Browns Jurevicius Done?
Jul 15, 2008
Author: DawgBones.com

So much has been made of and said about Cleveland Browns WR Joe Jurevicius' knee. He has now had a reported 3 additional surgeries on his knee after being afflicted with a staph infection following a routine procedure on the knee. Rumors are also persisting that he will ultimately retire before the season starts. We thought it would be time to take a look at what JJ's loss would mean to the Browns both good and possibly bad.

The good is the Browns went out this off-season, after Jurevicius told them he thought he should play less, and singed Donte Stallworth to be the teams #2 WR. Stallworth gives the team much needed deep speed at the WR position and a level of consistency catching the ball that mirrors what JJ has done. Stallworth caught 46 balls in 2007 and 3 TD's as the Patriots #3 WR. Those numbers are almost identical to Jurevicus' numbers in 2007 as the Browns #2 WR. So there should be no fall statistically for the Browns at the #2 WR position. Jurevicius was set to move to the slot and be the teams #3 WR anyway.

Perhaps the most glaring good thing would be the opportunity that would now be afforded to 3rd year pro Travis Wilson. Wilson was taken in the 3rd round of the 2006 NFL draft and made no bones when he declared himself the best WR of the entire draft. Wilson may end up being the best of all of them, but as of right now Santonio Holmes, Brandon Marshall and Greg Jennings are all head and shoulders above him. To his credit Wilson has come out and said that the lack of playing time made him do some reflecting. He wanted to know how he got to the point in his career that he was at. Wilson came to the conclusion that he needed to change his attitude and work harder, be more open to constructive criticism and coaching. So far in off-season OTA's and mini-camps Wilson has looked better then he ever has at the pro level. The Browns are hoping he can do it when the pads are on and when the lights are on. It may be Wilson's last chance to show the Browns they did not make a mistake in drafting him at all let alone the 3rd round in 2006.

That is about the only good we can think of in terms of Jurevicius not playing. Now let's take a look at the bad.

No WR in the league let alone on the Browns is as good a blocker in the running game as JJ. One AFC North pro personnel person said the Browns would be greatly affected by JJ's loss, most notably Jamal Lewis and the running game. Clearly the Browns running game was rejuvenated in 2007 and better then it has been since the team returned to the NFL in 1999 and we can't discount Jurevicius' role in that success. Just how offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski will compensate for JJ's loss in the running game is unknown. Clearly no WR on the team is as good in the running game and JJ's loss will be felt.

We also must look at the consistency of Jurevicius as well. One can count on one hand, hell probably one finger, the number of drops JJ had in 2007. He just does not drop balls and makes some spectacular grabs with defenders hanging all over him in coverage. Of the 50 receptions he had in 2007, 34 of them were for 1st downs.

What if Travis Wilson does not step up and fill the teams need as the #3 WR? The team then would be forced to go out and probably trade for a WR to fill the role. San Diego Chargers WR Eric Parker continues to have his name linked with the Browns and a potential trade. Parker's salary over the next 2 years, nearly million per year, is not cap friendly for the Browns, who are up against the cap and they would have to give up a player or future draft pick for him. Clearly if Wilson does not make the grade it would cost the Browns dearly, in 2008 and possibly beyond.

The biggest loss of all will not be seen on the field, it will be felt in the locker room. JJ has always led by example and if he were to be absent in the locker room this year it would leave a huge hole in the locker room in terms of leadership. No amount of talent can make up for great character and Jurevicius has plenty of that.

The rumors will continue to swirl. Will JJ play in 2008? Will he start the year on the PUP list? Will he retire? Will he be fine and play? One thing is certain, Jurevicius' future will directly effect the Browns and in a big way.

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