BEREA — After getting shut out by the lowest ranked defense in the NFL just a week ago,
expectations weren’t very high going up against the 7-4 Kansas City Chiefs on
Sunday.
However, the Browns went out and put up 31 points Sunday—their highest
offensive showing of the season—with an unproven backup quarterback. They also
put up 438 total net yards.
“We had better execution and more big plays than we have had,” Romeo Crennel
said. “In the course of the game we had a shovel pass. We had more bigger plays
than we normally have had.”
The Browns had seven plays of 16 yards or more with the longest being a
54-yard shovel pass to Jason Wright. Derek Anderson had a 33-yard run to set up
the winning field goal and Kellen Winslow had a 26-yard reception on the winning
drive.
“The win was a good team win for the offense, defense and special teams,”
Crennel said. “Everybody made a contribution. I congratulate those guys for
getting it done against a good team that has a chance to be a playoff team.”
Anderson
was a big story for the Browns as he relieved Charlie Frye when he injured his
wrist. Anderson
was 12-of-21 for 171 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He was
sacked once and had a QB rating of 95.5.
“This Derek Anderson guy,” Crennel said. “I don’t know where he came from
having never thrown an NFL pass. Probably the most impressive thing was that run
where he looked like he was going to go out of bounds.”
Crennel was happy to see if Anderson can be a productive quarterback in
the NFL.
“(It was good) in the fact he went in and moved the team the way he did,”
Crennel said. “The run was also good because he isn’t known as a running
quarterback.”
Crennel wouldn’t say it, but it might have been a blessing in disguise to see
what Anderson
could do in a regular season game.
“I think it’s good for the confidence of the team that you have a guy who can
come in and help the team,” he said. “Until he came into a game you didn’t know
what he could do.”
Anderson
showed signs during the preseason of being able to move the team.
“When he got in the game in preseason, he moved the team pretty good,”
Crennel said. “Sometimes, you don’t know how a guy will react when he gets in a
game. He does a nice job in practice, but for him to go in and perform the way
he did you have to take your hat off to him.”
Crennel said Anderson
was calm on the sideline as the team made its comeback.
“He was confident,” he said. “I think he was excited about getting a chance
to play.”
Notebook
Crennel Mum on Charlie: Crennel kept his options open concerning QB Charlie
Frye. He said the results of the x-rays were negative, but an MRI would be done
today.
“Charlie’s x-rays were negative,” he said. “They’re doing further tests today
and MRI’s to see if there are further tests.”
Crennel wouldn’t rule out Frye playing against the Steelers.
“I’m not ruling anything out,” he said. “We’ll have to see if he can take a
snap and throw the ball. It will come down to if he can take the pain and be
productive.”
However, Crennel did say that Frye is still the starting quarterback.
Win for the Fans: Crennel acknowledged the fans for their role in the win
over the Chiefs.
“I thought the win was good for the fans as well because they’ve been
suffering all year along with us,” he said. “They were cheering loud and it
helps and the players appreciate it. I think it was good for Cleveland and the
organization. The guys didn’t give up and kept making plays. That’s the way we
want the Cleveland Browns to play. It’s a team game and we were fighting to the
end. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get that consistency game in and game out.
That’s what we’re striving to do.”
Crennel Lauds Players: Besides Anderson, Crennel singled out several players
for their play against the Chiefs.
“There were some players who stepped up,” Crennel said. “Joe Jurevicius made
some really good catches. Joe came back so he would have an opportunity to
perform in front of the home fans like that.
“Steve Heiden worked very hard and had a career year last year in
receptions,” he said. “He works hard in practice and in games and was happy for
his contributions. Reuben Droughns for him to go through some of the things he’s
gone through and be productive. Jason Wright had some key plays that helped
change field position.
Willie McGinest made some productive plays and Andra Davis was around the
ball,” he said. “Phil Dawson did a nice job on kickoffs. He pinned the return
man outside the numbers. He had some sky kicks and he was able to make the game
winning kick at the end.”