Sunday, November 20, 2005
Romeo Crennel wants rookie Charlie Frye to get playing time.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CLEVELAND -- Following Sunday's 22-0 win, Browns quarterback Trent Dilfer handed the game ball to backup Charlie Frye, who saw the first action of his NFL career.
Big happy family right?
Not quite.
Dilfer was noticeably agitated after the game when asked about having to split time with Frye.
"I've never been a part of it before," he said of the situation. "I'm not going to comment a lot about it, but it makes my job a lot harder and I disagree with it."
Browns coach Romeo Crennel said the coaching staff wanted to get Frye into a game for a few series in the second half of the season.
With 5:58 left in the second quarter and the Browns leading 9-0, Crennel inserted Frye, who overthrew tight end Steve Heiden on his first play. Frye recovered, leading the team on a 10-play, 55-yard drive that ended with a 23-yard field goal by Phil Dawson.
"It felt good to contribute to the win," said Frye, who went 6 of 11 for 58 yards and an interception. "The most important thing for me is that I felt comfortable. I was not really nervous. I just went out and played."
Cheered by fans
Frye, who got a standing ovation every time he went into the game, hadn't played since starting the final game of the preseason.
The Browns drafted him in the third round out of the University of Akron in April and his strong preseason performance prompted the Browns to release veteran quarterback Doug Johnson before the regular season started, elevating Frye to second on the depth chart.
Dilfer, who completed 11 of 18 passes for 137 yards and a TD, has struggled in recent weeks -- the Browns had lost four of five games before Sunday's win -- and many thought it was time to make a switch.
Easing Frye in
Crennel, not wanting to alienate some of the veterans, decided to ease Frye in gradually rather than bench Dilfer altogether.
"Today we thought it was a good time to go ahead and get [Frye] a couple series to see what he could do and get his feet wet," Crennel said. "The plan hasn't changed -- Trent is still the starter."
When asked about when he was told of the decision to play both quarterbacks, Dilfer snapped, "That's none of your business."
When reporters pressed him further, he threatened to leave the press conference unless the topic was changed.
Split will continue
Crennel said he would continue to play Frye at times for the rest of the season, although when it happens will depend on the situation.
"That's my call," Crennel said. "Whenever I get a gut feeling, that's what I'll do."
Dilfer, who has dealt with quarterback controversies in his last three NFL stops, said he would be professional about the decision.
"I came here to win football games and give everything I had to help this team," the 33-year-old said. "I'm not going to change one bit.
"But I'd be lying if I said I support it wholeheartedly."
scalzo@vindy.com