Cleveland Browns – 2009 Preview
2008 Record: 4-12
Head Coach: Eric Mangini
Following an explosive 2007 season (10-6), expectations were high for the 2008 Cleveland Browns. Fans were disappointed, however, to see a regression as the Browns followed up with a 4-12 season. Even with a performance as devastating as last year’s, fans – although skeptical, have a reason to be optimistic about the 2009 football season. After all, they’re starting over…again. Ultimately, it’s up to new Head Coach Eric Mangini to turn things around.
1. With the 2009 Browns season right around the corner, questions remain:
Offense: Who plays Quarterback? The offense will be led by Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn. Anderson’s inconsistence and Quinn’s lack of physical tools leave us a bit uneasy. Can one of them step up and provide the leadership that the Browns need in a time like this? If so, can the receivers do their part? They dropped far too many passes last year.
2. Defense: Can the defense step it up? Last year the defense was just as bad as the offense. They ranked 26 in yards allowed. The Browns will need to address and adjust some of the issues we saw on the field last year. Mangini brought some of his crew in an attempt to upgrade. Defensive end Kenyon Coleman, linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens, and safety Abram Elam all tagged along and should have the opportunity to start. Will they make a difference?
3. Coaching: What type of an impact will Mangini have on the Browns? He led the Jets to a 10 win season during his first year as head coach, immediately following a 4-12 season. Although his overall record (23-25) is not overly impressive, he’s still a young coach. With the history that Mangini has in Cleveland, starting his NFL career as a Browns Ballboy, maybe the Browns are a better fit. If he can keep his cool (often referred to as “moody” and “controlling”), get the team motivated again, and establish leadership roles on the field quick, things might be looking good.
Regular Season Schedule:
1 Sunday, September 13 vs MINNESOTA 1:00 PM
2 Sunday, September 20 @ Denver 4:15 PM
3 Sunday, September 27 @ Baltimore 1:00 PM
4 Sunday, October 4 vs CINCINNATI 1:00 PM
5 Sunday, October 11 @ Buffalo 1:00 PM
6 Sunday, October 18 @ Pittsburgh 1:00 PM
7 Sunday, October 25 vs GREEN BAY 1:00 PM
8 Sunday, November 1 @ Chicago 1:00 PM
9 Bye Week
10 Monday, November 16 vs BALTIMORE 8:30 PM
11 Sunday, November 22 @ Detroit 1:00 PM
12 Sunday, November 29 @ Cincinnati 1:00 PM
13 Sunday, December 6 vs SAN DIEGO 4:05 PM
14 Thursday, December 10 vs PITTSBURGH 8:20 PM
15 Sunday, December 20 @ Kansas City 1:00 PM
16 Sunday, December 27 vs OAKLAND 1:00 PM
17 Sunday, January 3 vs JACKSONVILLE 1:00 PM
Prediction: The 2009 Browns will be a better team. Playoffs within reach? Probably not.
Record: 8-8
Odds that the Cleveland Browns win the Super Bowl are 50-1 (according to Sportsbook.com) |
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