Pre-Game Preview: Cleveland Browns

Today we take a look at the Cleveland Browns, who will take on the Giants Monday night at Giants Stadium.

Cleveland Browns

2007 Record: 10-6

Head Coach: Romeo Crennel

Changes:

• Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham was let go, and Secondary Coach Mel Tucker was promoted to take his place. The Browns then bulked up their defense in the off-season by adding Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers, but those players need to prove they can play in the 3-4 defense the Browns use.
• On offense they added Dante Stallworth to be the Number 2 Wide Receiver next to Pro Bowler Braylon Edwards.  Former Giant Joe Jurevicius has asked the team to downgrade him to the Number 3 WR, because his body can no longer take the pounding.

Browns Notes, Quotes

The new Browns defensive front is looking forward to the hard running Giants

• It is becoming clear Brady Quinn is not totally in step with being the backup to Derek Anderson without having a chance to compete for the job. Asked before the preseason opener whether he could envision being in the same situation next year, Quinn responded:

“We have a big season coming up. I don’t know if you know that. I’m not trying to focus on anything outside our first preseason game.”

• It has been a tough road for safety Gary Baxter since tearing both patellar tendons playing against the Broncos on Oct. 22, 2006. He has not played in a game since. On July 27, he broke up a pass in practice. It was a big step for him, but it was the last time he practiced before undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery to remove damaged cartilage Aug. 5. Now his career is in jeopardy again; the Browns released Baxter Saturday because they did not want him taking up a spot on the 80-man roster while he recovers.

“Last year we were able to hold a roster spot open for Gary as he attempted to make a monumental comeback,” general manager Phil Savage said. “After he underwent a knee scope last week, we are unfortunately not in a position to hold a roster spot this year.

“We are releasing Gary in hopes he will be able to continue his rehab and get back into the NFL, either with another team or possibly with the Browns. Gary has made tremendous strides thus far and we believe he can play professional football again in the future.”

• Since returning to the NFL in 1999, the Browns are 19-19 in preseason games. They are 50-94 in the regular season.