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Struggling Bears offense looks sharp in Cleveland
Friday, September 01, 2006
CLEVELAND — Exhibition games don't count, but they can leave a sour taste, especially with the season so close at hand.
Browns fans perhaps were left with such a taste Thursday night after watching their team conclude the preseason with a 20-7 loss to the Chicago Bears.
Extras
Quarterback Charlie Frye did not generate a first down in his two series. And it didn't get much sweeter on defense as the Browns, with cornerback Leigh Bodden and safety Brian Russell resting, made Bears quarterback Rex Grossman look like a Pro Bowler.
The Bears' No. 1 offense had not scored a TD in three previous exhibitions, but it was 10-0 before many in Cleveland Browns Stadium could find their seats, let alone a vendor.
After Devin Hester's 54-yard punt return provided field position, Grossman tossed a short touchdown pass on his first series, then had completions of 25, 12 and 22 yards on a field-goal drive before taking a seat.
"As I told the players, the best thing about this one is that it's over," Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. "Our minds and heads were not into it, and it showed. Everybody played bad."
Derek Anderson, stating his case to be the backup quarterback over Ken Dorsey, followed Frye and flipped a 5-yard TD pass to Frisman Jackson late in the first half.
The 6-foot-6 Anderson also had three passes batted, one that became an interception for former Browns defensive tackle Antonio Garay.
"When you lose, it's frustrating, and when you don't play well, it's frustrating," Crennel said. "We hit on two of two."
Only half right
ESPN no doubt alarmed a few Browns fans early this week by reporting the demise of yet another center.
According to the network, the team had released Lennie Friedman, voiding a recent trade with the Bears.
Turns out Friedman actually was released, but only as a clerical move so he could sign a restructured contract. His new deal includes a "split" clause guaranteeing him half his salary in the event of a season-ending injury. The eight-year pro from Duke is backing up Ross Tucker.
Two highlights
• Ryan Tucker, who had been targeting the Sept. 10 opener for his return from arthroscopic knee surgery, started at right tackle and played the first two series (six plays), apparently without incident.
• Rookie LB Kamerion Wimbley, with several quarterback pressures, continued to show why the Browns think he will give opposing offensive coordinators headaches.
End zones
• There's speculation the Browns might consider trading for Titans quarterback Billy Volek, who became expendable when Kerry Collins signed this week. Crennel has not ruled out acquiring a veteran.
• RB William Green was a health scratch, and RB Lee Suggs saw limited action. Both are on the bubble.
• Rookie CB Daven Holly, starting in Bodden's place, suffered a sprained knee in the first half.
