Browns Town

The Browns Town blog is back by popular demand! The NFL season is about to start and I decided to give my opinion on the upcoming Browns season. This is what to expect.

Offense:

Quarterbacks: This is a point of concern for me. Charlie Frye showed in the preseason that he has matured and improved, especially in his decision making. He'll be fine once he gets more experience. I believe that Frye could be the franchise QB we've been looking for. However, the backups are two big question marks. Ken Dorsey got a little playing time in San Fran, but was not very impressive. On the other hand, he will be reunited with former Miami University star Kellen Winslow, which might boost his confidence. Derek Anderson has size (6'6"), but in the last game, had three of his passes batted down by the defensive line. Now, maybe it's just me, but a guy that tall shouldn't have any trouble seeing and throwing over the line. Plus, he threw an INT, fumbled, and tripped over his own lineman's foot. Yikes!

Running Backs: Let's face it: the Browns have been relying on their running game since coming back into the league. And for good reason. Reuben Droughns was a powerhouse last year, being the perfect combination of strength and speed. With a few upgrades on the offensive line and lead block Terrelle Smith returning, he should have another productive season. Jerome Harrison will probably be the second-string RB. He's not big enough to run up the middle (i.e. Eric Metcalf), but he can hurt defenses with his outside running and ability to catch screens and turn them into big gains, kind of like Brian Westbrook. Jason Wright will hold down the third-string and, even though he probably won't get into many games, he's been impressive in the last two preseasons. William Green is on the injured reserve.

Offensive Line: After LeCharles Bentley blew out his leg, and after going through a load of centers, such as Bob Halen, Antonio Ephraim, and Ross Tucker, the Browns seem to have finally found their man in Hank Fraley. He'll be the Browns starting center for at least the first four weeks. That's when Ephraim comes back from his suspension on the count of drugs. Otherwise, there are some good blockers on this line. Cosey Coleman is the biggest (322 lbs) and Andruzzi spent the year before coming to Cleveland protecting Tom Brady in New England. This line can not afford to give up sacks.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: These positions are deep. We've got Braylon Edwards, who is coming back from a torn ACL that forced him to miss the final four games last year and is destined for stardom. Then there's newly acquired Joe Jurevicius, a tall receiver with good hands and, need I say, two Super Bowl rings. Dennis Northcutt, one of the fastest guys on the team, has had six consistent years for us. Travis Wilson seems promising. When we drafted him, he said he was the best WR in the draft, and his play in training camp reflects that. I just hope he doesn't let it go to his head. Finally, this is going to be an important year for Joshua Cribbs. He is starting to develop into a WR and hopefully will get some touches this season. And of course, we have Kellen Winslow II back. Not much to say about him, except that I hope he lives up to his potential.

Defense:

Offensive line: Everything here is the same expect we added a brick wall into the middle of our line. Ted Washington, a 16-year vet, is 6'5" and 365 lbs. Despite his size, it seems that he doesn't get to the quarterback that often (0 sacks last year). He, Orpheus Roye, and Alvin McKinley will have to work hard on that.

Linebackers: This is a spot that I'm really excited about seeing. Not only do they have guys like Andra Davis, Chaun Thompson, and Matt Stewart returning, but he added rookies Kamerion Wimbley and D'Qwell Jackson, and proven veteran Willie McGinest to the mix. That's a lot of firepower. QBs around the league better have eyes in the back of their heads when they come to the Dawg Pound, because these guys will be on them faster than Bob Golic on a doughnut.

Defensive Backs: For a pass defense that ranked 4th in the league last year, their D-Backs are underrated. Daylon McCutheon has been good over the year, but he's starting to get wornout and injured. Leigh Bodden, Gary Baxter's replacement last year, really stepped it up and probably earn the starting cornerback spot. Brian Russel did okay last year. Sean Jones will probably have a break out season this year.

Special Team: This is basically set in stone. Phil Dawson is a really consistent kicker, making 27 of 29 field goals last year. Dave Zastudil is a huge upgrade from Derrick Frost last year. With Cribbs as kickoff return and Northcutt returning punts, everything looks good from here.

So, there you have it. A complete preview to the Browns' '06 season. I hope you enjoyed reading this and I'll try my best to update as often as possible. The first game is this Sunday at home against New Orleans. If you have any comments, complaints, or corrective criticism, I encourage it. So feel free to comment.

Go Get 'em, Brownies!

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