With Tucker out for year, it’s time to call Winslow a wide receiver

By Neal Coolong  |   Sunday, November 02, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Cleveland Browns
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With right tackle Ryan Tucker placed on injured reserve this week, Kevin Shaffer becomes the Cleveland Browns' full-time starter, as he has been most of the year.

Though, the question is: How much will that affect tight end Kellen Winslow's role?

Backup tight ends Steve Heiden and Darnell Dinkins are clearly superior blockers to Winslow, and with an AFC North grudge match against the Baltimore Ravens set for Sunday, can the Browns afford to use Winslow on the right side? It makes more sense to keep him in the slot.

Commentary: This isn't radical thinking, and it's a good bet quarterback Derek Anderson will appreciate that, considering the ferocity of the Ravens' pass rush. It's simply not smart to put a ton of game-planning into preparing to run the ball successfully against the Ravens; so, considering the hit the Browns are taking with Tucker officially being done for the year, maybe it's time to call a wide receiver a wide receiver.

The Browns can call it whatever they want, but to provide broadside help for Anderson in the passing game, Heiden or Dinkins will have to be next to Shaffer. Handling upstart rookie Jameel McClain and veteran Jarrett Johson from the offensive right side is going to be enough of a challenge in the passing game. Add in defensive end Haloti Ngata to the mix against the run, and the Browns will need all the help they can get, and Winslow's blocking ability is not going to help that matchup.

The Browns are going to want to stretch the Ravens' defenders across the field. With strong safety Dawan Landry not yet ready to return, and cornerback Chris McAlister listed as doubtful, the more Winslow is off the line, the likelier the Browns can force a favorable matchup; they can do so either with a backup corner on a wide receiver or a linebacker on Winslow.

Fan Pulse: Fans on the Browns Board are engaging in the "Anderson vs. Quinn" debate that is likely to have another chapter added after this game. Winslow is back, and with the Browns winning three of their last four games, Anderson's play against the Ravens will be scrutinized again.

Fantasy Football Impact: Offensive players do not produce great fantasy games against the Ravens. But one player who jumps out this week is WR Braylon Edwards. While drops and overall inconsistency are plaguing the Pro Bowl receiver, he has the game-breaking ability (and a favorable matchup with a depleted Ravens secondary) to find himself in the end zone twice with 140 yards very quickly.

Injury Watch: Tucker is the only Browns player out in Week 9. Fullback Lee Vickers is doubtful.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one...
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