2007 Rankings
Rushing: 10th (118.4)
Passing: 12th (232.9)
Total Offense: 8th (351.3)
Run Defense: 27th (129.5)
Pass Defense: 24th (230.1)
Total Defense: 30th (359.6)
What was the Browns’ best move during the offseason?
Only two NFL teams were worse defensively than the Cleveland Browns in 2007. They struggled equally against both the run and the pass. Which is why the additions of defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams are key to a team that is trying to get over the hump and into contention in a tough AFC.
The addition of these two should pay huge dividends for new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. Rogers has been criticized in the past for his lack of work effort and inconsistency, but he showed up for camp in tremendous shape and could be set for a stellar season if he stays healthy. And he’ll need to stay healthy because the Browns are counting on hm to man the nose position. Williams, who came on strong with the Green Bay Packers last year, will start at left defensive end.
What needs to go right for the Browns to succeed this season?
Along with the additions to the defensive line making an instant impact, the Browns need someone in the secondary to step up. Leigh Bodden, a starter in 2007, was traded to the Detroit Lions and Daven Holley is out for the season with a knee injury. That means that last year’s No. 2, Eric Wright, will be pushed into the No. 1 role, while backup Brandon McDonald moves up to the starting spot vacated by Wright. This could be a recipe for disaster unless the duo elevates their game and the Browns’ front seven generates a consistently effective pass rush.
Where will the Browns finish the 2008 NFL season?
The Browns surprisingly had one of the more explosive offenses in the league last year behind a breakout season by Derek Anderson, who did a great job distributing the ball to a nice collection of offensive weapons that includes receiver Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow Jr.. And they should be equally effective on that side of the ball again this year unless Anderson suffers some sort of meltdown.
The big question is, however, how will they respond on defense. They just missed a division championship last year, so it’s no stretch to think that with just a small amount of improvement on the defensive side these guys just might be the favorites in the AFC North for the first time since re-joining the league.
Prediction: 10-6 and first in the AFC North.
