Cleveland Browns 2009 NFL Projection:
Last season Cleveland didn’t come anywhere close to meeting expectations following a breakout 2007 campaign.
Their offense went into a funk. Overall the Browns scored 118
fewer points that they surrendered on the season.
In a division with defenses like Pittsburgh’s and Baltimore’s that simply won’t cut it.
And as a result, Romeo Crennel was fired.
In 2009, Cleveland turns to Eric Mangini as their new head coach.
Will they turn to Brady Quinn as their new starting quarterback?
That remains to be seen.
There’s no question Derek Anderson had a lot of success two seasons ago.
Perhaps he can get his groove back.
Cleveland is strong on the left side of their offensive line
with left guard Eric Steinbach and left tackle Joe Thomas.
However, they look to rely on rookie Alex Mack at center.
And the right side needs to play much better. Hopefully the
addition of Floyd Womack will help.
I actually thought Jamal Lewis looked quick at times last season.
But he had nowhere to run,
no thanks in part to a very tough schedule,
and a woeful passing game…
Meanwhile, rookie running back James Davis has impressed this preseason.
Perhaps Cleveland’s running game will improve this season, especially since
Kellen Winslow is no longer with the team,
as Cleveland looks to suit up tight ends that can actually block.
Everyone remembers how Cleveland dominated the New York Giants on Monday night football
last season with Winslow on the bench!
If the running game perks up, perhaps
it will help Braylon Edwards to get his groove back.
Cleveland is very solid on the defensive line led by Shaun
Rodgers.
But at linebacker, a lot is left to be desired,
as well as in the secondary.
Hopefully, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan
can mask deficiencies with a system that takes more
risks.
Schedule Analysis:
Cleveland’s 2009 schedule
shows what on paper looks to be 7 fairly difficult games…
In order to make the postseason, the Browns will have to
mop up against their lesser to neutral competition,
and win at least 2 of the following difficult matchups.
Record Projection:
Regardless of who wins the starting quarterback
job, we think Cleveland’s offense will improve year over year
thanks to what should be improved blocking up front.
So the key will be if the Browns’ defense can
play better.
A slight improvement over last season’s 4 wins
would be a good starting point. Overall we now project
a (5-11) outlook for the Browns in 2009; a slight adjustment on 9/6/2009 just before the season kicks off.
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