For those that believe the Browns O has nowhere to go but up due to the O-line additions, what about the loss of the Browns top WR and QB from last year?
For example, one of the biggest issues with Frye last year was that C Jeff Faine was terrible at pass protection at times. DLs would basically run him over and Frye wouldn't even be able to step back with the ball before he was getting mauled. We have a pro-bowl talent at center now.
If that was the Browns real reason for acquiring Bentley then you should be worried. Bentley allowed more sacks than Faine in each of the last
three seasons:
LeChuck's Stats
Faine's Stats
Stats like that doesn't tell me a whole lot. I know what I saw with Faine. I'll tell you what happens with Bentley when I see it.
What those stats tell me is that you have no clue what you are talking about. Faine is not a great center and LeChuck probably is...but... Faine allowed only 3 sacks in 36 games with Cleveland. Your statement is flat out wrong: "one of the biggest issues with Frye last year was that C Jeff Faine was terrible at pass protection at times. DLs would basically run him over and Frye wouldn't even be able to step back with the ball before he was getting mauled."
As great as LeChuck was at "winning in the trenches" it didn't make much difference last year on a New Orleans team (3-13) with more talent at its skill positions than the Brownies.
I really don't know what to tell you but to reiterate those stats don't tell you a whole lot. Faine struggled badly at times if you watched the games.
I watched every single Brown's game last year and in spite of the stats listed above (I have a hard time believing those are accurate) the 290lb Faine was pushed into the backfield all day long.If you can get some clips of the Browns and the Raiders from last year it will highlight Faine's inability to get any push at all. Big Ted Washington chucked him into the backfield repeatedly. It's interesting that Big Ted will get a rematch on Faine in the Browns opener. Faine is an undersized POS center who just plain sucks.
I watched every game too and would disagree I thought Faine was adequate in pass blocking, but weak in run blocking. His problem is a lack of strength, but he shows good technique. The reason that he didn't give up a lot of sacks is because he's smart enough to stay in a guys way long enough for the QB to get the pass off. He can also finish a run block when his guy is not playing heads up on him. He's a health food nut and his diet really affected his strength. He's been supposedly bulking up the last 3 years and if I remember right was 290 as a rookie. It's tough to put on 30 pounds when all your eating is rice cakes. That being said, if he ever gives up the wacky diet, he could be a great center in the years to come. Remember that the Browns were planning on keeping Faine and playing Bentley at guard until Faine had a hissy fit about it. The weak link on the Browns line right now I think is Coleman, he's an average pass blocker and run blocker at best. Mark my words, Hallen will replace him as starter before the season is over. Hallen is the tough blue collar type guy that Romeo likes. I like the lines depth better too! Speaking of Washington pushing Faine around, guess who play each other in week 1.I am going to the Browns training camp this week and a few things I'll be looking for...
1) How many mental errors does Charlie Frye make? He won't be asked to win games this year, just not lose them.
2) Is KWII really 110% like everyone says he is. If Edwards takes a while to get back, KWII could lead the team in catches, AKA Alge Crumpler.
3) What WR's are lining up as starters. JJ is definately in the 2 spot. I just can't see Northcutt in the 1 spot, If he plays at 3 then that means either Frisman Jackson, Josh Cribbs or Travis Wilson will get the a lot of early catches until Edwards comes back.
4) Do the LB's know their jobs? The Browns flip-flopped Chaun Thompson and Matt Stewart and they will likely start the season with Jackson and Wimbley earning more and more playing time as the season goes on. In the 3-4 the LB's have a ton of different assignments depending on the calls on the field. I really like our depth at LB. The unknowns at LB are all a bunch of slobber-knockers and if you really want a treat, watch Unck, Speegle, ect... on special teams. I video taped a few plays last year and played the tape over and over for my friends. You wouldn't believe the hits those guys made!
5) Is this RBBC? It really sounds like that's what Romeo wants, but do we have the people?
I give you guys the scoop, when I get back. If you have anything you want me to check out for you let me know.