The Cleveland Browns kickoff their 2007 season Sunday afternoon against their bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers and their new head coach Mike Tomlin. Of course, many football people think the Browns will be in the same boat at the beginning of next season, that is, breaking in a new head coach. This football team will be better in 2007, although not quite to the level of playoff contender. I’m picking the Browns for 6-10 or 7-9 this season, and Romeo Crennel will be back in 2008.
In the past, the Browns inability to run the ball and stop the run have not allowed the team to be successful. While I have doubts about the defense being able to stop the ground game, I do believe offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski will be able to move the ball by rushing this year. The offensive line is improved with top draft pick Joe Thomas and free agent guards Eric Steinbach and Seth McKinney. Also, Jamal Lewis is on a mission to show his best days are not behind him. The improved running attack will help quarterback Charlie Frye, and eventually Brady Quinn.
I still not sure about the receiving corps outside of tight ends Kellen Winslow Jr. and Steve Heiden. Braylon Edwards needs to step up and play like the #3 pick in the draft, which he was in 2005. He still drops too many passes. Joe Jurevicius is reliable, but has been injury prone as he gets older. The #3 wide out spot is up for grabs, although Joshua Cribbs is making a bid to be a bigger part of the offense. The Browns offense needs to have someone be a home run threat when they have the ball.
At quarterback, there is no question that Frye is keeping the spot warm for the rookie from Notre Dame. How long he stays the starter depends on whether or not he can limit the bone headed plays to a minimum. It is easier to play the position when you are in 2nd and 5 or 3rd and 2, than 2nd and 9 or 3rd and 7. If Frye plays it safe and the running game can limit the exposure of the passing game, the Browns could win enough to keep Quinn on the bench for most of the season.
On defense, the defensive line shapes up as a huge problem. Orpheous Roye and Ted Washington are aging and increasingly ineffective. Hopefully, the Smiths (Robaire and Sean) can step up and upgrade the defense against the run. I think the pass defense will be fine. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham can put pressure on the QB with Kamerion Wimbley and Antawn Peak, and the secondary has been strengthened since Leigh Bodden is healthy and the addition of rookie Eric Wright. The safeties are a strength with potential All Pro Sean Jones and Brodney Pool.
I’m hoping Phil Dawson emerges from his slump to return as the reliable kicker he was prior to the second half of last season. Dave Zastudil is an above average punter, and Cribbs is a top flite return man. The Cleveland Browns are not a playoff team yet, but they are starting to accumulate more talent. The clouds that have hovered over the team are starting to break, and sunshine and a playoff spot are on the horizon.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 