August Browns Eye in the Sky Report, training camp edition.

What if they had a quarterback battle and no one bothered to show up?

Quarterbacks

The much ballyhooed quarterback battle that so many anticipated has never taken root. The front office strategy to keep a firm stance declaring QB Derek Anderson the starter and the maturity and high character of QB Brady Quinn has not only kept any quarterback controversy from percolating but the flame hasn’t been lit let alone has the kettle gotten near the burner. As anticipated, QB Derek Anderson hasn’t faltered in camp but unexpectedly Quinn had a rough patch but he‘s recovered and is doing well, albeit with the second string. As expected, Quinn has kept up his maniacal conditioning and has also been voracious the film room. What was unexpected was that DA came into camp sporting a six pack, he sheepishly labeled his new midriff a ‘five pack’ So Quinn has positively pushed DA and DA has made Quinn work harder.

The quarterback controversy that so many on the outside were planning to opine about has backfired and the competition is already showing results. The Browns Quarterbacks are solid.

Running backs

Another point of concern has not materialized. Many fans were doing Chicken Little imitations continually asking about the backup to RB Jamal Lewis, asking "What will happen if Jamal goes down? Who will take over? " Give it a rest. The Browns have two returning running backs, RB Jason Wright and RB Jerome Harrison, not to mention Pro Bowl FB Laurence Vickers who has the ability to run the ball if called upon. Wright averaged more per carry than Lewis when called upon last year and the front office fielded offers for him during the off-season. Harrison is a camp tease who is a sieve in pass protection and not much of a receiving threat so he is small and one-dimensional but he’s an exciting little player and fun to watch. A crowd pleaser and fan favorite. RB Jamal Lewis entered camp in phenomenal condition, he dropped ten pounds and looks notably faster. Expect an even better season from the 28 year old who is still in his prime. Running backs are also solid.

Wide Receivers

WR Braylon Edwards has been uncover able in camp but he still drops the occasional pass. The story of woe for those who really need to be miserable whiners is WR Joe Jurevicius who hasn’t been cleared to practice after an operation to clear out some issues with his staph infection failed to take. So the pessimistic, miserable, pathetic whiners can be miserable about something. Oh no, WR Donte’ Stallworth made it back from his hamstring and has looked sharp as the #2 wide receiver so the whiners can’t complain about that one. Also it looks like WR Travis Wilson has realized his pro career was on the line and is actually flashing skills that made him a third round pick a few years ago. He may make the team and, shock, contribute! The Browns wide receivers are not in the pink but if Vicius makes it back onto the field late in the season and if Stallworth can hold up or if Wilson can make any sort of contribution then the wide receivers are also solid but right now, not so much on the depth front. I really need to see WR Travis Wilson produce on the field in a real NFL game before I buy into him. Heck I’d be happy if he earns a final roster spot, key term being ‘earn’ his spot.

Tight Ends

TE Kellen Winslow is simply a monster. He’s going to be a beast and since it appears that TE Antonio Gates isn’t quite 100% back from his injury, KW II might be the top fantasy tight end heading into the 2008 season. That is where I place him. At the very top. By the end of the season both Braylon and Kellen should be lined up with their hands out and I think Phil will be glad to load them both up with new contracts. Backup TE Steve Heiden is healthy and raring to go. Also blocking TE Darnell Dinkins has been solid. Then there is also rookie TE Martin Rucker in the mix. So the Browns aren’t only solid at tight end but the depth is soo deep that the final cut from this group is going to be very difficult to make.

Kickers, special teams, defense

K Phil Dawson is awesome. KR Josh Cribbs just began carping about his contract so that could become an issue. On the defensive front NT Shaun Rogers has been a beast. DE Corey Williams had a bit of an injury issue but he’s back and is learning his new position and the new scheme. One bad note, LB Antwan Peek went down with a knee injury and looks doubtful for the opener but with LB Willie McGinest and LB Shantee Orr in place on the outside and inside LB Leon Williams capable of filling in, there is enough in the mix to cover until Peek returns. The depth in the defensive backfield hasn’t produced any viable contenders to become this year’s version of CB Leigh Bodeen or CB Davon Holly but the starters are a big upgrade over the last two seasons at this point. So the rest of the bunch also is looking fair to midland.

I hate to tell the miserable whining crowd to take a hike but amscray because its looking like an incredible fantasy season for the Browns and one with little drama so gear up for the regular season. Preseason kicks off this week.

Aspettate fino alla prossima volta... Till next time, Ciao!