Browns Look to Rebuild
By SBGGlobal.com
The Cleveland Browns will look to rebound from what can only be considered a very disappointing 2008 season. Much was expected out of Cleveland last year and they were a major bust. The lack of success cost head coach Romeo Crennel his job so it will be up to Eric Mangini to turn things around. It may not be easy for Mangini considering the Browns don’t have a proven NFL quarterback and a number of other question marks heading into the 2009 season. Cleveland is one of the true longshots in Super Bowl odds at 50-1.
The Browns made a couple of nice picks in the NFL Betting draft getting center Alex Mack and wide receiver Brian Robiskie. Both could provide immediate help this season. Losing tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. hurts but he was oftentimes more trouble than he was worth for the Browns.
The Browns offense will be led by either Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn. Neither inspires a lot of confidence. Anderson has been inconsistent in his career which should not be too surprising considering he was the same way in college. Quinn could be better but he doesn’t have the physical tools that Anderson has. The Browns have Braylon Edwards at wide receiver but he rarely plays up to his talent level. He led the league in drops and continually frustrates the coaching staff. The one thing going for Cleveland this year is that Edwards is in a contract year which means he will actually try this season. Robiskie will probably step right in and take the #2 wide receiver slot. There really isn’t anyone else since Donte’ Stallworth was suspended.
The running game is also weak for the Browns. They are counting on Jamal Lewis to carry the ball again. Lewis has seen his best days and simply doesn’t have what it takes to consistently scare defenses in the NFL Betting. He did not have even a single 100 yard rushing game in 2008. Perhaps rookie James Davis will get some playing time in 2009. One positive on offense is the offensive line which has left tackle Joe Thomas and left guard Eric Steinbach. Getting Alex Mack in the draft was a steal as he is considered a future All-Pro. The right side of the line is not as strong though.
The Cleveland defense was just as bad as the offense last year, ranking 26th in yards allowed. The team didn’t address any of their needs so it seems unlikely they will be any better in 2009. D’Qwell Jackson and Eric Wright are two of the better players on a bad defense.
The Browns play in a very tough division and considering the Bengals are improved it is very likely Cleveland will finish last this season in the AFC North yet again.