10 Reasons Why The Cleveland Browns Will Be Competitive In the AFC North

[polamalubeast]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/4...-north#page/11


10 Reasons Why The Cleveland Browns Will Be Competitive In the AFC North
by Brian Murtaugh Contributor Written on June 17, 2010 Like (0)


These are the top 10 reasons why I believe the Browns will make an impact in the AFC North in 2010.

No. 10 : The 2010 Schedule
Even though Cleveland’s schedule is ranked the 10th toughest for the 2010 season, it gives the Browns a great opportunity to get on the right track early. The first two games of this season will be played against Tampa Bay (in Tampa) and the Kansas City Chiefs (in Cleveland). The Bucco’s finished last season with a dismal record of 3-13 and seemed almost lost at times when playing under first year head coach Raheem Morris. The Chiefs did not fare much better in 2009 posting a 4-12 record also under a first year head coach, Todd Haley and former Browns GM Scott Pioli.

No. 9: The Suspension of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
As much as Steelers fans may not want to admit it, the loss of Ben for the first 4-6 games of 2010 is going to definitely hurt Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger will definitely miss the first four games against Atlanta, Tennessee, Tampa Bay and Baltimore. Also, depending on reinstatement, Ben may also miss the week six match-up against the Browns which he is 10-1 against for his career. If Pittsburgh struggles to open the season, it can give Cleveland a wide open chance to take control in the division.

No. 8: Eric Mangini's Second Term
Head coach, Eric Mangini, took a lot of heat last year for some questionable decisions on and off the field. Whether it was the quarterback flip-flop between Quinn and Anderson or an infamous rookie bus trip that sent the organization into a media frenzy, people had a very hard time getting on the Mangini bandwagon. After finishing last year strong, the Browns seem to have new faith in Mangini and his philosophy. Now that Cleveland finally has some confidence in their head coach, things should run a little more smoothly around Browns camp.

No. 7: The 2010 NFL Draft
The 2010 draft helped the Browns enter a new era under team president Mike Holmgren. The draft was very reminiscent of his philosophies as Cleveland focused on the defensive side of the ball and the running game. The draft was also significant because of the addition of QB Colt McCoy. Most fans were very happy with the way that Cleveland was patient when drafting and managed to get the QB of the future as well as the pieces that will help in the short term. Cornerback, Joe Haden and safety, T.J. Ward, are expected to be in starting roles in 2010 and will help lock up one of the best young secondary units in the league while new RB Monterio Hardesty should also see a significant amount of playing time.

No. 6: Robiskie and Massaquoi: Round 2
Now that Brian Robiskie and Mohammed Masaquoi have both had a year of NFL experience under their belt, fans can begin to expect more out of them. Brian had a bit of a rough going in 2009 but is said to look a lot better and more confident throughout OTA’s and Mini Camps this season. Massaquoi, on the other hand, had a very solid rookie year and is hopefully going to take the next step in 2010. These two will also be responsible for bringing first-year WR Carlton Mitchell through the NFL fire.

No. 5: TE Benjamin Watson
Cleveland has been scrutinized most of the off season for not signing a more capable wide receiver, but luckily for the Browns they got the next best thing. Benjamin Watson will bring Cleveland a tight end receiving threat that they have not had since Kellen Winslow had a good attitude. Even though Watson will be far from a savior, he is a very capable run blocker and has caught 20 touchdown passes over the course of his seven year NFL career. Benjamin has good size and good speed and fans should expect him to be a very important piece of the Browns short passing game.

No. 4: Josh Cribbs
What more is there to say about Josh Cribbs? Quite arguably the best return specialist in NFL history and better yet, he got paid. Cleveland now has Cribbs signed through a long deal that will keep him in Cleveland and the fans couldn’t be happier. Retaining Cribbs not only helps out the fan base but the whole team. Other players consider him a leader for his actions on and off the field and it is good to see a player with great character be rewarded for his hard work.

No. 3: Three Yards and A Cloud of Dust
The Cleveland running backs are going to be one of the biggest keys in making the 2010 campaign a success. Fortunately for the Browns, there are many options to choose from. Rookie James Davis seemed to be heading in the right direction last year but suffered a season ending injury and may have very well ended his chances of starting in Cleveland. Jerome Harrison led the charge for the Browns in 2009 rushing for 862 yards which includes a 286 yard performance against the Kansas City Cheifs in week 15.
Cleveland Also has rookie Monterio Hardesty to add to the RB carousel along with new addition Peyton Hillis from the Denver Broncos.

No. 2: Mike Holmgren
Finally the Browns seemed to make a proper managerial decision. Since Holmgren has taken the reigns in Cleveland, optimism has been high and the roster has been overhauled. Mike has brought in players that love the game of football, work hard, and are leaders in the locker rooms. Even though many can argue that Holmgren can’t make the plays on the field, he has done all he can to put the proper pieces in order.

No.1: Jake Delhomme

Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson? Finally a question that has no influence on the Cleveland Browns. Every successful team in the NFL has a guy behind center that is considered “their” guy. Jake Delhomme brings in 12 years of experience and has led a team to a super bowl in his career. Even though Delhomme struggled last season, trends say that he will bounce back and being in a new city like Cleveland can help the process. Worst case scenario, Jake should be a very good mentor for the younger Browns quarterbacks moving forward. If Jake can put up average numbers, and limit the turnovers, he should give Cleveland a chance to win every time they take the field

[BigNastyDefense]

First off, any hack of a person can post something on Bleacher Report. I don't even think you can count these as articles as much as blogs.

My take on his reasons:

These are the top 10 reasons why I believe the Browns will make an impact in the AFC North in 2010.

No. 10 : The 2010 Schedule
What does this have to do with being competitive in the AFC North? If you lose all but one game in the division, you aren't competitive in it. The Browns will be swept by the Bengals, Ravens, and the Steelers this season.

No. 9: The Suspension of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
He will be gone four games unless he does something completely stupid between now and training camp, and I think Art Rooney II has him on a much shorter leash now. So he will play the Browns twice. And he isn't going to lose to them this year. He's only lost to them once in his career, so it's not like they can claim dominance over him.

No. 8: Eric Mangini's Second Term
The pressure is still on for him, because I think if he doesn't win 8 games, he's fired. If he doesn't go .500 in the division, he's fired. He doesn't handle the big decisions anymore, but I don't think he was ever a great head coach to begin with.

No. 7: The 2010 NFL Draft
The draft is a crapshoot and Holmgren proved to not be that good at it in Seattle as their GM. Their first rounder might not start right away. Hardesty might be a backup, plus he has an injury history. Their two rookie safeties are hard hitters, neither of them are known for coverage skills. I am not sure they did enough in the draft to go from top 10 pick to picking between 12 and 18.

No. 6: Robiskie and Massaquoi: Round 2
They haven't proven anything yet. Robiske barely played and MoMass showed to be as inconsistent as Braylon Edwards was. So you're pinning your hopes on two guys who haven't done anything?

No. 5: TE Benjamin Watson
He's good. I will admit that. But he isn't enough to be competitive. The Browns weren't one piece away from being in the AFC Championship Game. If the other receivers don't work out and are inconsistent, then you have to cover him.

No. 4: Josh Cribbs
Best athlete on the team. Best return man in the league. But if he's all you have to stop, it's a possibility. Not to mention he doesn't play defense.

No. 3: Three Yards and A Cloud of Dust
They should have a very good run game. It's what won them 5 games last year. But if they can't throw it, they won't be competitive against three of the best run defenses in the NFL. If forcing them to pass is the way to beat them.....then that's what will happen.

No. 2: Mike Holmgren
The Seahawks didn't have success until someone else was picking and choosing the players who got contracts in Seattle. He wasn't the man making the decisions in Green Bay. And honestly, it doesn't take much to upgrade the 2009 Cleveland Browns roster. How many times have they revamped the team and had optimism and fall flat on their faces?

No.1: Jake Delhomme

Leadership is a big thing with the QB position. But 7 TD's to 17 INT's is just as important, if not more. And he did that with better help on offense than what he will have in Cleveland. If he puts up average numbers, the Browns won't be better than 7-9.

[Nadroj 20]

Bleacher Report = who cares? (the site in general no offense to OP)

Pure opinion of a browns fan im sure.

[Mattsme]

10 Reasons why the brownies won't be successful in the AFC North.

No. 10: They are the Browns.
No. 9-1: The Browns suck.

[steeldevil]

They will definately be better, but the word "competitive" may be taking it a little far.

[Devilsdancefloor]

i think i hear this at least once a off season since '99. the run game might be better, but it sure as hell isnt the panthers tandem at RB position and delhomme is gonna see LB from hell in this division. He isnt mobile and will be crushed. It will be the same 3 years and a new coach new GM and another cleaning house in stainsville.

[JonM229]

10 Reasons why the brownies won't be successful in the AFC North.

No. 10: They are the Browns.
No. 9-1: The Browns suck.

Something Steelers and Ravens fans can agree on

[kmsteelerwr15]

wait shouldn't this be in the joke thread?

[steelpride12]

The Browns are going to show up as they do every season. Jake is no leader at QB I think he had 7 TD's and 17 INT's... hmm typical Browns quality. Time for another season at the bottom of the AFCN Clowns.

[Psycho Ward 86]

holy hell that list is grasping at straws rofl!

#'s 1,5,6, and 8 aren't even reasons. They're things that either wont help them or will go against them lol

[Butch]

First off, any hack of a person can post something on Bleacher Report. I don't even think you can count these as articles as much as blogs.

My take on his reasons:

These are the top 10 reasons why I believe the Browns will make an impact in the AFC North in 2010.

No. 10 : The 2010 Schedule
What does this have to do with being competitive in the AFC North? If you lose all but one game in the division, you aren't competitive in it. The Browns will be swept by the Bengals, Ravens, and the Steelers this season.

No. 9: The Suspension of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
He will be gone four games unless he does something completely stupid between now and training camp, and I think Art Rooney II has him on a much shorter leash now. So he will play the Browns twice. And he isn't going to lose to them this year. He's only lost to them once in his career, so it's not like they can claim dominance over him.

No. 8: Eric Mangini's Second Term
The pressure is still on for him, because I think if he doesn't win 8 games, he's fired. If he doesn't go .500 in the division, he's fired. He doesn't handle the big decisions anymore, but I don't think he was ever a great head coach to begin with.

No. 7: The 2010 NFL Draft
The draft is a crapshoot and Holmgren proved to not be that good at it in Seattle as their GM. Their first rounder might not start right away. Hardesty might be a backup, plus he has an injury history. Their two rookie safeties are hard hitters, neither of them are known for coverage skills. I am not sure they did enough in the draft to go from top 10 pick to picking between 12 and 18.

No. 6: Robiskie and Massaquoi: Round 2
They haven't proven anything yet. Robiske barely played and MoMass showed to be as inconsistent as Braylon Edwards was. So you're pinning your hopes on two guys who haven't done anything?

No. 5: TE Benjamin Watson
He's good. I will admit that. But he isn't enough to be competitive. The Browns weren't one piece away from being in the AFC Championship Game. If the other receivers don't work out and are inconsistent, then you have to cover him.

No. 4: Josh Cribbs
Best athlete on the team. Best return man in the league. But if he's all you have to stop, it's a possibility. Not to mention he doesn't play defense.

No. 3: Three Yards and A Cloud of Dust
They should have a very good run game. It's what won them 5 games last year. But if they can't throw it, they won't be competitive against three of the best run defenses in the NFL. If forcing them to pass is the way to beat them.....then that's what will happen.

No. 2: Mike Holmgren
The Seahawks didn't have success until someone else was picking and choosing the players who got contracts in Seattle. He wasn't the man making the decisions in Green Bay. And honestly, it doesn't take much to upgrade the 2009 Cleveland Browns roster. How many times have they revamped the team and had optimism and fall flat on their faces?

No.1: Jake Delhomme

Leadership is a big thing with the QB position. But 7 TD's to 17 INT's is just as important, if not more. And he did that with better help on offense than what he will have in Cleveland. If he puts up average numbers, the Browns won't be better than 7-9.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Homgren is another one of those in the over rated section of the NFL.

[venom]

[Kaeg]

No matter how much sugar I put on this, I just can't seem to swallow it.

[vasteeler]

10 reasons? i cant think of 1

[suitanim]

Define competitive. If it's competitive by the Browns standards, I'm sure this is true, meaning they will win one or two games in the division.

Now, if it's meaning they will compete for the division title, well, no, I'm sorry, that's just not going to happen.

[oneforthetoe]

by mid season the Browns will and then the fans will and act like until 2011 when they will start all over again.