This should instill fear in opposing offensive coordinators as they gameplan the Browns. You see, Cleveland has all sorts of potential, particularly on offense, but the secondary, to put it in wildly understated terms, lacks depth.
Leigh Bodden was traded to the Lions this spring, his replacement, Davin Holly was lost for the year during minicamp, and Gary Baxter was recently released. Which leaves Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright as the starting cornerbacks. Both are in their second seasons, and although the team is very high on Wright, McDonald has yet to prove that he can handle the full-time gig.
However things unfold, they're both confident in their abilities. Which is sorta important, I'd think:
"We have a lot of athletic ability," Wright said. "We're ready for the challenge. If guys want to throw at us, they'll be sorry later." ...See, told ya. The defense has been the Browns' Achilles heel since, well, forever, and if they're going to have a legit shot at making the playoffs, that has to change. The front office bolstered the defensive line, but unless the front seven can consistently stop the run and generate a pass rush, the secondary could be this unit's downfall.
"Eric has a high confidence level and so do I," McDonald said. "I came in early for OTAs (in May) and I think I caught on pretty quickly. You're out there on an island. If you do get beat, you have to have a short memory and go on to the next play."
Ideally, the defensive backs could make it through the season injury-free, but since this is tackle football that seems like a pipe dream. But, hey, it could happen. As part of the Stay Healthy initiative, I'd suggest staying the hell away from Donte' Stallworth and his razor-sharp cleats.
