Football Diner 2008 Team Reviews / Previews
Cleveland Browns
by Chris Brophy
23/6/2008
 
Overview
 
Times have been hard for the Browns since they returned to the league in 1999 but 2007 saw this once proud franchise produce a contender again, and not only did the win-loss record improve but the excitement factor went up too as a high power offense - led by the unheralded Derek Anderson - ripped through opposing defenses. Head Coach Romeo Crennel entered last season under pressure but after getting close to the post season in 2007 the Browns front office made moves that bring experience to compliment the young guns that kick started the Browns revolution. Still, Crennel knows the moves have been made in the expectation that Cleveland make the playoffs in 2008.
 
Quarterbacks
 
Derek Anderson was thought off as nothing more than a babysitter for Brady Quinn at the start of last season. By the time the season was finished, Anderson was the Browns MVP and Quinn had at least managed not to spit his dummy out. Anderson earned a three-year contract extension and enters 2008 as the unquestioned starter but there is still a feeling that Quinn's time will come sooner rather than later. Anderson must cut down the interceptions (19 last year) and not let his form lapse for any length of time or Quinn will be in like a shot. The NFL is very much a "what have you done for me lately" league and whilst Anderson's play in 2007 earns him the starter's job and a pay hike, things can change quickly. Ken Dorsey will likely be the #3.
Grade: B+
 
Running Backs
 
After causing years of misery to the Browns by punishing them as a member of the Ravens, Lewis proved he still had plenty of that old ability left as he rushed for over 1300 yards and 9 TDs. The old power was still there and by providing a ground game of substance, it helped the Browns passing attack. Although entering his 9th season, Lewis will only just have turned 29 by season's start and can still carry the load as one of the few backs in the league who does not split the load with another runner. He is led into the holes by Lawrence Vickers, who made the fullback spot his own in 2007, and has the ability to keep it for a long time. There isn't too much behind Lewis and it was a slight surprise the Browns didn't add a runner in the draft but Jason Wright showed some flashes of ability in his limited appearances and Jerome Harrison will probably make the roster too.
Grade: A-
 
Receivers
 
If an unheralded QB is going to become a success quickly, it helps to have a good receiving corps and in 2007, the Browns found they had one. Braylon Edwards used his physical presence and speed to stretch defenses and provide many a big play and more of the same is required in 2008. Kellen Winslow Jr. also showed he wasn't going to be wasted potential with a big year and whilst a few words have been mentioned about wanting a pay rise, he should be back stretching the middle of the field for the Browns. Donte Stallworth came across from the Patriots for big money and he too has the speed to burn opponents. With Edwards and Winslow to worry about already, Stallworth should be able to find cracks in opposing defenses and should find he garners less attention than the aforementioned. Joe Jurevicius brings his big frame back for another season and he may line up outside in multiple receiver sets allowing Edwards or Stallworth to go inside and create mismatches. Josh Cribbs is known mainly for his return skills but like Devin Hester for the Bears, his open field running talents demand the Browns find ways to work him into the game plan. Steve Heiden may be challenged by rookie TE Martin Rucker for the role of backing up Winslow. The fact Heiden is recovering from back surgery only helps Rucker's cause.
Grade: A
 
Offensive Line
 
Although they drafted Brady Quinn in the end, the Browns showed they were ultimately correct to take Joe Thomas with the overall #3 pick. Along with the free agent addition of left guard Eric Steinbach, the Browns left side became dominant quickly and assuming Thomas improves from his rookie year (which was excellent) he is likely going to be considered the finest current left tackle around by the close of 2008. Veteran Hank Fraley does a solid job at the pivot and Kevin Shaffer is a decent enough RT. RG is a slight worry with 12th year veteran Ryan Tucker injured in the off-season he may not be ready to go until August so a couple of ex-Dolphins - Seth McKinney and Rex Hadnot - may well challenge for the job in his absence. Lennie Friedman, Issac Sowells, Cliff Lewis and Marvin Philip will battle for the remaining roster spots.
Grade: A-
 
Defensive Line
 
The Browns obviously felt they needed to upgrade their defensive line to compete in 2008 so they went out aggressively this off-season and brought in two high profile additions. First up we have Shaun Rogers, a massive talent but also known as being inconsistent and lazy at times as well as being, well, er, massive. He'll play mostly at the nose tackle spot where he'll be asked to eat up blockers to allow their linebackers to make the plays behind although he could line up at RDE at times too. The Packers made Corey Williams their franchise player but big money from the Browns and a 2nd round pick encouraged them to let him move on. Williams will be expected to man one of the DE spots, most likely LDE but can go back to his old DT spot when the Browns do show a four man front. Shaun Smith will compete with Robaire Smith for the other starting spot although these four should make up the bulk of the rotation with Louis Leonard, Chase Pittman and draftees Ahtyba Rubin and Alex Hall battling for roster spots and playing time. The talent has unquestionably been upgraded but how will Rogers and Williams adjust to playing in a 3-4 defense?
Grade: B+
 
Linebackers
 
If the defensive line has being improved then the linebackers should be the main beneficiaries. Willie McGinest will be looking for one last hurrah in his final season as a pro and he and Kamerion Wimbley will be asked to provide the pass rush off the edges. Wimbley will want to see his sack total approach the 11.5 he registered in his rookie season though. Antwan Peek and former Texans team mate Shantee Orr back-up on the outside and have shown flashes of being able to bring some rush in the past although special teams is also a consideration for this pair. Inside, veteran Andra Davis will be looking to rack up another 100+ tackle season and he teams up with D'Qwell Jackson. 4th round (and the Browns highest) pick Beau Bell will be the likely backup inside. This unit has to put up the production numbers which reflect the improvements made upfront.
Grade: B
 
Secondary
 
In return for improving the defensive line, the Browns made a sacrifice in the secondary as they sent Leigh Bodden to the Browns. At the time, the Browns felt they could afford the move as they had plenty of talent and potential at the corner position but since then they have lost Daven Holly for the season to injury and released veteran Kenny Wright due to legal issues. Another journeyman veteran, Terry Cousins was added but it will be likely that two second year men, Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald. The safety positions will be manned by the excellent Sean Jones and 4th year man Brodney Pool. Nick Sorensen provides the safety depth but if you are looking for a hard luck story to root for this year then look no further than Gary Baxter who has spent the majority of the past three years battling injuries. This unit has talent but got thin quick at corner and if the rush upfront is inconsistent, they could be exposed as the weak link.
Grade: C+
 
Special Teams
 
Phil Dawson is one of the better kickers around and should easily beat of the challenge of rookie Jason Reda. Punter (and holder) Dave Zastudil saw his stats take a drop in 2007 but at the same time Cleveland were pleased he only had to punt 49 times in 2007 instead of 81 times in 2006. Ryan Pontbriand has made the long snapping role his own in his five years with the Browns. Joshua Cribbs is one of the finest return guys around, bringing back both punts and kicks. His ability to give the Browns good field position should not be forgotten. All in all, this is one of the more solid units in the NFL.
Grade: A-
 
Coaching
 
Romeo Crennel has stuck to the task and finally seems to be getting some reward for his patience as well as the little bit of luck everyone needs. There is still a feeling Crennel has to produce this season though. The offense got explosive so the Browns Front Office gave him additions to balance things up on defense. The offensive unit is led by mad scientist Rob Chudzinski whilst Mel Tucker helps Crennel organize the defense. Special mention should go to offensive line coach Steve Marshall who got Joe Thomas up to speed and looking like one of the NFL's best in short order.
Grade: B+
 
Outlook
 
The Browns have being aggressive in the off-season and could now be argued as the most talented team in the AFC North. What they have to do now is make sure they can put it all together. The biggest concerns center around Derek Anderson, who whilst the starter, still has the shadow of Brady Quinn hanging over him and must show he is not a one season wonder and the defensive line additions that must prove they can fit into a new scheme and make Crennel's 3-4 defense work. The rest of the AFC North does not look quite as strong as it did two seasons ago so the feeling is the Browns must take advantage. This writer just has a feeling one of those two concerns - likely Anderson - might just hold things back enough to come up short on post season again.