On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns won their tenth game of the season against a San Francisco team in disarray. A season that started off so poorly in Week 1 resulted in expectations being surpassed for Browns’ fans.
On Sunday night, however, the dream ended in disappointing fashion. After having not beaten the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 to allow entrance into the playoffs, the Browns needed the Tennessee Titans to lose to the Indianapolis Colts. Browns’ fans were teased and given hope, as the Colts’ backups managed to take a three point lead in the third quarter. It was evident, though, that the Colts’ were highly disinterred in beating their division rival, and they certainly didn’t have the personnel to do so. The Titans won the game 16-10, and sent the Browns into the off-season on a frustrating note.
It cannot be ignored, however, that the team played well this season. Although the defense ranked 32nd in the league, the Browns’ offense was explosive. The special teams unit was electric. The team had a new swagger, and that attitude helped propel the team to ten wins.
Ironically, this off-season just might be more exciting. There is a lot that needs to be done. The 2008 opponents have already been determined for Cleveland, and on schedule are teams such as Dallas, Indianapolis, Washington, Tennessee, the New York Giants and Jacksonville. The Browns also face Pittsburgh twice. Anything can happen between now and next September—coaches leave, players get injured, teams regress—but on paper, the 2008 season looks to have some significant challenges ahead. The Browns cannot afford a let down, but will have to make some tough decisions to prevent one.
First and foremost, the Browns immediately have to deal with the situation involving Jamal Lewis. He was signed in the off-season to a one year contract that is about to expire. Lewis had a fantastic season, ranking fifth in rushing yardage and finding the end zone eleven times. Lewis also brought an identity to Cleveland. A city known for its big, bruising running backs, Lewis was a perfect addition to the team. It would behoove the Browns to sign Lewis to a two year contract, where at the end of his deal, he would be thirty years old.
The second thing the Browns must do is settle the quarterback position. Cleveland needs to decide if they believe Anderson has enough upside to keep for the foreseeable future or if they should sell high in this quarterback starved market. Many may argue that teams need two good quarterbacks to have a successful season.
Isn’t it funny, though, how the Colts seem to get by just fine without Jim Sorgi taking regular season snaps? You don’t see Matt Cassell taking the field in New England. Brad Johnson in Dallas and Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay saw little to no action this season, as well.
The point?
If a team has a good offensive line, the quarterback will stay healthy. In regards to Cleveland, the Browns gave up the least amount of sacks in the entire league. Whether it’s Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn behind center, if the offensive line stays healthy, one good quarterback may be all that’s needed.
Another aspect to consider is that the Browns are not yet a great team. Cleveland needs to patch up a porous run defense. The Browns are desperate for defensive lineman. If the team could trade Anderson for a first round pick, and then use that selection on a nose tackle or defensive end, it could help out the team tremendously.
Many may feel trading Anderson is a mistake. However, remember the team selected Brady Quinn last season. The Browns have a twenty-three year old quarterback in Quinn who appears to be mentally and physically ready to play. He also now has a year of experience at the NFL level, even if most of it was via preparation and observation.
While Anderson did throw almost thirty touchdowns, he also threw almost twenty interceptions. One may argue, “Could Quinn do much better?” Quinn may not throw as many touchdowns, but one would hope Quinn would be smarter with the football. The hope—and his college track record—of not making many mistakes can be key. Quinn may not outright win football games by himself, but he also might not lose them, too.
With Anderson’s mistakes and slow starts costing the Browns a couple of wins this season, this is very important. If the Browns can essentially exchange Anderson for defensive help, then the lack of a few extra touchdown passes next season may be expendable if the defense is now preventing touchdowns from opposing offenses.
Regardless of what’s to come, it cannot be denied that this was a wonderful season for the Browns. A team that was predicted to finish last in the division by NFL pundits almost won the AFC North title. With a few shrewd moves and a vote of confidence in a few players on this team, the Cleveland Browns can be the team to beat next year.
