Gardner glad for fresh start with Browns
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BEREA -- Playing in the postseason three times in his first four NFL seasons meant little to linebacker Barry Gardner when opportunity knocked.
Although his Philadelphia Eagles played and lost the past two NFC Championship games, Gardner didn't look back to Philadelphia when free agency beckoned in the off-season.
"I look at this as a great opportunity for me," the 26-year-old linebacker said Sunday after the Browns training camp practice. "It's a new team for me, a new start and it's just a great opportunity to go out there to earn a coach's trust."
Leaving a Super Bowl contender "wasn't hard," Gardner said. "It's a business being in the league four years. I had a great opportunity in Philadelphia and I learned a lot, but this is a new beginning for me.
"[The Browns] have worked hard to get this program to where it is right now and I feel honored to be welcomed with open arms," Gardner said. "That was something that I looked at when I was looking at teams.
"During the free-agency process, I felt there was a special feeling around here," Gardner said of Cleveland.
His numbers
In four seasons with the Eagles, Gardner made 212 tackles and recorded two sacks. He also made 78 tackles on special teams.
With seven postseason games already under Gardner's belt, the Browns are looking for all the experience at linebacker they can find after releasing Earl Holmes (the team's leading tackler in 2002), Darren Hambrick and Dwayne Rudd to clear salary cap space.
Also gone is former strong-side linebacker Jamir Miller, a Pro Bowler who missed last year with a knee injury.
Browns coach Butch Davis sees second-year players Andra Davis, Ben Taylor and Kevin Bentley eventually moving into starting roles.
"Some of the guys are not going to move," said Butch Davis of positions. "Andra Davis is a middle linebacker and that's where he's going to be.
"We know where some of the guys are going to be, but for a couple of the guys who are pretty athletic, we need to see if there is one particular place that suits their talent more than the others."
Changing sides
Bentley said changing sides creates a strange feeling.
"It was different because I'm used to seeing [certain] guys in front of me," Bentley said. "Different things happened in blocking schemes and I just have to get used to it again because that's where I was at last year.
"Coach says we're going to be versatile and they are going to try us at different spots," Bentley said. "So we were ready for it."
Bentley said the good thing about moving is he has a better awareness.
"I understand what all three linebackers are doing, so if you know where your help is, you can play more aggressive," Bentley said.
In the meantime, Gardner and 10-year veteran Brant Boyer are providing the voices of experience.
Credits coaches
Gardner credited new defensive coordinator Dave Campo and linebackers coach Clancy Pendergast for creating a positive vibration.
"They've made it a pleasant learning atmosphere," Gardner said. "We're having a lot of fun. The linebackers are flying out there -- we're going to be a strong point of this team.
"Everybody is making strides and every day someone is learning something new," Gardner said. "That's all you can ask for. I'm still learning, as well, and trying to do something positive every day. So it's been a constant, positive climb for us every day, and that's special."
Another young linebacker is Chaun Thompson, the Browns' second-round draft pick who is one of the team's six holdouts.
"We don't take it personal. I don't think any of those guys want to be home right now," Gardner said. "I think they are all champing at the bit to be here. I don't hold a grudge against those guys -- it's a business."