Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Browns In Savage World
By John Chandler
On the road, where Phil Savage's inner scout compels him to spend a large part of his time, the pressure tied to the general manager of a struggling NFL team follows. In fact, it checks him in, takes his bags, then takes it's best shot.
"I've had a lot of people, whether it's on the airplane, at the airport, or checking into the hotel, who say, 'Man, you've got a tough job,'" said Savage, addressing media at his postseason press conference.
The questions flew at him like a pass rush through the Browns offensive line. And Phil scrambled like his quarterback, Charlie Frye. Among the topics:
Charlie Frye's Status: On the subject of quarterback, Savage was vaguely clear. He called Charlie the incumbent, but then asked himself if it was a competition (with backup Derek Anderson). "Sure it is."
Adding a Quarterback: Savage shot down the notion that adding a veteran quarterback to the mix would help the situation. "There's no guarantee a veteran quarterback would help." As for drafting one, don't hold your breath.
Romeo Crennel: "There's no way I can look in the mirror and say all of this is Romeo Crennel's fault... it's just not fair to him." He is behind his head coach, publicly. Privately? The four fired assistant coaches might say otherwise.
Offensive Coordinator: The search, so far, has included an interview of one outside candidate. Savage hinted that he's not opposed to dipping into the collegiate ranks, and rejected the notion that experience is the most critical job qualification. Current assistants Jeff Davidson and Rip Scherer interviewed over the weekend, but they represent the status quo (which finished 4-12, in case you missed it), and you get the feeling that would be settling.
Braylon Edwards: Savage calls the progress of his first draft pick on the job a "function of maturity." He acknowledged that some of Braylon's shortfalls this season were mistakes, but predicted a renewed receiver in 2007. For Phil's sake, he better be right.
Reuben Droughns: The moral of the running back story: Reuben should expect company in the backfield. Savage called Droughns' season a disappointment. He also mentioned "fullback" and "special teams" in the same breath. Now, when was the last time you saw LaDanian Tomlinson on punt coverage?
Draft Hints: No NFL executive worth his weight would tip his cap in the months leading up to a draft. Savage seemed to leave the door open for drafting a running back and defensive lineman. As for the fan favorite quarterback? Like I said earlier, next question.
As is customary of every Phil Savage press conference, there was a nearly immediate reference to the hand he was dealt by Butch Davis, Carmen Policy, Chris Palmer, et al. Channelling Indians manager Eric Wedge, the Browns GM talked about the process of rebuilding. He preached patience.
"Anytime you come into a new job, you hope you can perform magic tricks and turn it around quickly," said Savage. "I have no less confidence now than I did two years ago."
But more confidence? Let's just say inspired isn't exactly the word of the day in Berea.
Browns Fans, can you put up with another year of rebuilding? Will 7-9 get you excited? Send us your thoughts and watch for them on the Alltel Sound Off on Toyota Sports Sunday.
On the road, where Phil Savage's inner scout compels him to spend a large part of his time, the pressure tied to the general manager of a struggling NFL team follows. In fact, it checks him in, takes his bags, then takes it's best shot.
"I've had a lot of people, whether it's on the airplane, at the airport, or checking into the hotel, who say, 'Man, you've got a tough job,'" said Savage, addressing media at his postseason press conference.
The questions flew at him like a pass rush through the Browns offensive line. And Phil scrambled like his quarterback, Charlie Frye. Among the topics:
Charlie Frye's Status: On the subject of quarterback, Savage was vaguely clear. He called Charlie the incumbent, but then asked himself if it was a competition (with backup Derek Anderson). "Sure it is."
Adding a Quarterback: Savage shot down the notion that adding a veteran quarterback to the mix would help the situation. "There's no guarantee a veteran quarterback would help." As for drafting one, don't hold your breath.
Romeo Crennel: "There's no way I can look in the mirror and say all of this is Romeo Crennel's fault... it's just not fair to him." He is behind his head coach, publicly. Privately? The four fired assistant coaches might say otherwise.
Offensive Coordinator: The search, so far, has included an interview of one outside candidate. Savage hinted that he's not opposed to dipping into the collegiate ranks, and rejected the notion that experience is the most critical job qualification. Current assistants Jeff Davidson and Rip Scherer interviewed over the weekend, but they represent the status quo (which finished 4-12, in case you missed it), and you get the feeling that would be settling.
Braylon Edwards: Savage calls the progress of his first draft pick on the job a "function of maturity." He acknowledged that some of Braylon's shortfalls this season were mistakes, but predicted a renewed receiver in 2007. For Phil's sake, he better be right.
Reuben Droughns: The moral of the running back story: Reuben should expect company in the backfield. Savage called Droughns' season a disappointment. He also mentioned "fullback" and "special teams" in the same breath. Now, when was the last time you saw LaDanian Tomlinson on punt coverage?
Draft Hints: No NFL executive worth his weight would tip his cap in the months leading up to a draft. Savage seemed to leave the door open for drafting a running back and defensive lineman. As for the fan favorite quarterback? Like I said earlier, next question.
As is customary of every Phil Savage press conference, there was a nearly immediate reference to the hand he was dealt by Butch Davis, Carmen Policy, Chris Palmer, et al. Channelling Indians manager Eric Wedge, the Browns GM talked about the process of rebuilding. He preached patience.
"Anytime you come into a new job, you hope you can perform magic tricks and turn it around quickly," said Savage. "I have no less confidence now than I did two years ago."
But more confidence? Let's just say inspired isn't exactly the word of the day in Berea.
Browns Fans, can you put up with another year of rebuilding? Will 7-9 get you excited? Send us your thoughts and watch for them on the Alltel Sound Off on Toyota Sports Sunday.
Posted at 12:35 PM
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