Dawgbeat 08/14/2007: Superstars not a necessity to succeed in 2007.
Superstars not a necessity to succeed in 2007
by Eric Brown
08/14/2007
For eight seasons weve been waiting for the Cleveland Browns to rise to the top of the NFL heap of solid if not elite teams. This is the season that the Cleveland Browns win the respect of the NFL. Im sure as you are reading this you might think I'm a bit crazy as most NFL prognosticators have predicted another dismal season in Cleveland. But the fans as well as the media are missing the message the Cleveland Browns area bout to send to the NFL, we have arrived.
Fans and media alike have liked what they have seen from the off-season transactions of the Browns but still figure it not enough to make an impression in the win column, I however strongly disagree. Each season, a team that no one expects to be a factor comes from nowhere to surprise the league. The 2007 Cleveland Browns will be that team for many reasons. Too many times "experts" look to pick out what is wrong with a team instead of what is positive and key to being successful.
The 2007 Browns made a move during the offseason that will prove to be the foundation of winning in the future as well as the present. The signing of Eric Steinbach and Jamal Lewis as well as the drafting of Joe Thomas, and the continued continuity and progression of the defense will be the reason the Cleveland Browns make a quantum leap in 2007. Forget the quarterback confusion right now as that will work itself out and become less of a factor as the season wears on. Whether it's Charlie Frye or Brady Quinn running the offense at season's end will be a non-issue. Why do you ask? Because the running game, offensive line, and defense will be the trademark that this team stands behind. The quarterback who is playing at the end of the season will be the one that is smart enough to make the least mistakes. If Frye proves he can do that early on he will remain the starter. If not, the job may go to Quinn who has been proclaimed by Charlie Weis as the most ready to play in the NFL college quarterback since Peyton Manning. I will concede, though, that the quarterback position may prove to be a factor in how long the playoff run continues (yes I said playoff run).
Jamal Lewis is rested, healthy, and still just 28 years old. He has at least three more productive seasons in his body. Behind a revamped offensive line featuring Hank Fraley, Eric Steinbach, Kevin Shaffer, Seth McKinney, Joe Thomas, Ryan Tucker, and possibly LeCharles Bentley, Lewis will return to a form close to that which allowed him to rush for 2,000 yards. This offensive line will be source of strength in Cleveland that we haven't seen since the return in 1999. Steinbach and Thomas will quickly establish themselves themselves as one of the best left side of the lines in the NFL. Thomas will feed off of Steinbach's experience and get better each week. He has already shown a knack for learning from mistakes and seemingly getting better with each practice. The running game alone will begin to carry this team on a weekly basis after a few weeks of working together.
The defense is about to embark on it's third season in Todd Grantham's system. That, along with the addition of several talented, athletic plyaers is reason for excitement and a possible job promotion for Todd Grantham. The additions of Robaire Smith, Shaun Smith, Antwan Peek, and Eric Wright coupled with the return of Leigh Bodden, elevation of Brodney Pool, and continued progress of Daven Holly, Sean Jones, Leon Williams, Dqwell Jackson and Kamerion Wimbley makes this defense more athletic and aggressive. Add to that the veteran leadership of Ted Washington, Willie McGinest, Andra Davis, and Orpheus Roye and there is reason to believe that his defense may finally arrive in 2007 and make a name for itself. If this defense stays healthy it has the potential to be a top ten NFL ranked defense. The pass rush should be better with Wimbley getting a boost from Peek who is a threat as a pass rusher also. The run defense should be better by adding the Smith boys to stop the run. The pass defense looks to have several individuals capable of being solid NFL players for years to come.
All in all one theme is consistent for the 2007 Cleveland Browns team. Right now, there are no pro bowlers or superstars. Truthfully, they don't need to be superstars to win in the NFL. They just to need to contibute solid seasons and do their part. If everyone accomplishes just that much the 2007 season will be more succesful than anyone could have predicted.