Cleveland's Charlie Frye Gets The Nod
BEREA, Ohio (Aug. 7, 2006) -- It was a short ride from Pittsburgh Steelers camp to Cleveland Browns camp. In fact, I spent the morning with Bill Cowher and the afternoon with Romeo Crennel, but there's a world of difference between these two clubs at this point in the preseason. The world champions are planning to defend the title, while the Browns are trying to overcome the loss of LeCharles Bentley on the first day of practice. General manager Phil Savage feels the team can overcome his loss from a physical sense, but the psychological effect of the injury hit the team hard.
In his second season as coach, Crennel is still rebuilding a team that had personnel problems and question marks at most positions. Crennel and Savage have just about completed the retooling of the defense. Last year, they switched from a 4-3 package to a 3-4 defense, but the talent really didn't suit the transition. This year, after watching practice and video tape, the Browns now have the personnel to play the 3-4.
The offense presents a lot more challenges to be ready for the 2006 season. Second-year quarterback Charlie Frye has been handed the starting job after Trent Dilfer was traded -- which was a high-risk decision -- but from the GM to the ball boys, everyone says Frye has "it."...What is "it"? Read more
