Crennel Gets His First Piranha Bite

At yesterday's press conference, Romeo Crennel was asked whether there might be a change at QB. He responded with words to the effect that the team will look at everything, and will make any move that makes sense "at whatever position it is." Naturally, that remark found its way to the front page of the sports sections of the Plain Dealer and the Beacon Journal.

Romeo, welcome to Cleveland. That sharp pain in your ankle is the result of the first nibble you've received from the media piranhas. Actually, you're kind of lucky. Your remark was quoted in Mary Kay Cabot's column in the PD. She tends to play things pretty straight, at least in comparison to some of her cohorts who shall remain nameless, but whose initials are T-O-N-Y G-R-O-S-S-I. By Friday, however, you'll probably be in the middle of a media firestorm, with everyone speculating about whether you'll bench Dilfer. With the possible exception of a coaching death watch, the Cleveland media loves nothing more than a QB controversy. They are very, very good at creating them too--just ask Jeff Garcia, Tim Couch, Kelly Holcomb, Vinny Testaverde, Bernie Kosar, Paul McDonald, Brian Sipe, Mike Phipps, Bill Nelson, Frank Ryan or Milt Plum.

By the way, Romeo, opening your mouth on this issue was a really dumb move. My guess is that you know it, too. I've applauded your frankness in dealing with the media, but you need to learn some survival skills. Once you open this topic for discussion, it won't ever go away. The old cliche is that the second string QB is always the most popular player in town. Can you imagine how the residents of America's low self-esteem capital feel about a kid who grew up with Bernie Kosar's poster in his bedroom and played his college ball at Akron? I've got a funny feeling that you're about to find out.

Don't worry though-- the fans are patient. In fact, it is entirely possible that fans may wait until Dilfer throws his first incomplete pass to start the "we want Charlie...WE WANT CHARLIE..." chant. See you Sunday.