Edwards’ return could spark Cleveland offense

By Connor Byrne  |   Sunday, August 06, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Cleveland Browns
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The Cleveland Browns' offseason was filled with big-name acquisitions that were brought in to help aid the rising franchise's run toward a future playoff position. Now that the Browns are in training camp, those names are finally coming to fruition on the field. Lost in the new additions and the welcoming back of injured tight end Kellen Winslow, Jr. is the comeback of Braylon Edwards.

As a rookie last season, Edwards, a No. 3 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, appeared in just 10 games. In seven starts the former Michigan star caught 32 passes and finished with three touchdowns. Those numbers weren't gaudy, but his 16 yards per catch certainly was.

The 23-year-old ended up with games of 107, 90 and 86 yards receiving, but was inconsistent otherwise. Naturally, much of that had to do with uncertainty at the quarterback position, and some had to do with a rookie wideout adjusting to the pro game.

After a severe knee injury he suffered in a Week 13 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, it was expected that Edwards would miss much of the beginning of the 2006 season. Fortunately for the pass catcher and the Browns organization and fans, he has already returned to practice and has an opportunity to be ready by the team's opener on Sept. 10 against the New Orleans Saints.

Prior to his injury in '05, Edwards and first-year quarterback Charlie Frye were beginning to form a terrific tandem built on youth and talent. In Edwards' final game of the year, he was on the receiving end of five passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns from Frye. The signal caller finished with 226 yards in a 20-14 loss to the Jaguars.

Along with newly acquired eight-year veteran Joe Jurevicius, Edwards will complete a promising blend constructed of youthful stardom and wily experience. Undoubtedly, Edwards should learn much from Jurevicius, who has 233 career receptions and a Super Bowl ring in his career with the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks.

If Edwards can return by Week One, in just over a month, the Cleveland Browns' chances of a much improved offense in '06 will be far greater. The 6-foot-3, 211-pounder has limitless talent and can truly be a terror for cornerbacks in the AFC North.

In short, don't expect this former Wolverine to follow in David Terrell's footsteps. Terrell, of course, was an ex-Michigan star who was drafted eighth overall in 2001. He caught just 128 passes and nine touchdowns in his disappointing five-year career.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on Braylon Edwards at Realfootball365.com. Sign up for Cleveland Browns e-mail updates at the top right-hand corner of the page for all the latest Browns news sent to you.
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