As the 2008 season got underway Thursday night, I decided to make a bold prediction.
The Cleveland Browns will win the AFC North.
Paul Brown's organization is steadily improving with every season.
In 2006, they were 4-12 and last season, 10-6.
After having their postseason dreams crushed on the final day of the regular season, the Browns have made several new acquisitions and have been focused throughout training camp to reach the playoffs in 2008.
Here is how I view the ''new look'' Cleveland Browns:
Derek Anderson QB
2007-08 Season Numbers: 3,787 Yds, 29 TD, 19 INT, 56.5% Comp. Rating, 82.5% QB Rating
The unsuspecting quarterback never thought he would become a Pro Browl selection and almost lead the Browns to the playoffs.
Anderson began as the 3rd string quarterback last year to begin the season, behind Charlie Frye and rookie Brady Quinn.
However, Anderson leap-frogged his way to power in Week 1 after Frye failed to become productive in the offense and Quinn with no playbook knowledge.
Derek led Cleveland to a 10-6 record including three consectuive victories from Week 6-9, and sweeping the series against divison rival Baltimore.
The 6'6 quarterback decided to resign with the Browns in the offseason; looking to build upon a successful season that concluded by narrowingly missing the playoffs last season.
As for his availability in the team's opener against the Cowboys, Derek's concussion has been reduced to merely a minor symptom and should be fine for game time.
Jamal Lewis RB
2007-08 Season Numbers: 298 Carries, 1304 Rushing Yds, 9 TD, 4.4 YPC, 30 Rec, 248 Yds
In a crucial season of his career, Lewis made a turning point in 2007, taking one giant step in a positive direction by finishing 5th in the NFL rushing and picking up fifty eight first downs.
There has been some concern about Jamal's hamstring and whether he will be ready for the Cleveland's opener on Sunday against the Cowboys.
Coach Romeo Crennel has said Lewis's hamstring is fine and that he will start for the Browns.
Lee Vickers FB
15 Carries, 43 Yards, 2.9 YPC, 13 Receptions, 91 Yards, 7 YPC
Named to Pro Bowl in 2007, Vickers is among one of the league's youngest and most talented at the fullback position.
The 2006 sixth round pick out of Colorado, Lee specializes in run blocking, clearing the wreckage and paving the way for Jamal Lewis and third down back Jerome Harrison.
Vickers also excels at pass blocking, lowering his shoulders into trespassers.
Lawrence is one of the most agile full backs in the NFL, running a 4.6 in the 40 yard dash out of college.
Braylon Edwards WR
2007-08 Season Numbers: 80 Rec, 1289 Yds, 16 TD, 18.1 YPC
The fleet-footed receiver out of Ann Arbor simply annihilated defensive backs last season and engraved his tedious effect into the heart of defensive coordinators leaguewide.
Edwards broke the eighteen year old record previously held by Webster Slaughter, by setting the record for most yards in a season in Browns history during 2007. He also set a team record for most touchdowns in a season last year, breaking another Webster record.
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2 months ago
Sean, no one hopes that you're right more than I. I agree that the Steelers O-line is going to be a let down for them. My concern, as it's been throughout preseason, is the Brown's secondary. Their D-line seems more of a run-stopping bunch than a pass-rusher. This means we need coverage that has yet to show itself. Romeo can help this with some intelligent blitz schemes but without them, I'm afraid the secondary's youth and lack of size is a weakness that may be costly. We'll know more after tomorrow's game against the Cowboys. If Romo throws for 2 miles, I'm afraid it's going to be a long season. THE steelers can't win without Big Ben. The Browns cannot stand any secondary injuries. We're deeper everywhere else than any other team in the division.
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