The Cleveland Browns used to be “that good,” though to be fair, their last undefeated season was in 1948, before joining the NFL. However, their highest score of 15-0 is certainly a worthy goal and the Browns will hope to score closer to that achievement than last year’s 10-6 record. Although last year’s final score was far from perfect, the ’61 season wasn’t too bad as the Browns finished second in the AFC North. Are there any major changes that could affect Brown’s performance in Season 62?
The Browns will remain under head coach Romeo Crennel for the upcoming season. The contract extension was given to Crennel, not provided upon request, showing the team is still supportive of the coach’s efforts. They have also extended the contract of offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who turned down the Baltimore Ravens head coaching job to stay with the Browns. However, long-term contracts don’t always mean security, as defensive coordinator Todd Grantham found out after being released just months after signing a two-year contract extension. Mel Tucker was given the job, while Cory Undlin was promoted to a defensive backs coach position.
What about the latest player news? Currently, there are 19 players on the roster who are free agents in some capacity, including 13 players who have full rights as unrestricted agents. The team has signed cornerback Terry Cousin, guard Red Hadnot, linebacker Shantee Orr, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, wide receiver Donté Stallworth and defensive end Corey Williams. Have there been any major releases in preparation for the new season? Yes, defensive lineman Orpheus Roye and cornerback Kenny Wright have been released as unrestricted free agents. The draft was somewhat more promising, although the team did not have a pick in the first three rounds. The team settled on linebacker Beau Bell, tight end Martin Rucker, defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin, wide receiver Paul Hubbard and defensive end Alex Hall.
If you watched the Browns closely in 2007, you probably remember raising an eyebrow or two when the team put in its best performance in more than 14 years. Their 51-45 win over the Cincinnati Bengals tied the franchise record and included five touchdown passes. In fact, they barely missed the playoffs last season due to enforced tiebreaker rules. Six players earned Pro Bowl recognition and their team’s efforts were definitely not to the NFL’s shame, especially compared to the lackluster performance of other teams. What does the future hold?
The Cleveland Browns are more optimistic this season after offering formidable competition in 2007 and strengthening their offense. Players who have earned favorable ink include quarterback Derek Anderson, wide receiver Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow.
Defense is another story, as Larry Cook’s preview of the Browns’ 2008 NFL Draft needs below indicates. While defense has been lacking, some of the team’s draft picks, including Ahtyba Rubin and Alex Hall, have shown promise. What is the final verdict? The Cleveland Browns are on the rise and may become the most competitive team in the AFC North, especially competing against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. Their biggest threat will continue to be the Pittsburgh Steelers.
