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Romeo Crennel said he is not a "puppet."

"No, that is not the case," Crennel said about the notion he is being jerked by Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner and general manager Phil Savage. Crennel said no to the idea that both forced him to bench quarterback Derek Anderson and start Brady Quinn at home on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos.

"This is an organization that continues growing," Crennel said. "When I came here in 2005, we had a first-time head coach, a first-time owner, a first-time general manager, a first-time president, and a roster missing the draft picks that you usually rely on as the core of your team. We have grown our organization and structure and there have been bumps in the road. We continue to work together to break through.

"I am sometimes a low-key guy. I feel like I am well respected by the players and the organization. I am trying to grow this team and organization. Make it better than when I got here."

Cleveland began this season 0-3. Crennel was asked about the scuttle in the franchise that had his team not beaten Cincinnati and sank to 0-4, he would have been fired and offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski would have taken over.
Crennel answered: "I don’t know if Rob Chudzinski would have taken over. But let’s put it this way -- Rob Chudzinski or myself might not have been here if that had happened. That is the way this business is. If you don’t win, you are sent home."

As a team, sent home, no playoffs. As a coach, sent home, no job.

So, what was supposed to be another national TV salutation on how far the Browns have come when they battle Denver (4-4) has turned into further scrutiny on why the Browns are meandering. After a 10-6 season a year ago with an offense that finished No. 8 in the league, local expectations for the Browns were grand. National ones were substantial, too.

And Crennel -- 6-10, 4-12, 10-6 and now 3-5 -- is the focus. The maturity of his players, the quality of depth on his roster and the effectiveness of his coaching style is the focus. An offense that has sunk 20 spots from a year ago in league rankings is the focus. Quinn in his NFL debut as a starter is the focus. Star receiver Braylon Edwards and his monumental drops this season in giant situations is the focus.

Anderson being benched and Edwards not is a focus of the Browns players.

This is what one of them, requesting anonymity, told me:

"Derek got robbed. Braylon (Edwards) is unprofessional, lazy, has all the ability you want but is an underachiever – and still starts. Guys don’t like it. Derek benched, Braylon plays? Double standard. That’s bending rules. Derek has been done an injustice."


To which Crennel replied: "Players have a different view of things sometimes than coaches do. Coaches make decisions to try to win games. That’s it."

Crennel is 61. He has coached football for 38 years. He has coached as an assistant in six Super Bowls and won five of them. He teaches with enthusiasm. He wants players to enjoy their work, their jobs. Rooted in defensive football, he emphasizes physicality.

He is a coach who trusts his assistant coaches, trusts his players, who leads by example and steadiness more than by fire. This is the time for Crennel to become more vocal and more demonstrative with his team. Even more direct and more clear in his leadership. Not run from the core of whom or what he is. But add to it a decisiveness and firmer hand in how the Browns will salvage this season.

His team has dealt with various injuries throughout the year to Anderson, Edwards, receiver Dante Stallworth and several others that have helped tug at cohesion and consistency. Thus far they have not been mature enough or good enough to overcome it.

"We thought we’d be able to move it forward this year off of last year and maybe that would have happened already if we had last year’s team," Crennel said. "Nothing stays the same in this league. You add players. You take away. And injuries impact game time and practice time. Basically, some things that were in place last year have not been in place for eight games. The confidence is not what it should be as well.

"The fan base here is a special one. They are knowledgeable. They went without football for so long and they forget this was broken down and we are rebuilding it. They want a Super Bowl yesterday. I understand that.

"We have had our challenges, as most NFL teams do, trying to grow and develop. Developing young men who are learning maturity. Dealing with things like motorcycle accidents and medical issues that jump at you from nowhere. There is no quick fix. You have to lay a good foundation. A foundation that can last."

This matchup against Denver is the first of Cleveland’s final eight games this season to prove the foundation on which Crennel stands is sturdy enough.

Healthy and motivated, the Browns are capable. One of their victories this season was by 21 points over the defending-champion Giants, the Giants' only loss in their last 12 games. Browns losses this season include by four points to Pittsburgh and by three to Washington. And last Sunday in a game they led by 14 points in the third quarter vs. Baltimore, the signature play of that eventual 37-27 defeat was a late pick of an Anderson pass that was returned for a touchdown.

Enter Quinn.

"It is not all the quarterback's fault," Crennel said. "But the quarterback is the person with the ball in his hands the most and if you think a change is due you go ahead and make it and not prolong it. It is due now. We need a new dynamic. Quinn has been here for a year and half. He knows the system. He can make plays with his feet. He is very good going backside to the tight end or to intermediate routs. We are going to see how not only he but our team reacts to this quarterback decision. We’re going to see if we can become disciplined enough and good enough to get back on the winning track."

In the closely-grouped AFC, the Browns still have a chance. Growing the team and building a stronger foundation and organization will take more time in Cleveland, whether Quinn is the quarterback or Crennel the head coach.

For Crennel, it is all about what the Browns can achieve in the interim, on the fly, in the journey, particularly over the next eight games.

And though Crennel says he is not a puppet, he must become a puppeteer. Quinn is one string pulled. For the Browns, for Crennel to succeed, it cannot be the last.

quote:

Anderson being benched and Edwards not is a focus of the Browns players.

This is what one of them, requesting anonymity, told me:

"Derek got robbed. Braylon (Edwards) is unprofessional, lazy, has all the ability you want but is an underachiever – and still starts. Guys don’t like it. Derek benched, Braylon plays? Double standard. That’s bending rules. Derek has been done an injustice."

Let the implosion begin. Very disappointing. I wonder who said this? Not that I don't disagree, but if we are going to have a down year, it's imperative that we at least have a team that's still wanting to play hard for themselves, and for the city of Cleveland. This says the exact opposite to me.

I though this was an interesting read. Romeo knows he is on the hot seat especially since this is a bottom line league. If you don't win, or at least show improvement, you go home. One main reason he has made the switch to Quinn. What has he got to lose? DA wasn't doing him any favors.

We all know it wasn't JUST DA's fault, but he is (was) the QB and they take most of the blame or credit, so that's the way it goes.

But I did find it interesting the anonymous comment from one of the Brown's players about Braylon. Do you think they ALL feel that way about him?? I didn't really think he was that big of a cancer, but if his teammates feel he is a slacker, that can't be good.

Look, I'm not a DA or Quinn guy, but let's face facts:

DA is benched because he's underachieving. That's fine, whatever.

Why is Edwards playing? He can't catch. 26 catches and 13 drops. And some of the drops have been HUGE.

Why is McGinest playing? He can't run. Whenever you get even or a yard past him he completely quits on a play. It's not his heart, its his body. He's done. Why is he out there?

Why is Andre Davis playing? Has there ever been a more transparent MLB in league history? I don't even know he's there 80% of the time.

I think if you are going to "change the dynamic" of the team you best have the balls to really change it.

You're quarterback is not 100% of the problem, and you hung him out to dry.

Why have Edwards and Co. not been benched with DA?

I don't know if Edwards is a slacker or not. I do know that Edwards was a big part of DA getting a nice contract in the offseason. Go back to BE's season last year and think about all of the crap passes he dug out and made spectacular ... I mean amazing catches. He is not making those this year ... and he is dropping a lot of the easy ones, like he always has.

BE didn't do DA any favors this year, but to say he got robbed is an absolute joke. Look at his performance over the past 16 games, a low 70's passer rating is not all on BE. He still has a ton of other weapons and one of the best pass protecting lines in the NFL. DA is a erratic ... always has been... and is not an upper echelon QB. He will still make his nice paycheck and now Quinn will get the scrutiny. He may eventually get the reigns back on this team, but it won't be because he is suddenly a franchise QB.

Whoever mouthed off about BE under "anonymity" is total chicken bleep and is only making matters worse for this team. I highly doubted whoever it was that decided it was wise pipe up probably has made just as many mistakes as BE. If it was someone on the offensive line ... and I HIGHLY doubt that it was Joe Thomas ... then they should REALLY shut their face.

Anyone mouthing off on the defense is completely laughable.

Just what we need...

well i would like to know what took him so long to make this change! i have been a browns fan for 50 yrs and didn't know how much longer i could stand da at the qb position.

quote:

Originally posted by All Heart:
Let the implosion begin. Very disappointing. I wonder who said this? Not that I don't disagree, but if we are going to have a down year, it's imperative that we at least have a team that's still wanting to play hard for themselves, and for the city of Cleveland. This says the exact opposite to me.

100% agree ... season over. Hopefully they don't get Quinn killed.

quote:

Whoever mouthed off about BE under "anonymity" is total chicken bleep and is only making matters worse for this team. I highly doubted whoever it was that decided it was wise pipe up probably has made just as many mistakes as BE. If it was someone on the offensive line ... and I HIGHLY doubt that it was Joe Thomas ... then they should REALLY shut their face.

I bet it was hank fraley. I remember reading somewhere that DA texted him about his benching, and hank was trying to keep DA positive. I believe hank is just backing his friend. but he didnt want to be known of his comments, which i agree is kind of being a chicken. But the browns don't need anymore drama than what is going on now, so thank goodness the player didnt want to be named.

quote:

He still has a ton of other weapons and one of the best pass protecting lines in the NFL.

I agree with most of what you say Flap, but I can't agree with you on this statement. You are absolutely right in saying DA is not an upper echelon QB...not even close. He has some good moments, but unfortunately the bad outweighs the good.

But to say he has tons of other weapons this year isn't right. JJ was his go-to guy, especially on third down situations, and he isn't here. Stallworth hasn't made much of an impact even in the 2 games he actually played. K2 isn't getting it done like he did last year. And the line isn't doing as well this year as they did last year either.

And I don't know who opened their mouth to the press with that statement, but that was just plain wrong. You NEVER throw a teammate under the bus like that.

At first I thought maybe KWII. Then I remembered KWII would not feel the need to be anonymous And I don't know that he cared much for DA either.

I do know that Lewis seemed to have DA's back a couple of times when players went after DA. Lewis is an emotional player, did pull BE off of DA at least once, and is enough of a vet not to get himself fined by going to the media.

thompson ... I don't know if it was Fraley, but he could have consoled his buddy without having spouting off to this writer.

bonz ... I agree not having JJ this year has been devastating and Stallworth has been almost a complete waste, but he had JJ last year and he still regressed in the 2H. Even this year, I would argue his weapons are better than the Ravens ... and having time to throw is a luxury a lot of QBs aren't afforded.

It was probably Anderson. Has he found a way to hurt us from the bench? Anderson has missed SO MANY open recievers and thrown into coverage. He abandones the pocket when he should step up. He is way too streaky. Anderson does not deserve to be benched-he should be GONE.

GO ANDERSON! and take Romeo with you.

Here is a novel idea: Hieden at tight end, Winslow-slot reciever, Edwards/Steptoe & Stallwoth set wide and Cribbs or Harrison or Lewis in the backfield would be hard to defend against. Run at least somebody deep on every play to stretch the field and use cribbs or winslow or stallworth in the middle and when the defense starts going dime or nickle, pound the rock. When the defense loads up on the run you get cribbs, edwards, stallworth and winslow 1 on 1. Which defense has the talent/speed to cover this scheme with a good qb? btw cribbs would also be a great halfback.

quote:

Originally posted by eastside216:
It was probably Anderson. Has he found a way to hurt us from the bench? Anderson has missed SO MANY open recievers and thrown into coverage. He abandones the pocket when he should step up. He is way too streaky. Anderson does not deserve to be benched-he should be GONE.

GO ANDERSON! and take Romeo with you.

Here is a novel idea: Hieden at tight end, Winslow-slot reciever, Edwards/Steptoe & Stallwoth set wide and Cribbs or Harrison or Lewis in the backfield would be hard to defend against. Run at least somebody deep on every play to stretch the field and use cribbs or winslow or stallworth in the middle and when the defense starts going dime or nickle, pound the rock. When the defense loads up on the run you get cribbs, edwards, stallworth and winslow 1 on 1. Which defense has the talent/speed to cover this scheme with a good qb? btw cribbs would also be a great halfback.

crennel needs to go. the guy has no clue how to be a head coach. his comments make me sick. fire him and look for a winner.COWHER. Schottenheimer. PLEASE. Cowher will make us a GREAT TEAM! Did you hear romeos press conf? Cant win with a loser coach. Success starts at the top.

quote:

I don't know if Edwards is a slacker or not. I do know that Edwards was a big part of DA getting a nice contract in the offseason. Go back to BE's season last year and think about all of the crap passes he dug out and made spectacular ... I mean amazing catches. He is not making those this year ... and he is dropping a lot of the easy ones, like he always has.

BE didn't do DA any favors this year, but to say he got robbed is an absolute joke. Look at his performance over the past 16 games, a low 70's passer rating is not all on BE. He still has a ton of other weapons and one of the best pass protecting lines in the NFL. DA is a erratic ... always has been... and is not an upper echelon QB. He will still make his nice paycheck and now Quinn will get the scrutiny. He may eventually get the reigns back on this team, but it won't be because he is suddenly a franchise QB.

Whoever mouthed off about BE under "anonymity" is total chicken bleep and is only making matters worse for this team. I highly doubted whoever it was that decided it was wise pipe up probably has made just as many mistakes as BE. If it was someone on the offensive line ... and I HIGHLY doubt that it was Joe Thomas ... then they should REALLY shut their face.

Anyone mouthing off on the defense is completely laughable.

I stopped reading at the bolded part. Did you happen to see the ravens game?

my bet is on Fraley. He and DA are best friends (hunt, fish, etc. together).

but, facts are facts.... 31st rated QB? Comp. % hovering around 50%? Crumbles if things go wrong... time for a change.

And yes, I agree BE should be benched, too. BUT, we don't have a 1st round highly rated young WR waiting in the wings. THAT is the difference.

Why do people hang on stats so much?

As bad as that quote is, it had to be made by someone that doesn't understand what is going on. MAYBE BE was dropping passes because they were blazed at him, and maybe he missed them because they were off target, or he was covered and didn't expect the ball.

Very few people (media, fans, etc.) have pointed out another good reason that DA was benched...He made bad decisions with the ball and missed open receivers...He'd throw balls into double, even triple coverage. Something that BQ shouldn't have a problem with.

I presonally haven't looked at all the games, but I do know that I've seen many times where he simply missed seeing a wide open reciever...

Braylon has been TERRIBLE this year.

That is no lie, just because a player says it, I bet most are thinking it in the locker room