Willie McGinest has made it clear he would like to play this season, and that he would be open to a return to the Patriots . At least one expert on 3-4 outside linebackers, former Browns coach Romeo Crennel, thinks McGinest has something left in the tank at age 37. Crennel coached McGinest for three seasons in Cleveland, including last year.
``Willie did a nice job last season,'' said Crennel, the Patriots' defensive coordinator from 2000-04. ``He played most of the snaps for us. He's really good vs. tight ends at the point. He can still apply pressure on the quarterback. He has kept himself in good shape. If he gets the right opportunity . . . I don't think Willie would just take any opportunity, it has to be a good situation, a situation he feels good about.''
McGinest, the NFL's all-time leader in playoff sacks (78), had just one sack last season and only eight since leaving the Patriots for Cleveland after the 2005 season, during which he had six.
``To some degree, the numbers are the numbers,'' said Crennel. ``You can't dispute the numbers. In this game, in this league, everyone looks at sacks, but he did a good job for us last season. He's not as fast as when he first started, but he still has a knack for applying pressure on a quarterback because of his big frame. He can power guys, and when guys brace for power he still has enough wiggle to get to the edge off the block.''
McGinest might want to be back in the NFL this season, but Crennel, who was fired by the Browns after going 24-40 in four seasons, still intends to sit out '09 while he recovers from hip replacement surgery, with a focus on a return in 2010. He admits it's going to be different not coaching for the first time since 1969.
``I think it will be a little strange when we get to [training camp],'' Crennel said. ``My wife keeps me occupied with honey-do's and traveling. I'm looking forward to spending time with my grandkids.''
