Mike Adams plans to fight to start

By Tony Grossi

Cleveland Plain Dealer

BEREA

The only battle for a starting position on the Browns’ defense heated up on Monday when Usama Young practiced in full uniform for the first time in 21/2 weeks and Mike Adams vowed not to give up the job.

Since Young has been out so long after coming aboard via free agency, his return — albeit only in individual drills — was the focus of much attention. With strong safety T.J. Ward also returning from his own hamstring injury, reporters converged immediately on the two projected starters.

In the background, Adams didn’t so much seethe as prepare his thoughts. When he entered the circle of news-starved media, Adams delivered an opening statement with more passion and sincerity than has been heard all summer at Browns camp.

“This is my eighth year in the league, so don’t act surprised that I’m starting,” Adams began. “… Go check my film and see what I’ve done in the past and you guys will see that I work my butt off and I think I deserve it and I’m going to keep working my butt off.”

Don’t confuse Adams’ comments with anything other than sheer competitiveness. He entered the NFL in 2004 as an undrafted free agent from Delaware. He made the 49ers on special teams, and then started 18 of his next 30 games at free safety and cornerback.

But since joining the Browns in 2007, Adams has been typecast as a special teamer and emergency fill-in in the secondary. His versatility to play hard at five positions — either safety, cornerback, nickel and anywhere on special teams — is both a blessing and a curse.

Frankly, Adams is tired of being passed over, and he’s earned the right to say so.

“Every year it’s like, ‘Oh, we need a free safety.’ And everybody forgets about Mike Adams,” he said.

One thing in Adams’ favor is that Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron divides his safety roles truly as strong safety (closer to the line of scrimmage) and free safety (deep in pass coverage).

“I still can play corner, nickel, dime and the strong safety with no problem,” Adams said. “That’s the beauty of it. I’m just at free safety.”