Browns' Anderson still uncertain for Lions game
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By Marla Ridenour
Akron Beacon Journal
(MCT)
BEREA, Ohio — When new Browns President Mike Holmgren arrives this week, one of the biggest rebuilding projects in the NFL will smack him in the face like the scorned wife of a certain womanizing golfer.
Holmgren is aware of the immediate issues on his plate — deciding on his coach, finding a general manager, finding a quarterback, et al. There is no shortage of suggestions on what he should do first. So instead of offering my to-do list, I'm offering Holmgren my don't-do list.
Don't listen to Randy Lerner's advisers.
I know the lack of layers of executives between owner Lerner and yourself was one of the most attractive aspects of this position. But Lerner admittedly has been a Browns fan since he was a child running around in his team pajamas and has developed deep friendships with former Browns' stars like Jim Brown and Bernie Kosar. There's nothing wrong with embracing the franchise's history, and embracing guys like Brown and Kosar in the process. But that "serious, credible leader" that Lerner found in you also needs to be a strong leader with his own plan and agenda.
Part of the reason the Browns left town after the 1995 season was then-owner Art Modell ran the team by committee. When major decisions had to be made, including the ultimate one, Modell turned to his trusted circle of advisers like Jim Bailey and Kevin Byrne. Good men, certainly, but the committee often seemed to rubber-stamp a bad move, even after strong-willed Bill Belichick arrived as coach. When Modell believed the Browns were one player away from a Super Bowl in free agency in 1995, where was the voice of reason to tell him receiver Andre Rison was not the answer? Front-office skirmishes are not a bad thing.
Don't rush the quarterback decision.
The Browns' roster has so many issues — at one point this season, beat writers found 11 starting positions that needed replacements — that there is no need to draft a quarterback in the first round or sign a high-priced free agent if he's not the right guy.
The drumbeat already has begun to sack Brady Quinn and go in a different direction. It seems almost a lock that Derek Anderson will be headed elsewhere. Anderson lacks the touch required of a quarterback in the West Coast offense, which will probably be installed if coach Eric Mangini is fired. Quinn's accuracy problems since he arrived in Cleveland — 53.1 percent completions this season, 52.1 percent in three years — may also preclude him being a fit.
The uncertain future of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and a possible uncapped year in 2010 might prompt some high-priced, underachieving signal-callers to be dumped. Someone like Oklahoma's Sam Bradford might be enticing. But the Browns' dearth of talent might take about three drafts to replenish. If ever there seemed a time to use April's 11 draft picks on the best players available, this seems to be it.
Don't overlook stadium issues.
While Cleveland Browns Stadium is certainly an upgrade over old Municipal, what the latter lacked in amenities it made up for in atmosphere.
Where are the signs, like the "Jump Art" message that dropped down from a rope in front of the press box in 1995? Where is the music? Why was Quinn identified as Brady Anderson on the scoreboard at the season opener? Why do fans get in trouble for standing and cheering? Why are there no glasses for mixed drinks in the stadium bar next to the team shop at the first game?
These can give paying customers the impression that the Browns are a rudderless ship just as much as missing on a first-round draft pick. If you can't get the little things right, why is there reason to believe you'll hit on the big ones?
Don't be a stranger.
The task of turning the Browns into winners seems like a long-term project, not a quick-fix. But long-suffering fans will feel better while they suffer if they're getting updates along the way. Use your folksy, down-to-earth charm and keep them informed, not guessing.
A state-of-the-union speech would be welcomed with open arms, not necessarily this week, but perhaps in the next month. Will Brodney Pool play again? How serious was Shaun Rogers' surgery? Dave Zastudil's? What's wrong with Quinn's foot? Is surgery not in Quinn's immediate future, as Mangini said last week, because of the nature of the injury or Quinn's religious beliefs? On a larger scale, what in your eyes are the Browns' strengths and weaknesses?
You may have to tell people what they don't want to hear — ex-Seahawks and current Raiders quarterback Charlie Frye said that's one of your best qualities — but as long as you tell them, they'll revel in the Browns' new modus operandi, a team that operates based on truth.
Don't forget the alumni.
Don't ask them for advice. But under Mangini, it seemed as if former players became persona non grata, especially at training camp this season. Those sessions used to be a who's who of ex-Browns who still lived in the area. There's nothing wrong with taking a break from Legends Club inductions, but why not a ring of honor at the stadium? Why not an '80s or '90s day at a summer practice? Make those men feel welcome, especially since they didn't reap the riches of their contemporaries.
Your arrival gives hope, where as recently as a month ago, there seemingly was none. But at this point, it seems you have miles to go before you sleep. And the don't-do list stretches just as far.
___
(c) 2009, Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio).
Visit Akron Beacon Journal Online at http://www.ohio.com/.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
