Travis Daniels Could Replace Brandon McDonald

by ChrisPokorny on Nov 13, 2008 9:04 AM EST in General News Comment 8 comments

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported this morning that cornerback Travis Daniels could replace struggling starter Brandon McDonald this Monday against the Buffalo Bills. While Daniels has seen minimal playing time this season, the move might not be a bad one.

I am still intrigued with giving McDonald more starting opportunities this season. However, he is coming off two of the worst games in his career. After being burned that much, opposing teams will continue to attack. Putting McDonald as the nickel back this Monday could take away some of the pressure facing him, allowing him to regain any confidence he has lost.

Either way, whether Daniels starts or not, he will at least split reps with McDonald.

"[Coach Romeo Crennel] made a decision and I support it," McDonald said. "I'm not going to be angry about it. I love T. Daniels. I love what he brings to the game. I know he can come in and help us, so I'm not really aggravated about it. But I am aggravated at myself and how I've been playing the last couple of weeks."

Daniels has started 25 games during his NFL career, including five last season with the Miami Dolphins. Since joining the Browns this season, he has been shelved behind veteran Terry Cousin, forcing him to play exclusively on special teams.

Crennel also reports that there will be more linebacker and safety rotation on the defensive side of the ball. Hopefully that means more Leon Williams and less Andra Davis. What about rookie linebacker Beau Bell?

He added that rookie linebacker Beau Bell has been making good progress, "but just finding the chance to get him up and active is an issue."

Ummm...what?

Poll

Would you agree with starting Travis Daniels to give Brandon McDonald some time to build his confidence again?

Yes, starting Daniels is good

81 votes

No, let McDonald continue to learn on the job

42 votes

123 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Another moment of brilliance from Romeo. Our linebackers might be the worst in the league and Crennel acts like Bell is being blocked? Either tell us that Bell is worse than our bad linebackers straight up or give him a chance to play

by Roger Dorn on Nov 13, 2008 9:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Stick with BMac and get Beau Bell on the field

At this point, what do we have to lose with Beau Bell playing? As Roger Dorn said, our LBs have been awful this year. Give him a shot.

And as far as Brandon McDonald goes, I think he needs to stay out there. BMac has proven that he can be a playmaker, which is an important skill for a cornerback. It think he also may have gotten overconfident and complacent and forgotten that hard work and focus is what allowed him to go from 5th Round draft pick to starter in his 2nd year. He has good skills and can be a solid corner in this league. I think he is generally humble and hard working and will take to his recent struggles and criticism well. If he gets torched again by Buffalo, then consider a move. Right now, let Daniels replace Terry Cousin, who has been atrocious all year.

And, of course, Romeo Crennel has predictably refuted the notion that any players quit against the Broncos:
Crennel Refutes Lewis and Cribbs

Umm…I’m not sure what else you expected him to say, regardless of whether anyone quit or not. I think the Browns need a 6-1 or 5-2 finish for Romeo to have even a prayer and staying on as head coach, and even then he might not have a chance. We’ll see. We played well on Monday night last time and the Bills are struggling. One thing is for sure — the Browns better come out with some fire on Monday night, or it might not be counter-productive to make a coaching switch right now.

by DallasDawgPounder on Nov 13, 2008 10:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

It think he also may have gotten overconfident and complacent and forgotten that hard work and focus is what allowed him to go from 5th Round draft pick to starter in his 2nd year.

If that’s the case, then a heaping helping of humble pie in the form of losing his starting spot might be what he needs.

You know Selig? Ombudsman.

by rolub on Nov 13, 2008 10:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

crap, reply skills lacking in this morning.

You know Selig? Ombudsman.

by rolub on Nov 13, 2008 10:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Let’s see what Daniels can do as the #2 CB. Hopefully, that also means we can put McDonald back as nickleback, where he had some success last year. That means less COusin, and thats a good thing.

by DaytonDogg on Nov 13, 2008 11:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I pretty much agree with all of this. Wright is clearly the #1 at this point, and getting a look at the younger guys is what we need. Less Cousin is also what we need.

McDonald is taking this really well, I really like his attitude about what is essentially a demotion.

Ger Beau Bell and Leon Williams on the field. I don’t care if we go “UFO” formation with Rogers as the only down lineman and 5 LBs. Davis is past his prime.

by rufio on Nov 13, 2008 1:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hamza Abdullah

This is a little off-topic, I know, but does anyone know what is going on with Abdullah?

by NM Dawg on Nov 13, 2008 3:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know if Daniels will be any better than MacDonald, but either of them would be better than Cousin. That said, I also think that Jones was not ready to come back or trying so hard to find a big play to let everyone know he was back. I still think the DBs (less Cousin) looked better with Adams in there. Whether it’s Daniels or MacDonald in there, the safety has to know when to help.

by JustBob on Nov 13, 2008 5:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs