Every year around this time, Browns’ fans are very optimistic. Usually without reason. Last season, the team won their last four games to finish with a 5-11 record. This year, the franchise has a new president and general manager is Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert. So, the question is, is there reason for optimism in 2010?
When we talk about having a better feeling about this football team, we certainly aren’t talking about a playoff appearance. That would be too much to ask. However, is there going to be improvement this season, such as a 7-9 record? The answer is yes, and because of the following reasons.
Better Quarterback Play. No one is suggesting that the Browns have Peyton Manning or Tom Brady calling signals, but it would be difficult for Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace to play worse than the guys manning the position in 2009. Cleveland basically won the last four games playing an old single wing style, getting virtually nothing out of the passing game.
They will not be a passing offense this season, either, but figure to have a more efficient passing attack with Delhomme, who needs to stay away from the interceptions that plagued him last season. Wallace is a capable backup too, with some starting experience. While not in the league’s elite at this most important position, there is no question the Browns are better.
Run, Run, Run. This year’s Browns will try to stay in games by controlling the ball and the clock, the tried and true method of keeping it close by running the football. This style of play won them the last four games in ’09. This year, the team added bruising runner rookie Montario Hardesty to Jerome Harrison, who had over 800 years rushing last season despite not playing much in the first half of the season.
Holmgren and Heckert also strengthened the offensive line with the signing of free agent tackle Tony Pashos and the drafting of rookie Shawn Lauvao. The Browns had a good left side of the line with Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, and rookie Alex Mack last season, but defenses attacked on the right side. These acquisitions, plus the continued improvement of Mack, should give the team improved line play.
Linebacker Changes. In order for this ball control style to work, the defense has to be at least serviceable. To that end, the new front office group brought in LB Scott Fujita from the Saints, and Chris Gocong from the Eagles. These two, together with last year’s additions in David Bowens and Eric Barton give the Browns an experienced crew behind the defensive line. And don’t forget late season pick up Matt Roth and holdover D’Qwell Jackson.
Coach Eric Mangini will have plenty of options and the ability to line these guys up in different spots, which he showed he liked to do last season. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan likes to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and he has the tools to do so from the linebacking spot. The pressure is needed to protect a very young secondary.
Winners. Virtually everyone Holmgren and Heckert brought in this year has a winning background. Fujita placed for last year’s Super Bowl champs. Pashos played for the Ravens, while Gocong and new cornerback Sheldon Brown made numerous playoff appearances for the Eagles. The new quarterbacks have both been on Super Bowl teams.
They knew they have to change the losing atmosphere around this football team, and bringing in guys who expect to win has got to help.
The Cleveland Browns still have some holes to fill. The wide receiver corps needs to be upgraded, and so does the defensive line. The secondary doesn’t have a lot of experience outside of Brown. Still, this team should be improved. There is reason to be encouraged going into training camp if you are a Browns’ fan.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 