Browns preview and HAPPY DAY!!!!!!!

Thanks to all of you for the mails and IMs congratulating me on the Captain's firing today.
I will likely do a lengthy piece on the mismanagement and destruction that Dave Littlefield leaves behind in Pittsburgh,but that will wait for a day or two.
Really need to get the Browns and Seahawks previews finished.
But short of dealing with my boss,this day would have to go a long way to be ruined!!!!!!!

The Cleveland Browns enter year 3 of the Romeo Crennel/Phil Savage era and if there is not marked improvement this season,At least 1 or maybe both could be leaving the North Coast.
We will know very quickly how this season looks,as the Browns host each of their AFC North rivals in the month of September.
Looking at this schedule,it is apparent that a fast start is critical.
When you consider that your home games in the division are finished in the first month and your 1st game in October is AT New England,that becomes even clearer.

The Browns will be starting Charlie Frye at Quarterback over Derek Anderson on Sunday vs Pittsburgh.
I would have preferred Anderson,but in the big picture,it doesn't matter all that much.
The Browns did not deal for Brady Quinn to sit him behind either Frye or Anderson.
The only QB question is this-when does Quinn see his first game action,start etc.

More questions involve the running game.
Savage's signing of former Raven (YUCK) Jamal Lewis is the latest to attempt to revive the Browns sad running game.
I ,again, was not thrilled with the signing of noted dope dealer Lewis,but it is just a one year contract.
That means Lewis will be a Brown for just 1 year for the following reasons.
If Lewis indeed is back in top form,he will go where he can have a better chance of winning,if not the Browns will be again looking for a top back.
So really,despite my dislike for Lewis,it is truly low risk.
Jason Wright is a rather pedestrian backup,but I would like to see 3rd stringer Jerome Harrison get an increased role.
His speedy style could be a nice change of pace from the more powerful Lewis.
Lawrence Vickers fills the role at fullback,the 2006 draftee is a major question mark.

The Receivers look pretty similar to last years group.
Braylon Edwards returns to frustrate me with his refusal to catch the ball over the middle and his questionable effort.
All that said,the tools are there for Edwards to be successful,if he truly wants success.
Veteran Joe Jurevicious returns after an injury-riddled 1st year in Cleveland.
Joe really is a better fit as a 3rd or 4th wideout,but frankly on this team-he has to be the 2nd wideout.
2006 3rd rounder Travis Wilson returns as the top reserve.
Wilson blew into Cleveland last season bragging about being "The top WR in the draft" and backed it up with 2 catches for the season.
Former Giant Tim Carter and kick returner Joshua Cribbs provide depth and will play in the multiple WR sets.

The Tight Ends are solid as the group is led by Kellen Winslow.
Winslow showed why he was so highly thought of by Butch Davis with a 89 catch season.
While I am not a huge fan of the mouth and antics of Winslow,I love his attitude and hard nosed play on the field.
This team needs more of that "anything to win" outlook.
My only concern is his chronic leg problems,if Winslow plays-he produces.
Steve Heiden is a solid backup,who seems to come out of nowhere with a huge game once or twice a year,while former Pitt Panther Darnell Dinkins holds down the 3rd spot.

The offensive line will go a long way to determining whether this is a successful season.
First round tackle Joe Thomas of Wisconsin will have some growing pains in his debut,but projects to be a long term standout cornerstone.
Thomas enables Kevin Shaffer to move from left tackle to right,which seems to suit Shaffer more.
Ryan Tucker adds to the line after September when he returns from suspension.
Journeyman Hank Fraley is serviceable at center and maybe LeCharles Bentley could return by mid-season to really solidify the line.
Eric Steinbach and Seth Mckinney were signed as free agents to start at the guards and both are a huge upgrade.
Steinbach was considered the top free agent offensive lineman available and it would not shock me in the slightest to see him in the Pro Bowl.
This is the best offensive line that the Browns have had since their return to the league and I am excited about their prospects.

Sadly,I am not as optimistic on the defensive line.
Robaire Smith comes over from Houston as the only addition to the D-line that did not exactly set the world on fire and I do not see Smith as a major difference maker even though he will start.
Aging run stuffer Ted Washington returns as does Orpheus Roye,but both are well past their prime.
Backup Simon Fraser showed flashes last year and could possibly surprise.

The linebackers are led by the only pass rushing threat in Kamerion Wimbley.
Wimbley surprised me last year with a solid rookie season.
The inside backers are strong with hard tackling Andra Davis and D'Qwell Jackson.
Leon Williams played very well late last season in a cameo role,so he could see more playing time
Another former Texan Antwan Peek rounds out the quartet.

The corners have 2nd rounder Eric Wright and Leigh Bodden on the island as the starters.
Wright came to Cleveland with off the field issues from his college days and has not played very much in the last 2 seasons,but his athletic ability is unquestioned.
If Wright can concentrate on football,the Browns could have a steal despite the price that they paid to move up in the 2nd round to draft him.
Lots of questions to be answered.
The veteran Bodden recently had an altercation at the Cleveland airport,so that could become an
issue as the season goes on.
Bodden is a good,not great corner,but would be a huge loss as backups Davin Holly and Kenny Wright are roster filler.
The safeties are very good with youngsters Sean Jones and Brodney Pool both showing promise last year.
Jones could be nearing Pro Bowl caliber,if he continues to progress.

Phil Dawson and Dave Zastudil return as the kickers.
Both are middle of the road.

Joshua Cribbs returns as one of the leagues better returners.....

My prediction for the Browns?
6-10.
Improvement,but not enough to save Romeo Crennel,but Phil Savage survives.