Berea—Braylon Edwards was back at practice on Thursday and said he expects to play on Saturday night against the Packers, the preseason opener for both teams.
“I definitely expect to play,” Edwards said. “I took some reps with the first team and am ready to go.”
Edwards missed part of Wednesday’s practice. On Thursday, he caught back-to-back passes from Derek Anderson in team drills, including a nice leaping grab on the sideline.
Edwards was asked if he thinks the offense can be explosive this season, knowing that Eric Mangini seems to prefer a ball control offense.
“Coach Mangini is the head coach, not the offensive coordinator,” Edwards said. “Brian Daboll has some good plays and we have people who can make plays.”
Mangini spoke about using the no huddle at times. Edwards thinks that can be effective.
“It keeps the defense off balance,” he said. “It allows (the offense) to control the tempo.”
Edwards is looking forward to seeing what the receiving corps can do against the Packers, namely youngsters Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi, Lance Leggett and Jordan Norwood.
“I see a lot of good things from our young guys,” Edwards said. “This will be a good test for us. Green Bay is a good team. I’d like to see some good things.”
Edwards remembers one of the best moments of his rookie season in 2005 when Trent Dilfer hit him on a quick slant and Edwards raced 80 yards for a touchdown.
“That was a good play and a nice way to kickoff my NFL career,” Edwards said. “Trent Dilfer hit me and 80 yards later I was in the end zone.
Cheers for Phil: There was a loud cheer from the players at the end of practice. Mangini told the team if K Phil Dawson made the field goal, the team would not have to report for meetings Thursday night.
“Thanks to No. 4, we get to go home now,” Edwards said.
Quick Hits: QB Derek Anderson hit WR Mike Furrey for a 50-yard touchdown in the two-minute offense…QB Brett Ratliff hit WR Brian Robiskie from his own three on a play that would have been 97 yards for a score…QB Brady Quinn hit TE Aaron Walker on a 15-yard touchdown and a five-yard score to RB Noah Herron…WR Mohamed Massaquoi made a nice one-handed grab on a deep pass in receiver drills…QB Brett Ratliff was intercepted by DB Brodney Pool in the end zone in goal line situations.