Random thoughts from Browns camp

[Smooth]

Random thoughts from Browns camp

By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com


BEREA, Ohio (Aug. 4, 2006) -- Random thoughts from the Cleveland Browns' training camp ...

-- One of the first players to catch my eye was rookie outside linebacker Leon Williams, the Browns' fourth-round draft pick from Miami. He is fast and shows superb instincts. He exploded into the backfield so quickly to blow up one running play that he seemed to appear from nowhere before wrapping up the startled back. Williams has impressed coaches to the point where he has warranted looks as a starter. Even if he doesn't end up starting, Williams should see extensive action on defense. He has the characteristics to be the sparkplug coach Romeo Crennel and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham need to make their 3-4 scheme more of a difference-making force than it was when they put it in place last year.

Kellen Winslow is working hard,
putting his problems behind him
and connecting with quarterback
Charlie Frye.

-- You can't help but be impressed with Kellen Winslow's comeback from the injuries he suffered in a 2005 motorcycle accident that sidelined him last season. Winslow shows the exceptional speed, athleticism and strength gained through exhaustive physical conditioning through the offseason. Every pass route he runs as a tight end looks like a mismatch. And the coaches plan to further take advantage of his immense pass-catching skills by lining him up as a receiver on occasion. Winslow also seems to be developing a strong rapport with first-year starting quarterback Charlie Frye. Winslow says the problems resulting from the accident (a staph infection, fractured femur, torn knee ligaments, plus other injuries) were worse than most people realized, but you wouldn't know it by watching him in practice.

-- Frye is thrilled that Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon plans to have him take more shots downfield than he did last year after taking over for Trent Dilfer as a starter. This is a matter of trust. Frye has demonstrated through offseason workouts and training camp he has the physical ability and smarts to handle a more aggressive approach to the passing game, which last year consisted mainly of dink-and-dunk throws that was designed to produce long and methodical drives. With Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards, Frye has weapons who should be consistently open on deep routes. Reuben Droughns' running also should help open things up in the passing game.

-- Speaking of Edwards, he might end up back in the lineup sooner than expected from the knee injury he suffered last season. Original projections had him out until midseason, but Edwards is pushing himself hard in hopes of being on the field much closer to the Sept. 10 opener against New Orleans. Given Edwards' bold and brash personality, his optimism should be taken with a sense of caution. Still, watching him run and catch passes, there is reason to think it is realistic he might be playing within the first quarter of the schedule.

Read the story at NFL.com, here

Some interesting stuff..

Good to see Winslow and Braylon getting back sooner then expected... Especially with Winslow and Frye developing a strong relantionship, that hopefully translates to the field..

I also am curious to see Leon Williams... Seem like when we drafted him, people where like who? Now people will be saying, steal..

 

[RuanuLaw]

-- Frye is thrilled that Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon plans to have him take more shots downfield than he did last year after taking over for Trent Dilfer as a starter. This is a matter of trust. Frye has demonstrated through offseason workouts and training camp he has the physical ability and smarts to handle a more aggressive approach to the passing game, which last year consisted mainly of dink-and-dunk throws that was designed to produce long and methodical drives. With Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards, Frye has weapons who should be consistently open on deep routes.

That is music to my ears. Although I love smashmouth football, it doesn't hurt to see a lot of throws downfield.

 

[Mac]

You cant go downfield when the QB doesnt have an arm to do that.

 

[lebron720]

frye has a very good arm. He threw 45 yards threw the air twice 2 northcutt. he arm is just fine. its alot stronger then people think.

people also have the impression that u cant build up your arm strength. well hate to tell u but its possible.

 

[RuanuLaw]

You cant go downfield when the QB doesnt have an arm to do that.

I see what you mean. Last year, Frye's arm was shot. His downfield throws were suspect. So yes, they couldn't throw downfield more.

This year, he has rested his arm well, and has been connecting downfield bombs numerous times in Training Camp. The bombs have been for 40s, 50s, and even a 65 yarder.

I don't think Frye will have an arm issue this season.