Daniels takes over for McDonald
By MIKE McLAIN Tribune ChronicleORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - As expected, Travis Daniels started at cornerback in place of Brandon McDonald for the Browns.
Coach Romeo Crennel said midway through last week that Daniels would likely play in place of McDonald, who was beaten for two touchdowns in the 34-30 loss to the Denver Broncos. Daniels was acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a seventh-round draft choice in August. He played in eight of the first nine games, logging time primarily on special teams.
"I've been here eight to nine weeks, and being able to go against guys like Braylon (Edwards), Kellen (Winslow), Donte (Stallworth) and the rest of the receivers is definitely gotten me ready," Daniels said.
As the new player in the secondary mix, Daniels expected the Bills to go after him.
"I played against these guys before," he said. "It's not my first time seeing Lee Evans, the Buffalo Bills or playing in Buffalo. They know me pretty well, and if they want to come over there, then that's just what they do."
McDonald was on the field on the Bills' second drive and played most of the game. He intercepted a Trent Edwards pass in the first quarter to set up a Phil Dawson field goal.
Daniels insertion into the lineup wasn't the only change on the defensive side. Crennel rotated the safeties on a more frequent basis to keep the players fresh.
Crennel would like to give more rest to strong safety Sean Jones, who's dealt with a sore knee since training camp started. Jones had arthroscopic surgery after the first game and missed the next four games. Crennel said the knee isn't 100 percent, but Jones disagrees.
"My knee feels good. There's no excuse," Jones said. "I feel good out there. I've been playing pretty consistent. The picks haven't been as up as it has in the past, but I've been playing pretty well."
Jones wasn't pleased with the prospect of less playing time.
"I want to be on the field every snap," he said. "I feel like I'm one of the best safeties in this league, and I want to be out there trying to make plays. If I'm not on the field, then I can't make plays."
BACKING IT UP: Browns linebackers have been criticized for their play against the run and in pass coverage, but they silenced critics in the first quarter. Kamerion Wimbley intercepted an Edwards pass that was tipped by Shaun Rogers on the first play from scrimmage. Andra Davis picked off an Edwards pass on the Bills' next possession.
ON TARGET: Dawson kicked a 41-yard field goal in the first quarter. It was the 200th field goal of Dawson's NFL career.
WHAT A FORCE: Rogers got off to a fast start. He dropped Marshawn Lynch for a loss of 1 yard on a first-quarter play. He then pressured Edwards on a second-down pass that resulted in a short gain.
PLAYING IN PAIN: Defensive lineman Corey Williams will need shoulder surgery after the season, Williams injured the shoulder early in training camp and hasn't been 100 percent since. He's playing with a harness.
HARD WORK: The Browns' 96-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter was their longest of the season. The previous longest drive was 87 yards against the New York Giants in a Monday Night Football game.
Quarterback Brady Quinn was 4-of-5 on the drive for 62 yards.
INJURY REPORT: Browns inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson left in the second quarter to have x-rays after suffering injuries to his elbow and wrist. Jackson returned to action later in the period. Jones injured an ankle in the second quarter.
HOMESPUN: ESPN announcer and Youngstown State University graduate Ron Jaworski feels at home in the Buffalo area. He played high school football in Lackawanna, N.Y., and proudly talks about his western New York upbringing.
When asked about his YSU days, which ran from 1969-72, he mentioned the side-saddle snap he took from center Cole Pence. YSU was coached at the time by the late Dwight "Dike" Beede.
INACTIVES: Sidelined for the Browns were defensive backs Gerard Lawson and Hamza Abdullah; fullback Lawrence Vickers; linebacker Beau Bell; offensive lineman Scott Young; receiver Steve Sanders; tight end Martin Rucker and third quarterback Ken Dorsey.
Out for the Bills were receiver Justin Jenkins; defensive back Xavier Omon; offensive lineman Jason Whittle; receiver Josh Reed; defensive linemen Aaron Schobel and John McCargo and third quarterback Gibran Hamdan.
CATCHING A BREAK: The weather at the start of the game wasn't nearly as bad as expected. The temperature was in the low 30s with no snow.
Lake-effect snow pounded the Erie area Sunday night and Monday, leaving more than half a foot of snow on the ground and resulting in terrible driving conditions. There was no snow on the ground north of Erie and south of Buffalo.
