Browns notebook: Wimbley makes the big tackles
As if there is such a thing, Kamerion Wimbley got stuck with a "gentleman rusher" tag after a rookie year in which he punched a few lights out.
As a rookie first-round pick in 2006, Wimbley made 11 sacks, a better single-season total than any expansion-era Brown not named Jamir Miller.
One criticism of Wimbley was that his sacks were soft. He made plays, but few interested the producers of ESPN's "Jacked Up" segment.
Wimbley doesn't say much about the reputation, other than to give subtle indications he thinks it's ridiculous.
A not-so-subtle indication was his behavior after a play early in the preseason opener. Wimbley got to Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle in a blur, had Croyle instantly running for his life and watched as the young passer panicked himself into an interception.
Wimbley leaped into the air and pumped his arms as if Super Bowl history had just been made.
Was this a response to "the tag?" Wimbley didn't admit it if it was.
"It's the first game. You come out excited," he said. "If you play a big play early, definitely you feel it. You want to get that to rub off on your teammates and help get them going."
It did that much. The Browns allowed only 200 yards to the Chiefs, second only to the Ravens.
The 23-year-old Florida State alum went back to work Saturday night against the Lions. On Detroit's first running play, he helped stuff Tatum Bell for no gain.
In the second quarter, Wimbley burst into the backfield and dropped Brian Calhoun.
On third-and-5 from the 19, Wimbley got in Jon Kitna' face, forcing a badly thrown incompletion. The Lions had to settle for a field goal.
Wimbley says he is playing more spontaneously than he did as a rookie.
"My recognition of things is coming a lot faster," he said. "I feel more relaxed out there. I'm having some fun."
The defense played better than a 16-0 halftime deficit. Browns quarterbacks made three turnovers that led to points.
A Little 'O'
Wide receiver Braylon Edwards had a strong first quarter, squeezing 30 yards out of Derek Anderson's only two completions. In the second quarter, Edwards showed toughness in staying on his feet, trying to break a tackle, even though he could see that he would be creamed by cornerback Keith Smith.
Late in the second quarter, with Charlie Frye sprinting to the sideline at the end of a long scramble, linebacker Alex Lewis swooped in to give Frye a hard shot. Edwards sacrificed his body and dove to get a piece of Lewis.
Jamal Lewis had a respectable shift, confined to the first quarter. He ran seven times for 28 yards and was the focal point of a drive that got the Browns to first-and-goal at the 1.
For the Defense
- On an ominous note, cornerback Leigh Bodden left the game in the second quarter for a visit to the trainer. Bodden battled ankle trouble during the week and is coming off ankle surgery. With Bodden out, Kitna picked on backup Jereme Perry for two long gains that set up a touchdown. Therrian Fontenot got beat by Shaun McDonald on a touchdown pass to the back of the end zone.
- Linebacker Antwan Peek showed good quickness after sniffing out a dump pass to Brian Calhoun, then dropping the running back the split second he caught the ball. Peek stuffed an inside run on the next play.
- Brodney Pool, hoping for a breakout year at free safety, was nailed for a drive-prolonging pass interference in the second quarter.
Extra Points
- Special teams coach Ted Daisher's minimum goal on each kick return is to get past the 35. On the opening kick, Joshua Cribbs got to the 35. Chris Barclay, who won the Kansas City game with an 88-yard touchdown, brought back the Lions' second kick to the 36. Barclay got another chance in the second quarter and made it to the 37.
- Phil Dawson had a late stretch last year in which he missed five of seven field goal tries. On his first attempt Saturday, he missed a 36-yarder.
Reach Canton Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail steve.doerschuk@cantonrep.com