This Blog Has Moved...

The Dawghouse Blog has moved to a new location:

http://www.fanmonster.com/blogs/dawghouseblog/, which is part of the BerniesInsidersweb site and accessible from that home page.

Although with the move comes lots of change, rest assured I do not plan on improving my spelling.

Grantham on Chaun

"Grantham seemed less enthusiastic about one of Butch Davis’ special projects, outside linebacker Chaun Thompson, a Round 2 pick in 2003.
“Right now, he’s in shorts,’’ Grantham said after a morning practice. “You’ll have to ask me in training camp.’’"

Thompson is probably favorite in the "Next Butch Guy to Go" contest.

The Word: Boulware Escapes Berea

Ok, so Boulware goes on to Seattle. That is disconserting if you are hoping, like me, that the Browns sign him. But BI NMacDaddy BMcBride reports that Savage is still worried about Boulware's health.... which means, if theyfeel that way, it might be for the best if the Seahawks sign him. Or, best case scenario, his price goes down due to health concerns. We'll have to wait and see.

Boulware And/Or Law?

Peter Boulware is in for a visit today. Maybe the Browns will even ink him today, if all goes very well. But he's not the only big name FA being talked up -- former NE CB Ty Law was a favorite of Crennel and is also shopping his services. I've been reading opinions that are all over the map with regard to the Browns signing Law. There are some definite pros and cons, but is he is healthy I am in favor of it, though I'd choose Boulware over Law if it came down to it.

• Crennel loves defensive backs. There were times last season that NE used up to 7 DBs at the same time.
  
• CB is not the Browns biggest need with 'Cutch and Baxter around. But it definitely still is a need.
  
• Why spend big money on Law when the Browns are not gunning for the playoffs in 2005? This sentiment I sort of agree with. But the team will be thinking playoffs in 2006 and it's realistic to think Law would be around for 2-3 years. It would be unwise to break the bank on the guy, but if Law's price is not too high and he would prefer to play for Crennel, then it's a gamble worth taking.
  
• If you can't be good at everything, be really good at something. If Law gives the Browns one of the better starting CB tandems and can really neutralize opposing WRs, then it's a big point in the Browns favor. And it gives Crennel somethiing to work with. And maybe it makes life a little easier for a less-than-ideal front 7. It won't be "the answer," but, really, how could it hurt?
  
• The Browns have no significant young CB talent on the roster. Lehan is okay, but not likely to be starting caliber anytime soon. Crocker shows some promise, but he may wind up strickly a safety and wouldn't be projected to be much more than a nickel-back or barely-competent starter at CB anyway. And after that there is nothing. So it's not like Law would be holding back a promising player's development.

If Law goes elsewhere, that's okay. But if he signs on here then the Browns have added a fine, possibly great, defensive presence. I fully believe Crennel can do very good things with "fine" players (see the Browns 2000 defense if those NE Super Bowls weren't enough). And I'm certain he can do it with great players. Boulware and Law are both guys that could make a big difference if they can perform. And the Browns would be foolish not to seriously investigate and make a run at both. They're already doing it with Boulware, and hopefully Law is next.

Possible Buc Cuts

Some potentially interesting names could be out there:: T Todd Steussie, LG Matt Stinchcomb, and maybe RT Kenyatta Walker or LT Derrick Deese. I wouldn't venture a guess at the relative merits of targeting these guys, but, in general, this could open up the market and give Savage some options in signing a guy or two for offensive line depth. There are rumblings that the Bucs might even cut Derrick Brooks or Simeon Rice if they can't restructure their deals. Yes, most of these guys are on the downside of their careers, but some of 'em should still have a little left in the tank. And there'd be nothing like snagging some depth at tackle so the Browns would have the options of giving the boot to my favorite personality, Ross Verba. Or better yet, let him sit around with his meathead buddies at his new rural home or at his downtown bar.

Other notes...

• RB Ricky Williams wants his formerly huge salary that he previously walked away from if he decides to return to the team. Good luck on that one.
  
• The Bengals have noted that they won't be signing Boulware. Not sure if it's due the price tag, or if they just don't want him.
  
• Apparently the Dolphiins went to great lengths to make everyone believe they would select Braylon Edwards. Too bad no one believed them. It looks especially stupid in hindsight too. Man, Nick Saban seems like another Butch Davis-like dude from this far away. He's been that way since before he even took the LSU job, actually, and he hasn't done anything to change my mind. Just looking at it objectively, I'm quite happy to be a Browns fan instead of a Dolphins fan these days. Not to mention warm weather football teams suck.
  
• This may be just a rumor, but I head the Burger King near Wilson Mills ran out of hamburgers today at lunch. You heard it here first.