Browns Take Few Days Off, Then Head for Dodgertown

The difference in the Cleveland Browns entering this season’s playoffs is attitude, according to linebacker Eddie Johnson.

“Last year, we went into games hoping to win. This year, we go in expecting to win,” he said of the Browns, who finished the season with the best record in the AFC (12-4) Sunday by routing San Diego, 47-17. “There’s an enormous difference in confidence. It doesn’t matter who we play in the playoffs because we believe we’ll beat them.”

Cleveland will face either Kansas City or the New York Jets on Jan. 3 in Cleveland Stadium at 9:30 a.m. PST.

The Browns will be off today through Thursday, and following workouts and meetings Friday and Saturday at Baldwin-Wallace College, they will travel to Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla., the same site of last year’s preparations for the playoff game against Miami.

The team will utilize the Dodgers’ winter headquarters from Sunday to Wednesday night, then will return home for two days of workouts prior to the playoffs.

“I like the idea of working out there,” says sore-shouldered running back Kevin Mack, who believes the warm weather will help the Browns’ walking wounded to recover. “You can get a lot of stuff accomplished when you’re under a warm sun.”

However, several of the Browns have complained about the site’s lack of social amenities, referring to the city as “Zero Beach.”

“I can understand the fact that the area isn’t exactly jumping,” says Coach Marty Schottenheimer, “but we’re going down there to work and not for vacation.”

Cleveland has three roster moves for the playoffs, including the free move given all post-season participants. The position that most concerns Schottenheimer is center, as starter Mike Baab suffered a hyperextended left knee against San Diego.

Baab’s injury will be evaluated further Wednesday. Should the five-year veteran be unable to play, reserve George Lilja will start and the Browns likely will sign a replacement.

“I have no doubts whatsoever that George Lilja will do a solid job playing should Mike be unable to go,” said Schottenheimer. “But if the injury is severe, we will look to bring somebody in.”

Baab was using aluminum crutches Monday, but said he felt better.

“I’d say that even if it hurt like crazy,” he admitted. “But I do feel a couple of days will help. I expect to play.”

Lilja took a wait-and-see attitude concerning his starting chances.

“My role is to back up Mike and other spots on the offensive line,” he said. “I enjoy playing more, but I’ve been treated very well here.

“Every player on the 45-man roster feels he contributes. Look at quarterback (Mike Pagel). He played for the first time this season (Sunday), but he’s been contributing in the fact he’s been ready if needed.”

Schottenheimer said quarterback Gary Danielson and linebacker Curtis Weathers, both on injured reserve, would receive extended practice time this weekend.

“But don’t read anything into that,” said the coach. “We won’t be making moves simply for the sake of looking active.”