Time for Rucker, Dorsey to Shine

by Chris Pokorny on Dec 1, 2008 5:31 PM EST in General News

Doesn't it always seem like that when a once-potent team is out of contention, some of the critical position players suffer injuries (i.e. when it rains, it pours)? If you weren't interested in watching Derek Anderson quarterback the Browns the rest of the season, then I doubt you're suddenly going to turn on the tube with Ken Dorsey playing.

Heading into the season, we considered our quarterback situation a luxury. Ultimately, it turned out to be a disaster.

Like it or not, Dorsey is going to start the rest of the season, barring an injury. Anderson's MRI today revealed a tear in his left MCL that will not require surgery. However, it will take him 4-6 weeks to recover, meaning he will be placed on the injured reserve soon. We might sign a low-key free agent quarterback with some backup experience this week, but bringing a high-caliber name just wouldn't make any sense at this point.

Tight end Kellen Winslow had his MRI too, and reports indicate that he has a "high ankle sprain". Uh-oh. I do not want Winslow to become the next Leigh Bodden when it comes to ankle injuries. What does that mean? Shut him down -- at least for the next three weeks. If that is considered plenty of time to have recovered, it might be worthwhile to get him back on the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Nonetheless, Winslow is guaranteed to be out for this week's contest against the Titans. Steve Heiden will get the start, but with a short-game passer in Dorsey under center, I expect Martin Rucker to finally start seeing significant action (although history says that he'll still sit, as most of us have had fits with Crennel's and Chudzinski's decisions all year). He had his first catch of the season this past Sunday against the Colts in the fourth quarter.

Both players -- Rucker and Dorsey -- have waited a long time for an opportunity like this. Dorsey has not started an NFL game since November 27, 2005. His opponent that day? The Tennessee Titans. On the road.

Ironic, eh?

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Dorsey

I’ll be watching. I’m excited. He could be great. I’m looking forward to watching him play against the Titans.

by cmh_brickster on Dec 1, 2008 6:38 PM EST reply actions

define “great”…

by DontCallMeJoey on Dec 2, 2008 6:50 PM EST up reply actions

Grossi made a LOT of noise today about the Browns using Cribbs as QB for 20-30 snaps, running a version of the Wildcat without much passing action. I think this is a good idea, but certainly not one that Romeo Crennel will embrace with so short a tenure remaining.

My early expectation for Ken Dorsey would be something like 12-27, 122 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT.

As for Rucker, it’s like you said Chris. There’s ample reason to believe he’ll play which makes it a virtual certainty it’ll be Dinkins and Heiden all game long. One of Crennel’s enduring legacies is his unwillingness to give young players any significant playing time.

by NickFantana on Dec 1, 2008 7:56 PM EST reply actions

Grossi made a LOT of noise today about the Browns using Cribbs as QB for 20-30 snaps, running a version of the Wildcat without much passing action. I think this is a good idea, but certainly not one that Romeo Crennel will embrace with so short a tenure remaining.

Are you sure of that?

It seems like the perfect, “What the hell..let’s give it a try” situation. RC really has nothing to lose.

by gahnki on Dec 1, 2008 8:28 PM EST up reply actions

I agree that RAC has nothing to lose. The Browns, however, have a lot to lose. Let me say first that seeing Cribbs at QB has a lot of appeal for me…in the right situation. The Browns have resisted that situation all year. When Cribbs goes into the game, you can bet it’s for the purpose of running wide. No quarterback draw, option pass, or even much of what the Steelers used to do with Kordell Stewart. Having said that, the real risk is losing Cribbs to a serious injury which would linger into next season or beyond. There is far too little upside to make that risk worthwhile. The Browns need to be playing now purely for draft position. Period.

by drjeo on Dec 1, 2008 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

Can we please get a look at Rucker, Bell, Rubin, Harrison, Travis Daniels, anyone young?

Sit Kellen the rest of the year unless he wants to play against the steelers and is in good enough health to do so. With his knee never going to be 100%, I don’t want him playing if he doesn’t have to.

The season is over from a playoffs/not standpoint, but we can still win another game or two to get some dignity back. We shouldn’t tank (saying that just because I am against purposefully losing). If we want to play only backups, I am fine with that, but whoever is in the games should try to win them.

What a disaster of a season.

by rufio on Dec 1, 2008 8:58 PM EST reply actions

I agree. The most frustrating aspect has been watching mediocre to bad veterans like Dra Davis get all the playing time over our youngsters. We will now go into next season with these guys as unknowns still. Also, I love how Martin Rucker catches the only pass thrown to h im and then finds his seat next to J Harrison on the bench. ROmeo hates production

by Roger Dorn on Dec 2, 2008 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

What sort of gameplan do the Titans throw against Dorsey and the Browns offense? I- wait, nevermind, I think I know what’s going to happen. Anyone want to play the “two runs, one pass, punt” drinking game?

Then again, if Cribbs were to… well, with Haynesworth, Kearse, Brown, and Vanden Bosch on the pass rush, it is a very real possibility.

by thatbrownsguy on Dec 2, 2008 7:52 AM EST reply actions

Change for the Sake of Change

Bullocks on the lot of ‘em!
Scratch the entire roster, find some eager flag footballers or Div. III washouts, sign them to the league minimum, and with the money we save, we can sign some talent for next year.
RC and his entire administration need to follow Bush’s lead as he exits the White House. Cleveland is used to “rebuilding years”. This time, let’s do it for real.

by oddjobdrummer on Dec 2, 2008 11:55 AM EST reply actions