2008 NFL Preview > Cleveland Browns Preview
2008 Cleveland Browns Football Preview
Head Coach: Romeo Crennel
2007 Record: 10-6
Key Additions: LB Beau Bell, CB Terry Cousin, G Rex Hadnot, DT Shaun Rogers, WR Donte Stallworth, DL Corey Williams
Key Losses: C LeCharles Bentley, CB Lee Bodden, CB Ricardo Colclaugh, DE Bobby Hamilton, DL Orpheus Roye, OLB Chaun Thompson, NT Ted Washington
After drafting highly touted Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, the Browns were expected to continue their losing ways and build for the future. However, former Oregon St. Beaver Derek Anderson took advantage of Quinn’s training camp holdout, seized the starting quarterback job and led the Browns to 10 wins while throwing for 29 touchdown passes.
2008 Cleveland Browns Offense:
In order to topple the Pittsburgh Steelers and win the division, it will be imperative for the Browns offense to build on its overwhelming success from last season. The free agent acquisition of Donte Stallworth provides the team with another big play threat, and the injury prone speedster should fit in nicely with cocky, pass catching studs Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. The huge question facing the Browns is if young quarterback Derek Anderson will be able to replicate his success from last season. If so, this team could boast one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The Browns will continue to rely on mercurial back Jamal Lewis to consistently carry the running game. The team has little depth behind him and could become one dimensional if Lewis suffers an injury (he's already had two ACL surgeries dating back to his college career) or struggles to run the ball effectively. However, the Browns offensive line, led by Pro Bowler Joe Thomas and talented guard Eric Steinbach should provide both Lewis and Anderson ample opportunity to succeed.
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2008 Cleveland Browns Defense:
The front office made some major changes on defense, reshaping a weak defensive line to better fit their 3-4 system. General manager Phil Savage brought in former Packers defensive tackle Corey Williams and Lions run stuffer Shaun Rogers. Both linemen should help a unit that finished 27th in the league last year against the run. Rogers will fill the void at nose tackle, while Williams will look to make a successful transition to defensive end. The line may now be the Brown's biggest strength on defense. The secondary however, took a hit in the offseason when Savage shipped CB Leigh Bodden to Detroit in the aforementioned acquisition of Rogers. The team will rely on the cornerback tandem of Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, both second year players. Therefore, don’t be surprised if opposing offenses try to test these young corners and attack the Browns defense through the air in 2008. The linebacking corps is solid and features up and coming players such as Kamerion Wimbley, a highly touted pass rusher, and inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, a physical presence in the middle.
2008 Cleveland Browns Special Teams:
On special teams, Cleveland will again field sensational return specialist Joshua Cribbs, who returned two kickoffs and one punt for scores last season. Cribbs will be looking to bring back more kicks to the house in 2008. Reliable kicker Phil Dawson returns, as does punter Dave Zastudil.
2008 Cleveland Browns Expectations:
The pressure is on for 2007’s biggest surprise. The NFL has scheduled Cleveland for five prime time games, including three contests on Monday night. While the defense should be improved, the weight will be on Anderson and Lewis to equal or exceed their performances from last season. If they are up to the task, expect the Browns to meet their lofty expectations.
2008 Cleveland Browns Prediction: 1st place in the AFC North
By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer
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