Cleveland Browns: Preseason Predictions
by Ryan Russell
With D.A. taking snaps from behind a beefed up offensive line that includes Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach, the offense should be able to consistantly breakdown opponents with a solid running game, which would, in turn, open up the passing threat. Thomas, who many think should have been awarded Rookie of the Year in 2007, was the first Browns left tackle selected to the Pro Bowl since Doug Dieken in 1980.
After aquiring Donte Stallworth through free agency in the offseason, it became clear that Cleveland will be the team to beat in their division. Jamal Lewis, Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, and Joe Jurevicious (after week 6) all return to make this years offense an explosive and productive one.
If the defense can hold up, and perhaps shake the title of “31st Best Defense in the NFL”, we could be in very good shape. Veteran LB’s Willie McGinest and Andra Davis are healthy, and quickly sculpting the young Kamerion Wimbley into a future pro bowl-caliber linebacker. Cornerbacks Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright (THANK YOU, PHIL SAVAGE1 ) look like they have improved from last year and could be very effective at shutting down the corners.
I have nothing to say about the D-line, because I neither approve of, or understand, the 3-4 defense. I do approve, however, of Romeo Crennel and his defensive credentials, so I am going to allow him to implement whatever he wants; as long as we go all the way this year.
Which brings me to my preseason prediction:
Predicted Regular Season Record: 10-6
Predicted Post Season Synopsis: Despite the fact that we only only pick up stupid recievers who crash motorcycles, get staph infections in the offseason, and run windsprints without shoes on, it is this blogger’s opinion that the Brownies will win the AFC North by a landslide, and ultimately win the conference in a close game against the Patriots. I imagine we will have outlasted New England because they will still be banged up from their previous playoff victories against the Jets and Colts, resectively. As far as the superbowl goes, the NFC got lucky last year and will never win again. Once the Browns are in, I’m poppin’ bottles and makin’ it rain.
Tags: Bob Morris Era, braylon edwards, Cleveland Browns, derek anderson, Romeo Crennel
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Great analysis. As long as this foot injury of Braylon’s is not serious, and I don’t think it is, our offense is going to be fantastic. Our DLine will have to play well too, and if Shaun Rodgers stays motivated all year it will really help out the young corners.
I’m worried about the schedule, but every team in AFC North has the same tough schedule…and since I think we’re the best team in the North, even if we’re 9-7 I think we’re making the playoffs and we will be battle tested.
The biggest key, I think, is D.A. cutting down on the turnovers. He will move the ball and throw lots of TDs, but he can’t give the ball away. If he is more solid, we are going to be really tough to beat.
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Cleveland added about 700 lbs of DL in the offseason. Shaun Rogers (at 6′4″ 340 lbs) essentially turns our defense into a 3.5 – 4 scheme. This should really help out Wimbley in avoiding getting double-teamed (in the bad way) and getting his sack total up back to what it was his rookie year.
I think that cornerback is going to be a weak spot for the defense in a big way, especially against some of the sophisticated offenses and talented receivers in the AFC this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if our first round draft pick next year is a DB.
Let’s not forget about the Special teams unit. Joshua Cribbs is amazing and should give the already potent offensive unit great field position which will provide an even bigger advantage.
Turnovers will be huge…the Browns need to keep their defense off the field and their offense on the field as much as possible (read: Jamal Lewis)
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Josh Cribbs is amazing. If Devin Hester is worth $10 mil (and I don’t think he is…but that’s a debate for another day) then Cribbs is worth every bit as much. Is there a more exciting combo of players in the NFL than Joshua Cribbs-Devin Hester-Kellen Winslow? I know I’m leaving Steve Heiden out…forgive me.
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If we could just find a way to get Devin Hester on the Browns.
Did you mean Braylon Edwards?
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Haha…yeah, I did. I was typing way too fast. Good catch Gerlach. You’re like Braylon Edwards along the sideline.
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I’m typing really slow right now but I will love watching the Browns again with you guys this year(is there a better spot than The Mousetrap on Sunday?). They have to continue to win the close games.
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I will miss watching the Browns with you guys this year. However, I will be able to watch the games with the man that Ryan Russell claims is responsible for the Browns turnaround. (And no, I don’t mean Tim Couch…in case you were wondering) This NFL season is going to be awesome. My brother should change his last name to Cribbs.
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[...] each of the first four games of the 2008 Season of Great Expectations for the Cleveland Browns, I have sat and stared at the blank computer screen searching for positives through the dreck that [...]