Quarter Season Report: Part I
Posted October 3rd, 2008 by Luke Chandler
It's the bye-week, which is classically boring. There is hardly any team news, so why not take some time to look at the Browns thus far? Today's look is at the free agent class of 2008.
New Additions
Terry Cousin, CB, (Jaguars): Signed on May 23rd, 2008 as a reaction to Daven Holly's season ending knee injury, Cousin has been solid performer thus far. He has played mostly in the dime package, and had an interception against the Bengals this past week. Cousin is not a great player, but with almost no corner depth, his contribution is huge.
Rex Hadnot, OG, (Dolphins): Originally tabbed as top backup for the line, he's been thrust into action as a starter at right guard with mixed results. Hadnot was a pretty solid run blocker while in Miami, but he's yet to fit in with the Browns zone blocking scheme. He's possibly looking at a demotion once Tucker returns.
Shantee Orr, LB, (Jaguars): Orr has been a perfect replacement for Chaun Thompson, playing inside/outside linebacker, and providing ace coverage on kick returns. He's not a headline grabber, but a guy that quietly does his job well.
Shaun Rogers, DT, (trade w/Lions): The massive nose tackle has filled out the number 92 jersey well this (formerly of Ted Washington). He has been the Browns best defensive player thus far (like mentioned below). He can split the double team, and has played both the run and pass very well. Watch out for Rogers as the season wears on, because Lions fans have seen this start before.
Donte' Stallworth, WR, (Patriots): Funny story on Stallworth. I ran into him the morning of the season opener, shook his hand and wished him luck against the Cowboys. He's subsequently missed the past four games. While I'd love to say my handshake is so manly that it caused him to strain his quad, I cannot 100% take that credit. He's a work in progress, but from what we saw in preseason when he took over as the lead receiver with Edwards hurt, it wasn't pleasing. Granted Stallworth was playing out of his normal role, so it's hard to judge. On a sputtering offense, any type of production is a plus.
Corey Williams, DE, (trade w/Packers): The move that on paper looked like the highest impact trade was for Williams. He's been very quiet thus far, only totaling 14 tackles and 0.5 sacks. Williams has a big reputation for rushing the passer, with 14 sacks total his previous two seasons in Green Bay. That player hasn't quite showed up yet, as he adjusts to the Browns new 3-4 defense.
It's hard to fully judge the new additions, but at this moment the only carrying his weight is Rogers. He had the most question marks around (maturity, weight, dedication) and thus far he's quieted those concerns. If Corey Williams can adapt to his new role as a defensive end, it will help shore up what is looking like an improved defense.
Offensively, the Browns hurt from the lack of production from Hadnot and Stallworth. Hadnot has struggled at times, especially against the pass. He may just be a top backup who can play both guard spots and center, but the team did have plans for him to be groomed into a starter eventually. Stallworth is a total unknown, with so little game action. With a huge roster bonus coming in March, Stallworth has to perform if he'd like to see that money from the Browns.
Coming up tomorrow in Part II, a review of the Browns 2008 Draft class.
Thoughts on the veterans? Comment!
