Braylon Edwards: The Key to the Browns Season

by Jerod Morris

While the debate continues to rage concerning whether or not Michael Phelps is a douche bag (for clarity, I voted that he is not), we now have confirmation that he is a gambler.  It seems that Phelps, a Michigan grad, has a bet going with current Cleveland Browns WR, and fellow Michigan alum, Braylon Edwards.  The bet: that Braylon Edwards will double Michael Phelps’ gold medal count in touchdown catches this season.

Umm…I’d get on that this weekend Braylon.

Based on this interview with Braylon Edwards (go to the bottom), perhaps Phelps made the bet after working out with Edwards in the pool.

Look, I have nothing against Braylon Edwards.  And I am not trying to suggest that because he couldn’t endure a swimming workout that he does not work hard as a football player.  But I have to admit that I am a little bit concerned.
First off, he did one of the stupidest things I have ever heard of when he was running without shoes on and ultimately messed up his foot.  I almost blame the Browns as much for that as Braylon.  Someone should have grabbed him and told him that he is the crux of our offense and PUT SHOES ON!  And I’ve heard the argument that “he does that all the time.”  And that’s supposed to make it better!?!?

Then, he really laid an egg against Dallas.  He dropped a probable touchdown and numerous other catches that he usually makes.  I realize that he hadn’t practiced much and that his timing and conditioning were off…but they were off because he was injured due to his own stupidity.

Still, he is a great player who was simply fantastic last season.  And he seems to be a solid person even if he is a bit of a prima donna.  I am willing to give him a mulligan for his lost preseason and the turd of a performance he turned in against Dallas.

But he has to show up BIG against Pittsburgh.

Make no mistake, he is the most important cog in our offense.  Yes, Kellen Winslow is important and a team leader.  Jamal Lewis running well is also important so we can establish a ground game.  Joe Thomas has to protect Derek Anderson’s blind side and help open holes for the running game.  And obviously D.A. needs to shake out the concussion cobwebs and not have any 0-9 stretches anymore.

But Braylon is the key.  He is the deep threat that stretches the D and opens up the middle for Kellen.  He takes safeties away from the line of scrimmage to ease the pressure on Joe Thomas, the O-Line, and Jamal Lewis.  And Derek needs to have confidence that when he puts up a deep ball, Braylon is going to come down with it.

We absolutely must have a big performance from Braylon Edwards against Pittsburgh to have a chance this weekend, and he will be the key to our overall success this season.  Look at how poorly we played when he didn’t show up!  Braylon Edwards, based on his draft status, his stardom, his contract, and his production, HAS to be a team leader.  He has not been the leader he needs to be so far this season by putting himself in a position to be injured in a preventable situation and then not being ready to play Week 1.

In fact, there is a part of me that thinks if the Browns are going to make the playoffs that Braylon will have to win his bet with Michael Phelps.  I’d love to say that I have faith in our defense; but the truth is that while I think the D is better than it showed against Dallas, we are going to have to score a minimum of 21-25 points every week to be in ball games.  And if we are scoring that much, it means Braylon Edwards will be scoring lots of touchdowns.  He has to.

I am not ready to change my prediction of a 9-7 record and an AFC North title this year.  However, I think there is a good chance that Pittsburgh finishes 9-7 too.  This means that we have to sweep them to win the tie-breaker.  Game one is this Sunday night, and the Browns needs to be ready for primetime.

The dream ending for this season would be for Braylon Edwards to lead the Browns to the Super Bowl.  Unfortunately, against Dallas on Sunday, Braylon took the Browns to the Super Bowl (but not in the good way, if you understand the expression) in front of a house full of deflated Browns backers.  (And if you don’t get it…think about it for a second.  If you still don’t get it, here is your one word hint: poop.)

My prediction?  I think Braylon Edwards and the rest of the Browns are probably pretty embarrassed about what happened on Sunday.  I think their pride, their talent, and another week of the starting offense getting on the same page in practice, all adds up to a great performance by the Browns.  Braylon will catch 2 of DA’s 3 TD passes (Kellen will get one too) and the Browns will win 30-27.

Tags: braylon edwards, Cleveland Browns, derek anderson, kellen winslow, Michael Phelps, NFL, pittsburgh steelers

---------------

If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing with your friends: