I feel about the Browns similar to how I felt about the Indians a few months ago -- cautious. There's no question the Browns now have decent talent, however expectation are, I think, a bit high. But 2008 is entails some complicated emotions. A lot of excitement, a bandwagon forming, and the tendency for a Cleveland sports fan to look over his shoulder. What does it all mean?
It's easy to focus on Derek Anderson and the emergence of the offensive line as the reasons the Browns were able to compete in 2007. But besides that, the Browns were rather fortunate in terms of injuries. The got full seasons out of their most important players -- Edwards, Winslow, Lewis, Anderson, Wimbley, the Smiths, Sean Jones and most of the linebackers. They also were able to fill in some blanks in the secondary with success. None of this added up to a team that made the playoffs -- but the Browns were good enough to control games on the offensive side of the ball and usually competitive defensively. A pretty good year.
For 2008 the Browns are better. They shored up the defensive line in a way that could almost do for the defense what the OL did for the offensive in 2007. I say almost because the LB and DB corps do not have the same playmaking talent that the offfense does. Still, Wimbley and Sean Jones might nmot dominate but do stand a chance to have very good years. We'll see.
But we should be cautious. There are still a lot of question marks; thiss is not a team with lots of veteran talent that is sure to be a known quantity in the fall. Derek Anderson has a gun, but we know he's not going to carry the team. Jamal Lewis is great when healthy and motivated, but neither is a guarantee. Winslow? Raise your hand if you think his knee allows him to play 14 games. Edwards, Thomas, Steinbech, Wimbley, Rogers, Williams? There are going to be some injuries but, really, the Browns probably need to avoid too many to realize their potential.
Also, there is karma. The Browns have had it. They should have it. They haven't tempted the gods and are going about things the right way. But the NFL is a tought league to manage back-to-back winning seasons in unless your team is the real deal. We're going to find out.
Is this caution just the result of being a Cleveland fan who's gotten burned so many times over the years? Probably. But it's really just the expectations game. The Browns will be a trendy pick by all those analysts who have ragged on them for the past 9 years. And I can't help but think all those pundits will be waiting for the Browns to stumble just a bit and they will be shining a spotlight on how the Browns mightbe a decent but not an elite team. Well.... screw 'em. The Browns.... willl.... be..... just fine. Thank you.
I am positively bullish on a lot more than I am bearish. And we are due for things to workout as planned. That might not mean a Super Bowl just yet, but it then again it might.
Bullish:
Anderson and/or Quinn will get it done. I'm probably more positive about Anderson than most. I think he's a real weapon -- he can get the ball where it needs to go, even in difficult situations. Sure, he's erratic but he's not _that_ erratic. There's a lot to like. And look at it this way -- if he played for the Steelers how would you feel about him? You'd probably think the Steelers had an answer at QB for a long time. So there's no sense in worrying about Anderson or dissing his faults. Almsot all QBs have faults.
And Quinn, well, I think the kid is going to be good. There's just too much positive about the guy. He looked good everytime he got a chance last year. Reports out of all practices are positive. He's been antsy to play and not happy about sitting, but, really, those are all poisitive things. It's gonna happen for him. So the Browns are in good/great shape at QB.
The DL. Yes I think Williams and Rogers will be a minor revelation. I've been bemoaning the state of the Browns trenches for years and 2007 was kind of a vindication of that outlook. 2008 won't be transformative for the defense in quite the same way, but I think we will see a defense that can now grind down an opposing offense and make life difficult. Maybe we won't see tons of sacks and turnovers, but we should see lots of 3rd and longs and punts. That is nothing to complain about.
Linebackers. This unit has been oversold in recent years. Andra Davis is okay but not a standout player. McGinest is average at this point. But I like both of those guys when they are in the mix with Wimbley, Willaims, Jackson and Bell. All four of those guys hold some real promise and it's likely we will see some guys really emerge this season. They should all certainly get their chance playing in front of a DL that will command attention. I'm prepared to be very pleasantly suprised.
Chud. Really, this is the reason I am not paranoid about a regression on offense. This guy did a great job of playcalling in 2007. I loved how the Browns ran the ball. And when we threw, we saw lots of plays that that went down the field and generally put the ball into places that threatened the defense. This year I look for Winslow to see some more plays down the field as Stallworth will command some deep respect. And as long as the Browns can run the ball the offense will be playoff-calibre.
Bearish:
Safety. I like Jones. He can be a very good player, but he has to be paired with another safety who is competent. I really have wanted to like Brodney Pool but I've come to accept that Pool is kind of a scattershot player -- some physical talent but will probably never be consistent enough to be a respected starter.
WRs. Let me explain. I like our guys. Edwards is a true threat. But everyone else comes with real concern. Stallworth is not a complete player or an ideal #2 guy IMO. His hands are not great and there are some routes I'm not so sure he's well suited for. Our #2 is kind of a safety valve and Stallworth is more of a homerun hitter. So I regard Stallworth as a bit of an experiment. And Cribbs I love but he's got to have plays deisgned for him. He's not just gonna be a #3 receiver who lines up in the slot and does the things any #3 can do. If he does that, he''s probably below average for that role. Jurevicius I am still comfortable with but he'll have to prove himself healthy and stay that way. I consider the WR corp as having some great talent but might not have the right mix. The unit will have to gel, and that's not a sure thing.
OK... enough for now. Go Browns.