Cleveland Browns (2008 Season)

[billmac91]

Anyone know what Tucker's preference are?

Will we remain a 3-4 Defense or switch to a 4-3?

I think it'd be difficult to transition to a 4-3 without having lot's of growing pains next year. For that reason I assume we stay 3-4, but we definately need some help up front.

It'd be exciting to move Wimbley to a DE in a 4-3 though. His first step would create a lot of problems.

[Buckeyedynasty]

Originally Posted by billmac91

Anyone know what Tucker's preference are?

Will we remain a 3-4 Defense or switch to a 4-3?

I think it'd be difficult to transition to a 4-3 without having lot's of growing pains next year. For that reason I assume we stay 3-4, but we definately need some help up front.

It'd be exciting to move Wimbley to a DE in a 4-3 though. His first step would create a lot of problems.

I can't say for certain but my guess is that with Tucker we would stay a 3-4 because it is Romeo's preference and he is the head coach. I think that's why they went to that scheme to begin with. I'd love it if we went to the 4-3 though.

[osugrad21]

CPD

Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel discusses future for team, himself


Sunday, January 13, 2008Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter
The retirement of Joe Gibbs in Washington leaves Romeo Crennel, 60, as the NFL's oldest head coach. He has three days on Dallas' Wade Phillips and 70 days on the Giants' Tom Coughlin.
But nothing makes a football coach feel younger than winning.
In his third season as Browns coach, Crennel produced a 10-6 record - the team's best since re turning in 1999. It lost a playoff spot on a tiebreaker. A year ago, Crennel was on the hot seat after seasons of 6-10 and 4-12. Now he's riding high in the saddle - on the verge of receiving a contract extension.




Cont...

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by Buckeyedynasty

I can't say for certain but my guess is that with Tucker we would stay a 3-4 because it is Romeo's preference and he is the head coach. I think that's why they went to that scheme to begin with. I'd love it if we went to the 4-3 though.

We do not have enough quality D-linemen to play a 3-4 so it would be impossible for us to switch to a 4-3. Plus as you stated, Romeo's preference is the 3-4.

[IronBuckI]

I actually think that we're still better equipped for a 4-3, but don't really care which way we go, so long as the D improves. Both formations work in the NFL.

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by IronBuckI

I actually think that we're still better equipped for a 4-3, but don't really care which way we go, so long as the D improves. Both formations work in the NFL.

Possibly correct since the defensive ends do not have to be as big in a 4-3 and as they do in a 3-4 but just curious as to who the 4 down linemen would be and who would be placed at middle LB realizing we might be able to fill two of those positions in FA.

[LitlBuck]

PD interview with Romeo

Why do you favor the 3-4 defense over the 4-3?

One, I have a better knowledge of the 3-4. And I've been in this 3-4 for many years and it's been successful on several different teams. It's gone to the Super Bowl on several different teams. And then once you decide you're going to go with this scheme, then if you change your mind and try to go the other way, the personnel becomes an issue. I think if you have an established team, it's easier to make a transition like that. But if you're trying to build your team and the personnel has basically been eroded, to change in the middle of it, I think you hurt yourself.

[exhawg]

I don't know if Wimbley is big enough to play DE in a 4-3. If he is the Browns DL might be better suited for the 4-3. The problem with a 3-4 is that you have to have a badass at NT to eat up at least 2 blockers and not get pushed back. There aren't many of these guys in the NFL. If your 3 DL can't own the LOS you are going to have a suspect run D. Regardless of the defense the Browns need help on the DL this off season. Personally I am a fan of the 3-4 because of the flexibility that it gives you on the blitz if you use it Todd.

[schwab]

Originally Posted by exhawg

because of the flexibility that it gives you on the blitz if you use it Todd.

Fixed that problem, eh?

[Buckeyedynasty]

Exactly great point, exhawg. My problem with the 3-4 is it's based on having a great NT which is very rare. I just think that basically anyone can run a half decent 4-3 because it's easier to find players to fit that system. 2nd, you don't really need to teach them as much on how to play the defense since most everyone comes from a 4-3 to begin with. There is always a big learning curve to bring players into a 3-4.

[IronBuckI]

Originally Posted by LitlBuck

Possibly correct since the defensive ends do not have to be as big in a 4-3 and as they do in a 3-4 but just curious as to who the 4 down linemen would be and who would be placed at middle LB realizing we might be able to fill two of those positions in FA.

Without anyone coming in via free agency we have four OLBs that were DEs in their college/pro careers. With Shaun Smith and Ethan Kelley starting and Robaire Smith providing depth at DT. Wimbley, Peek, McMillan, and McGinest could all play DE along with a slimmed down Simon Fraser. I just don't like Fraser at 300 lbs, He looks fat and slow. Wimbley and Peek wouldn't be a liabilty in coverage, and McMillan and Fraser could provide depth.

LB would be a big question though because, IMO, Andra Davis is much better suited for a 4-3 defense MLB than he is a 3-4 ILB. D'Qwell is too talented to not start, but do you start him on the outside, or move Davis? Chaun Thompson is , again IMO, much better suited as an OLB in a 4-3 than any postion in a 3-4. Finding where Leon Williams fits is also a pretty big question.

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by IronBuckI

Without anyone coming in via free agency we have four OLBs that were DEs in their college/pro careers. With Shaun Smith and Ethan Kelley starting and Robaire Smith providing depth at DT. Wimbley, Peek, McMillan, and McGinest could all play DE along with a slimmed down Simon Fraser. I just don't like Fraser at 300 lbs, He looks fat and slow. Wimbley and Peek wouldn't be a liabilty in coverage, and McMillan and Fraser could provide depth.

LB would be a big question though because, IMO, Andra Davis is much better suited for a 4-3 defense MLB than he is a 3-4 ILB. D'Qwell is too talented to not start, but do you start him on the outside, or move Davis? Chaun Thompson is , again IMO, much better suited as an OLB in a 4-3 than any postion in a 3-4. Finding where Leon Williams fits is also a pretty big question.

We disagree a little bit on talent evaluation but no big need to discuss it since we will stay in a 3-4.

I will say that if we can keep S. Smith at NT next year rather than having to move him out to DE like we had to this year that will improve that position. He was specifically brought from Cincinnati to play NT. I have a problem with Davis because I think he lacks sideline to sideline speed to play middle linebacker in a 4-3. In fact, I have problems with him in a 3-4.

[osugrad21]

DDN

the audible commentary
Browns fans cheer Colts' playoff defeat


By Hal McCoy
Staff Writer

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Forgive me for the blatant partiality, but I'm so happy the Indianapolis Colts lost to San Diego on Sunday that I went into the garage and tooted the car horn.
And to rub it in, the Chargers did it without running back LaDainian Tomlinson most of the game, with tight end Antonio Gates hurting the entire game and without quarterback Philip Rivers for half the game.


Take that, Tony Dungy.
It has been nearly three weeks, but my cheeks and ears are still red from what Dungy did the final week of the season. While the Cleveland Browns watched ? needing the Colts to beat the inferior Tennessee Titans for the Browns to make the playoffs ? Dungy dumped the game.



Cont...

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

Shaffer?s move to right tackle is paying off
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
BY Steve Doerschuk
REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

BEREA The Browns knew the moment they called left tackle Joe Thomas on the fishing boat.

As a No. 3 overall draft pick, he would anchor the offensive line.

Kevin Shaffer?s professional life capsized in the wake. He would have to move from left to right tackle, not that far from telling C.C. Sabathia, ?Pitch with the other arm this year.?

Shaffer tried not to drown. Finally, he swam. He even reached the shore of the 2008 offseason with beach muscles.

The in-house consensus on Shaffer?s progress in his new job:

He?s dependable and tough. He works hard and blocks smart. He pass blocks well. The team wasn?t sold on him at left tackle and doubts he will become a power-blocking right tackle, but he?s a keeper.

After starting all 16 games at left tackle for the 2006 Browns, Shaffer started all 16 games in 2007 on the right side. Easier said than done.

Continued.....

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Browns' Anderson will be seeing stars
QB heads to California to play in PGA Tour's Bob Hope tournament
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sportswriter

Published on Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008



Derek Anderson will be surrounded by actors such as Luke Wilson, Samuel L. Jackson and Chris O'Donnell and comedians such as Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Nealon and George Lopez.
Known by his teammates as somewhat of a goofy free spirit, Browns quarterback Anderson might find the perfect stage when he tees off today in the PGA Tour's Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in Palm Springs, Calif. He'll be part of the celebrity field that will compete through Saturday at four courses.

Continued......