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Grantham likes defense's progress
By Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
July 31, 2006
Todd Grantham
Photo By John H. Reid III
The rebuilt Browns defense could have as many as six new starters.
All the new faces are expected to make an impact and help the Browns defenses improve on some of last year’s problem areas. For a team that finished last in the league in sacks, change is good.
But defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is excited about what hasn’t changed as well.
His 3-4 system, a foreign concept to most players a year ago, will now come more naturally to them. They’ve had time to learn and adjust, the team’s personnel department has had time to add players with 3-4 experience, and all that should lead to better results and more flexibility for Grantham in making his calls.
Two big – make that very big – and experienced additions who know the 3-4 well should help, too, as the Browns added mammoth nose tackle Ted Washington and outside linebacker Willie McGinest in free agency.
The Browns started the draft by selecting two linebackers, Kamerion Wimbley and D’Qwell Jackson, and both will play as rookies. Wimbley will learn from and at times rush the passer opposite McGinest, while Jackson is trying to fit in the 3-4 as an inside linebacker opposite Andra Davis.
Jackson’s top competition there is Chaun Thompson, who played outside last year. Thompson is probably the best example of the balance of old and new that Grantham has to work with in this training camp.
The good and the bad of last year are over, and all signs to point to bigger and better things in 2006. There’s better talent and better competition for jobs, and the ultimate expectation is better results.
Read the rest here.
