Top 10 Reasons why the Cleveland Browns will make the playoffs this year!
Ok, before I get chewed out, I said earlier I'd be happy with 6 wins this year. However, with the season quickly approaching, I am suddenly filled with great optimism and excitement for this year's version of the Cleveland Browns! Please humor me. Every year the NFL sees at least one unexpected team come out of nowhere and become the breakout team for that year. Why can't it be the Browns in 2009?
These are my Top 10 Reasons why the Cleveland Browns will make the playoffs....
10. New Coach- Last year, all three teams with new head coaches made the playoffs (Falcons, Ravens, Dolphins).
9. Clean Slate- 2008 is a thing of the past. Most people predict bad things for the Browns this year. Players and teams love using the "me against the world" mantra as a rally cry.
8. Got Rid of Malcontents- Coach Eric Mangini has made a point to build the team around good character, smart players with team first attitudes. Kellen Winslow was his first sacrificial lamb. Donte Stallworth got rid of himself. DL Shaun Smith was next. The Dolphins perceived Jason Taylor would be one last year, so they sent him to Washington and the vibe of the Dolphins improved instantly.
7. Added Depth- The Browns signed two offensive linemen and drafted Center, Alex Mack with their first pick. This should bolster an already stout offensive line. They also drafted 2 receivers in Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie. Mangini also brought in familiar faces from the Jets to quicken the regime change.
6. Quarterback is Ready- I fully expect Brady Quinn to be named the starter. This is his 3rd year in the NFL. His first year, he arrived late in camp after holding out on a contract dispute. This was the year Derek Anderson stepped up and was named to the Pro Bowl. In 2008, the job belonged to DA until he got ousted due to horrid play and he sustained an injury. Brady Quinn came in and played well for 2 games, before getting injured. This 3rd year, Quinn should understand the pace of the NFL much better.
5. Improved Receivers- Last year, Braylon Edwards developed a case of the dropsies and was a shell of his former 2007 Pro Bowl self. Look for him to rebound in 2009. Also, Josh Cribbs looks to be more of a part of the offense this year. So far in preseason, he averages close to 20 yards every time he touches the ball!!
4. No Expectations- In 2008, the AFC North had the toughest strength of schedule. The Browns were penciled in for 0-3 before they got out of the gate (Dallas, Steelers, Ravens). Plus, in 2008, they were coming off an impressive 10 win season (same as Steelers), but missed out on the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. Teams were ready for them in '08. We may catch a few doubters by surprise this year.
3. History- In seven of the last 10 seasons, there have been at least three teams that have had six or fewer wins in the previous season and then made the playoffs the next year. In the AFC, those teams are the Raiders, Jags, Bengals, Browns and Chiefs. In the NFC, they are the Seahawks, Rams and Lions. The Browns are better than all of them.
2. The Schedule- Yes, four games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh will be challenging, but the rest of the schedule is a blessing for a rebuilding team. The Browns play the Bengals twice, Broncos, Bills, Lions, Chiefs, Raiders and Jags. That's 8 wins right there. The Baltimore and Pittsburgh games are both at night, and last year showed that the Browns at night morph into a completely different team. One things for sure though, if we're within a game or two, it will be interesting down the stretch. The Browns last 3 games of the season are against the Chiefs, Raiders and Jags!
1. We're due- Plus, the division rival Steelers are coming off a Super Bowl, which you know what that means? A possible post-Super Bowl letdown may be in store, which will open the door to another team vying for the AFC North. Why not the Browns?!