It's Official: The Browns Are Better Than '04

 

With all of the bitching about the Cleveland Browns over the past few weeks, you would think the team is taking steps backward.  However, with yesterday’s 9-7 win over the Oakland Raiders, the team has now won five games on the season, one more than 2004’s 4-12 record.  See, the Browns are getting better.

 

It is difficult to think Cleveland will beat the Steelers on Christmas Eve (that’s right, I wrote CHRISTMAS!!!), but a victory in the season finale at the Stadium against the Ravens isn’t so hard to fathom.  That would mean the brown and orange will end up with a 6-10 record, a two game improvement.  The Browns also appear to have found a quarterback for the future, with Charlie Frye’s continued good play. 

 

Yesterday was Frye’s first win, and it was a come from behind effort at that.  Yes, Frye made some ill advised throws, such as the sideline pass to Corey McIntyre that was picked off.  But, he also made some excellent throws like the one to Antonio Bryant where Frye was almost broken in two.  The rookie from Akron displays great touch, but also can put some mustard on the ball as well. 

 

On defense, the team allowed just one touchdown, although Sabastian Janikowski did help by missing two field goals.  This was done despite the defense being on the field most of the second quarter.  Cornerback Leigh Bodden appears to be a guy who can be a starter in the NFL, but as a #2 corner.  Chaun Thompson shows signs of being a big play guy, and  Andra Davis signed a five year contract, so he will be one of the building blocks of the defense. 

 

The team still needs a pass rusher though.  Even though the sacked the QB a few times against the Raiders, the Browns lack a consistant pass rush.  With oodles of dollars under the salary cap, and a probable top ten pick in the draft, GM Phil Savage can continue to build on this season.  There will be changes in the coaching staff, if only because Romeo Crennel will have more time to put his staff together.  He didn’t have this last year because he was hired late. 

 

Unlike last year, you have to feel better about the Cleveland Browns than you did at this point in 2004.  There is stability in the front office, the head coaching position, and at quarterback.  I know that won’t stop the complaining, but it should.

 

KM