What was it exactly? When Cleveland Browns G.M. Phil Savage addressed the media on Thursday, what was he doing? He was certainly telling us of his disappointment in the 2006 season. He was giving the dreaded 'vote of confidence' to his head coach Romeo Crennel. Savage was also sounding like a man looking to justify his teams 3-8 record and perhaps his own track record and setting the table for Crennel.

Savage spoke of injuries and youth being the culprits for such a dismal year. He did not feel it was fair to lay the blame at the feet of his coach for things that were out of his control. Savage was admit, Crennel and he are in this together and Crennel will get all the help he needs in the off-season to make the Browns better in 2007.

Savage also said he was disappointed with WR Braylon Edwards and is sideline antics. Savage said that all in all the club has been very well behaved and are a good group of character guys. Savage chalks it up to players, Edwards in this case, maturing into professionals. The G.M. is insistent that the players are not running the team, the coaches are. Frankly, Savage isn't really concerned with the public perception of the teams situation, all team discrepancies are handled in house.

Now that Savage has had 16 games to see Charlie Frye the team will look at the QB position in the off-season to see if he is the answer moving forward. The organization had hoped they could avoid an all out poor performance for Frye this season, but could not avoid that last week against the Bengals. Savage thinks the Browns actually match-up poorer against the Bengals then the Steelers. Savage believe Frye has the tools to succeed physically, now they have to see if he has the tools mentally as well. Savage did not rule out the possibility of bringing in a new QB for 2007.

The questions about personnel changes were deflected by Savage for the most part. When asked about RB Reuben Droughns future and if the Browns need a new RB, Savage said the season still has 5 games and we will see how they unfold. In reference to the offensive line, Savage felt that the team needed some immediate help when he first arrived. Thus the team signed veterans Cosey Coleman and Joe Andruzzi. Add in the injury to LeCharles Bentley and illness to Ryan Tucker and the team has had a huge up hill climb. In now way did he make it appear that the team is done addressing the line and making improvements to it moving forward.

Savage said he was pleasantly surprised with the efficiency from interim offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson. He feels Davidson has had a lot of challenges coming in mid way through the season and has handled them for the most part well.

Savage said he feels the pain of the fans and feels that patience is what the fans truly need to exercise. He feels the fans should wear their loyalty as a Badge of Honor having had to endure all they have. He is focused on bringing a winner to the fans of Cleveland and understands that most of the good will the team has had with the fans is gone.

Savage made it feel an awful lot like there won't be many changes. That staying the course is what the team needs to do. If that is what the Browns do, more then likely, both Crennel and Savage will be looking for new jobs in 2008. Another 6-10 season in 2007 is a death sentence.

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