Early Verdict

..on the Morgan for Bryant trade -- Browns win pretty big in this deal, at least before any games are played. And personally, this is perhapst he absolute best possible deal the Browns could have made because I loathe Quincy Morgan and think the dude has hurt the team as much as he's helped it. And to get a dude like Bryant who's easily got as much talent, well all the the Browns' trades should be like this one.

But it should also be obvous that whomever you get in exchange for the deeply flawed Morgan is also going to be flawed himself, and Bryant fits that bill. He's been in Parcell's doghouse for a while after displaying a seriously poor attitude about being removed from the starting lineup. And in many ways his career has paralleled Morgan's in its unattained potential. So Bryant is no sure thing. Here are the reasons this is a great deal anyway:

1. Bryant catches the ball much better. While Morgan can also make the tough catch, Bryant is better as executing the routine.
   
2. Route running. Everything I've read says he'll fight to get open, and that he can make the quick catch. Morgan just sucked in these areas. Our team needs receivers who can run a short pattern and catch a quick pass from a three-step drop. Bryant can do that and he can be an effective weapon this way.
   
3. He's younger. 4 years in fact. Even if he's not a world beater, that's a significant difference in the NFL.
   
4. He's more highly thought of by NFL defenses. Morgan didn't scare anyone, except Browns fans.
   
5. Morgan was that dude "Leon" from those beer commercials. Bryant's baggage is perhaps of the more attractive type -- competitiveness. Maybet his is wishful thinking here, but I'd rather take my chances with a guy who gets enraged when he's not on the field than a guy he loafs it while he is.
   
6. The trade indicates Butch Davis can trade away one of his one draft picks.
   
7. The trade indicates Butch Davis can get value for a player that doesn't belong on the team.
   
8. The trade indicates Butch Davis is willing to make a bold move. Hell, maybe Morgan does turn out to be the better player. Even if that's the case, I'm happy to see the Browns make an aggressive move and we'll have to se how it turns out.

FInally, will Bryant play much against the Eagles on Sunday? I think he'll play more than most newspeople are suggesting. Wil he make a big impact? I'm thinking 4 catches, 50 yards. Back later in the week...