nick Eason (ankle), LB Willie McGinest
(pectoral strain), S Brian Russell (elbow), LB Mason Unck (groin), CB Leigh
Bodden (ankle), DB Justin Hamilton (back) and TE Kellen Winslow (knee).
Dawson
Wins Courage Award: K Phil Dawson was voted as the 2006 winner of the Browns Ed
Block Courage Award.