This is a new one. Chuck Ludwig, the Bengals beat writer for the Dayton Daily News, thinks the Browns could release starting left guard Eric Steinbach.
And my sources in Cleveland tell me that Eric Steinbach is in deep trouble. Eric Mangini likes big, bruising maulers on the offensive line.
Steinbach doesn’t fit the mold. He’s more finesse. I look for Steinbach to get released after the 2009 season. If fact, with his fat contract, he’ll be fortunate to make the 53-man roster. Don’t be shocked if he gets terminated before the ‘09 opener.
Fair enough. Ludwig has some other not-so-kind things to say about the Browns, but does predict the team will finish 6-10.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
BTW, it's "Chick" Ludwig, and he's nothing but a Bengals apologist. I wouldn't worry about anything he writes.
I find it hard to believe Jamal Lewis, or any other Browns running back… or quarterback… would support this hairbrained move… if it ever happens. The Bengals O-line went south the year after he left. He can play guard, center and tackle, in a pinch. The strength of our running game is over Thomas and Steinbach. If they strengthen the right side of the line, as it appears they are now doing, maybe Brady or D.A. can play the way the Browns did in 2007.
Oh, by the way. if we're dumb enough to let him go, you'll find him in Pittsburgh, Baltimore or back in Cincinnati, where they regret letting him go.
Not happening. If it did, I'd be shocked beyond comprehension.
I read the whole story in the column "Ludwig at Large". Ludwig got his information from a lackey source in Cleveland who is a Bengals' fan named James.
James wanted his name in the paper; Chick Ludwig needed some filler information to fatten up his dumb column and to give the Bengal's fans some hope for the 2009 season.