mutineer10

The Browns are making some interesting moves in FA. They've already nabbed stud OG Joe Andruzzi away from the Pats, stole cover-corner Gary Baxter out from under the Ravens (in a still controversial fashion), locked up a solid punter in Kyle Richardson (from Cincy), and now they've picked up a solid, game-managing QB in Trent Dilfer.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/8260813

Beyond the signings, the Browns are going a long way toward cutting the fat. The disappointing Jeff Garcia was released, and equally disappointing Kelly Holcombe was not resigned. Troublesome (and expensive) DT Gerard "Big Money" Warren (and his salary) was dealt to the Broncos for a 4th round pick. If that sounds like a crap deal, read this:

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/8245891

Add to these moves next season's return of Kellen Winslow, Jr. and the 3rd overall pick in next month's draft (with which some expect the defensive-minded Crennel will take BnG darling LB Derrick Johnson), and it's easy to see the Browns are poised to really turn things around.

Not sick enough??? Crennel says he and Savage aren't done yet.

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news_...ts/4040.0.html

A poll on the Browns homepage sums it up. The posed question is, "What's your feeling on the Browns first week in free agency."

The #1 answer? "Savage and Crennel really seem to get it."

papz

You forgot to talk about their first signing... Romeo Crennel. That right there gives them an A for the offseason. A move for him that was long overdue. Any player after his signing only adds on salt to the rest of the leagues wounds.

8-8 season for them is very likely. In the year afterwards, they\'ll be in the playoffs.

shadowdrinker

I wouldn\'t bank on the Browns making the Playoffs anytime soon...

Crennel still has to prove he can take control of a team, and make it all work...

making big signings is all good, but, A good Coach , and a good team on paper doesn\'t always equal a good Football team, Much like what Washington was trying to do...you can\'t simply buy your way into the Playoffs, and though it seems like a can\'t lose scenario..most infact do lose...

I wish him and the Browns the best of luck...but, I really have a hard time believing Crennel is going to be able to carry the load on his own...He had the Luxury of sitting behind Belichick, and reaping the rewards of a Superior Coaching Trio....

Of all 3 Coaches from the Pats, who have seperated...I expect Belichik will be the best...with Charlie Weiss doing great at N.D....and Crennel struggling in Cleveland...

mutineer10

Remains to be seen. I think Crennel will meet more success with the Browns than Weiss will with ND. Until Notre Dame drops that archaic GPA crap, they\'re gonna continue to have trouble recruiting top talent. Then again, it remains to be seen how the new NCAA rules on GPA\'s will affect the entire spectrum of college football.

I must agree that Belichick will remain the godfather of the big three, but I like Crennel\'s chances. Bringing in Savage from Baltimore cannot be overlooked, either. He\'s one of the premier GM\'s in the NFL, and he\'s already out there making deals. It\'s true it\'ll take more than talent, but talent is certainly a nice place to start. And given the length of time Crennel has been coaching, he\'s no dummy. I suspect he\'ll hold his own.

PS: Alot of folks on here had Crennel at the top of their list back when we were talking about replacing Haslett. I guess we\'ll see...

[Edited on 6/3/2005 by mutineer10]

shadowdrinker

PS: Alot of folks on here had Crennel at the top of their list back when we were talking about replacing Haslett. I guess we\'ll see...



I know that....and it might have something to do with the overly optomistic view of what he can or will do...