While schedule strength and rancid response to raised expectations contributed mightily to the Browns’ dropoff from a year ago, it is injuries — and the subsequent failure to adequately backfill the roster — that account for much of the difference between 2007 and 2008.
This season is more of a failure than last year’s was a success. The following in no way argues that Romeo Crennel should get a pass — indeed, it’s obviously time to move on — but just take a look at what injuries have wrought to each positional group through just the season’s first 11 games, after which the team stood at 4-7, effectively extinguishing any post-season hopes.
Wide receiver: The Detroit Diva missed most of the pre-season, breaking any momentum he may have had to build on his stellar 2007 success. Joe Jurevicius, last year’s clutch third-down option, missed the entire season. Donte Stallworth, signed as a viable #2 receiver, missed five of the first eight games and was hampered in the others. Josh Cribbs’ pre-season ankle sprain further set back the scoring threat, as he missed Opening Day and was not his usual super self early on. One other incoming veteran who might have helped — Kevin Kasper — went on injured reserve in the summer.
That left the receiving corps with the likes of undersized Syndric Steptoe all too often setting the edge on running plays, a role Jurevicius handled much more ably last year.
Defensive line: The loss of starting end Robaire Smith in the second game was devastating. Corey Williams, himself hampered all year by shoulder problems, was forced to play more than he should have. Shaun Rogers stepped up big time, but even he has been dinged and less effective of late. Another key rotational guy, Shaun Smith, missed four of the first 11 games.
The unit, never deep to begin with, was forced to rely on the inexperienced Louis Leonard, Santonio Thomas, and Ahtyba Rubin (himself inactive for four of the first 14 games). Also, one-time project Chase Pittman was waived due to injury in the pre-season.
Offensive line: The unit key to 2007’s success was disrupted by several injuries. Rugged run-blocker Ryan Tucker played in only the Giants game (the season’s highlight, not coincidentally). Stalwart Eric Steinbach has been limited as well, missing games 3 and 9 entirely. Right side protectors Kevin Shaffer and Rex Hadnot also missed a game apiece. Lennie Friedman, a key reserve and special-teamer, went on IR before the season kicked off. The Browns knew better than to count on LeCharles Bentley’s return to health, so his June release, while distracting, was practically pre-ordained.
Quarterback: Derek Anderson’s pre-season concussion proved costly, as the cobwebs were a long time in clearing. When Romeo finally turned to Brady Quinn, he hurt his hand in game 10 and was ineffective the next week before getting yanked and shut down. Thus, any hopes for a miracle finish were snuffed.
Running backs: Jamal Lewis’ pre-season injury was a factor in limiting his production. Fullback Lawrence Vickers was also hurt and missed games 8-10.
Defensive backs: The off-season losses of Daven Holly (knee), Leigh Bodden (trade), and Kenny Wright (legal) were never adequately replaced by the likes of Terry Cousin, Travis Daniels, and Gerard Lawson. The two young starting corners were essentially left to fend for themselves covering receivers that enemy QBs had too much time to find. At safety, Sean Jones missed most of pre-season and games 2-5. The other starter, Brodney Pool, missed the opening game with a concussion. The team’s best remaining nickel back, Mike Adams, also missed two games. Before the season even started, safety candidates Gary Baxter and Justin Sandy were released due to their injury problems.
Linebackers: The key blow here was to pass-rusher Antwan Peek, who played hobbled last year and missed 2008 entirely. Top rookie pick Beau Bell played in only four games, to little effect. Veteran Willie McGinest missed games 3-4.
Tight end: Wheelie’s staph infection and its aftermath was a major midseason bummer on several levels. Rookie Martin Rucker didn’t see the field until the 12th game.
So every single group on offense and defense suffered seriously through attrition. All this doesn’t fully explain the calamity that is the 2008 Cleveland Browns, but I can’t help thinking that a few less injuries, especially early on, might have drastically changed the complexion of this sad season. And a more aggressive pursuit of quality replacements might have stanched the bleeding.
