NFL odds: Browns bank on Rogers in middle

The Cleveland Browns think this is the year their storied but eternally punished franchise could make a Super Bowl. And no one seems to question their offense behind Derek Anderson, Jamal Lewis, Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow.

What many question is the defense that got pushed around last season, to the tune of 30th overall in the league. That’s why defensive tackle Shaun Rogers could be the key to this season for Cleveland.

Rogers, acquired from the Detroit Lions, was considered to have a bit of a motor problem with the Lions – i.e. he only played hard when he wanted to, which wasn’t enough for someone with his talent. But he showed up for workouts this spring in great shape and looks motivated to have a big season.

"Shaun is a physical specimen," coach Romeo Crennel said. "He's got good size, good strength. I think he'll be hard to handle one-on-one, which will force some double teams. … His attitude has been good. He’s been working.”In fact, Rogers thinks adjusting to a 3-4 defense is just the challenge he needs; he was. primarily a 4-3 tackle with one-gap responsibilities in his seven seasons with the Lions.

"I'm excited to be here learning my new role,' Rogers said.”It's different going between the 4-3 and the 3-4 to be a noseguard. Being a noseguard takes a lot of the aggressiveness away when you are making your first step getting off the ball. There is a more 'read and react' feel to it. You have to be patient and unselfish in this defense, so I'm working on a few character flaws.'

"I think it's been better than expected," Browns general manager Phil Savage said of Rogers' conversion. "He's done some good things on the field.'

With the addition of fellow defensive tackle Corey Williams from Green Bay, the Browns have more size up front than they have in years. This club ranked 30th, 29th and 30th in run defense the past three years, but that seems unlikely this season barring injuries.

Rogers and Williams also will be asked to tie up linemen to help free up pass-rusher Kamerion Wimbley. The third-year pro finished his rookie year with 11 sacks, but saw his production dip (five sacks) in his second season as teams paid more attention to him.

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