DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum In Diam's absence, Come one, come all.. post your season predictions!

Since it appears Diam has fallen on his sword and is attending banned camp..

I'll post the Famed "Come one come all" post..

For those that are new or somehow missed this thread over the years, let me explain.. What we want here is to hear what you think is going to happen this season, what will our record be and WHY.. please give reasons and reasoning. I know it's hard, but DO try to be coherent (that means you GM hehe)

Anyways, in keeping with Diams usual tactics of never posting his thoughts I think it's appropriate that we keep up with traditions.. I may or may not post mine hehe..

What the heck, screw that tradition..

Actually, I think we get 4 - 6 wins. 4 is pessimistic, 6 is optimistic and 5 is realistic.

This is a hard year to predict, we don't know what kind of a game day coach Mangini will be here, we DO have a track record at NY to look at, but that was with different talent there, and yea, talent does make a difference.

I think we did add some talent but we also lost some. IMO the right side of our line is pitiful and it's not going to be easy running to that side. I think we start Brady and that lack of a right side is going to take away from some of the tools he's gonna need to win. DC's should have a fairly easy time of game planning for him. Thats not a good thing. I do think we have some decent talent in the skill positions and we should be okay there.

On defense, much of what happens to us depends on 2 things..

First, our LB's absolutely have to show up, Kam needs to turn it around, Hall needs to step up DQ can keep on doing what he's done so far. LB's are the key to a 34 and we need these guys to step it up in a big way.

2nd, The beast that we call Shaun Rogers needs to be healthy and we need to find an effective rotation with him and Rubin so that we maintain the pressure on Olines.

I think the schedule is gonna be a painful one.. it's fairly front loaded with tough games early and easy ones later on in the season.

We are going to learn a lot on the 13th. As I said, our linebackers need to show up.. the Vikes have guy that runs the ball pretty well, and I'm scairt of Adrian.

I can go on all night, but it's time to start the thread.. if Diam gets out of jail and he's back, just pretend he posted this

Lets hear your come one, come all's ladies and gentlemen!

Never participated in this thread before...be easy on me...

I think we are competitive and are in most games. Even though the talent level is not where it should be, the Browns will win around 7-8 games due to the discipline and hard work invested in the pre-season.

I predict we finally beat Pittsburgh at home but lose to them on the road.

Because I believe Quinn will be the starter, I predict Furrey will lead the team in receptions.

DQ will lead the team in tackles.

Braylon will have double digit touchdowns (after all this is a contract year

Jamal Lewis will get the majority of the carries with Davis and Harrison spelling him.

Alex Hall will cement his place as piece of the puzzle and will become a quality starter at OLB.

5-9 wins.

To easy a schedule to not win 5 games.

If we get solid qb play and our D can be in the 10-15 range against the run......we will get 6 wins.

If qb play is very solid and we can rush the football late in the year with the D being solid against the run...we can get 7.

All things being the same and Furrey, Edwards become the JJ and Edwards of 07 with Cribbs making strides in the return game....along with our D actually getting a pass rush (Wimbley and Hall getting 8-10 sack range) with Rogers playing at a probowl level again...we can see 8 or 9 wins.

I can fanthom any more than that at this point. I know its possible....but going on what i have seen and what i feel.......

7-9

I predict...

1. Less penalties. If we lose games, it will be due to lack of talent. Not lack of concentration.

2. Solid Special teams.

3. An enthusiastic group. Lots of fire, desire, and willing to hit.

4. A fantastic running game. I predict a three headed monster that will leave teams scratching their heads.

5. Brady Quinn develops into the leader we need in Cleveland. I think "The Mighty Quinn" will become a big hit at Muni.

6. A Defense that can stop the run. We will have guys flying all around the ball wrapping up and making tackles.

7. A terrible secondary/pass rush. I can see us giving up 400 yards in the air and 50 on the ground some games. It will make me want to cry.

8. An 8-8 record. This team is better than Butch's 9-7 squad, but the breaks wont quite go our way.

9 A season that will change the culture in Cleveland. I think we're talking playoff push next year.

9-7

I assume Quinn starts. A QB with good decision making skills, deadly accurate in the first 20 yards and not bad beyond that.

Braylon cannot, repeat, cannot have as bad a year as he had last season.

If Cribbs gets reps at WR he'll get the ball in the open field with room to run.

Furry is J.J. Good to have that kind of talent back in the slot.

There appears to be depth at RB. We'll see. I'm not so fast pass gold medals to rookies in the preseason but we just may have usable depth there.

I'm tellin' ya, Lewis has been warming up. (Think Rogers on a bike to save his legs for late in the season). Lewis is too much of a man to sit on the bike that long, but Rogers is a big baby who enjoys it. A big baby who can quickly take over the house.

The OL can't be as bad as last year. We have the same good guys and some newer upgrades (according to Mangini). I expect them to struggle early due to the lack of time together while being shuffled around but will soon gel. We've got some starting talent with the possible exception of RT. These guys need to stay healthy.

We have a very solid talent level at our DL for the first time since our return. And the depth is stellar compared to previous years. Gone is depth with no experience and huge drop-offs when they rotate.

Our CB's have another season under their belts. This could be their year for the light to really come on.

Safety could be a concern if Pool continues to stick his head where it don't belong.

LB's are still a concern but there have been some upgrades and Hall and Wimbly look better already. Still a ways to go though.


Defensive philosophy is in the right direction being attack oriented but don't look for a Steelers/Rats dominating style yet. The attack will slowly come as the players get used to the system run by Ryan. However, situationally we will get pressure by scheme at times. IMO, defensively we ain't seen nothin' yet.

New HC. Good or bad the team seems to be buying into something different. Lord knows we needed something different. So far it doesn't look to be worse different.


9-7


p.s. Diam, get your ass back here. Look, we're taking over your stuff.

7 wins.

First, Brady or Anderson should be playing for the majority of the year, so the six week dive that occured at the end of the year should not happen.

Second, The schedule is far more favorable than it was last year. Last year the NFC East, this year the NFC north, AFC South versus AFC west and to that a last place AFC teams Buffalo and Jacksonville, there should be improvement.

On the downside, I am concerned about the running game, and the lack of a pass rush and rush defense. I know I have beaten the dead horse on this one, but I have not seen the improvement required. I am now concerned about safety as well as I don't see Elam as an improvement over Pool.

I predict that we'll have a QB and a RB starting.

Further, I predict that we'll play 16 regular season games.

Beyond that ...... I have no freakin' clue.

No one knows what will happen... it could be another whacky year, good/bad who can say?

Our D-line on paper is improved. I have faith in our corners. At LB, not sure we did enough in off-season/or are too young right now, to be a really good D.

BQ or DA at QB..... the big unknown... either way, we have some weapons on offense, I like Furrey, we have a good left side on OL and Braylon is dangerous... last year we were hit hard by injury early in the season, and never recovered.

Our sked - on paper! - it's easier than '08, but who really knows until the rubber hits the road??? Who picked the Cards last season? Nobody, and they almost won the whole thing.

It's a crapshoot kids, but I always try to think positive so.....

11-5, Super Bowl.
Maybe it's our turn.

Anywhere from 1 - 9 wins. Football is notoriously difficult to predict.

I am very excited to see Cribbs on offense.
I like what we have with Edwards.
I don't like the right side of the offensive line.
I love the left side, I hope Mack improves over the season.

I don't like what I see on defense.
-But I do very much like Rogers.
-I'm hoping for Alex Hall to become something great.
-I am happy with Wright and McDonalds.

I Dont know why Diam isnt around and dont care to hear the story but I wish someone would get him back here.

He really had a common sense outlook that I enjoyed hearing. And I was really really looking forward to this season and his commentary on Quinn.

I PREDICT:

Brady will be the Superbowl MVP (Tom Brady)

BQ will be our starter for 16 games and solidify his role for years to come... finally. I think this because every indication has him starting, he is durable and fit,wants it more than DA and will not want to yeild playng time to DA due to the QB controversy.

BE will have a contract year. He is focused, very focused... on the big payday.

Cribbs will prove he is worth the money because he never quits. He is the heart of this team.

Our wins will come from playing lights out basic football. We will move the ball in methodic ball control fashion with little flash or flare. We are less talented then several teams we face, so this style(even though boring to watch at times) will give us the best chance to win.

I predict we finish second in the AFC north behind Baltimore. We will split with the Ravens and the Steelers. We beat Cinci twice. The Steelers went to the Superbowl last year after a rough season. This year it catches up with them because Tomlin is not THE CHIN.

I think our Defense comes together this year. We have several 2-4 year guys that are primed to start making thier mark. I think the improvement in the D-Line, the addition of Hall and others at LBer make the difference. I'm still concerned about safety but think it will solidify after a few games.


We will finish somewhere between 7-9 to 10-4 returning to our early 07 level of confidence after a few wins.

Our losses will be close, as BQ keeps us in most games, and will help us garner some long lost media respect. The games we do lose will come from being beaten buy superior teams instead of imploding... I think Mangini brings this to the table.

I doubt we make the Playoff cut this year, but would not be surprised if we somehow slip in.

He's around. Check the Who's Online? link from time to time. I've seen him there checking his PMs. But I'm thinking he's waiting until Quinn has actually arrived before coming back. ...he claimed Quinn would smoke DA in an open competition. He may have been wrong about that but still right overall ...

...which leads me to my prediction. I'm going 9-7 because I think Quinn is going to play really well. We are going to have our QB for the next 10 years all figured out by season's end. Smart, leader, competitive ... all the intangibles are there and plenty of arm to go with it ... he just needs some game time. But the fact that he's sat the last two years and watched and learned is going to speed up that experience learning curve.

I can't stress enough that this team needs a leader to rally around. Someone who gives them a little extra jump in their step, a little extra confidence that Sunday will be a win ... everyone will play harder because of it. If we can steal some games early and Quinn is leading the way, it's going to do wonders for this team. All the great teams have that guy that's steering the ship for the others.

If I'm wrong about that, 4-5 wins is probably going to be where were at. And I'll have plenty of pissed off Sunday nights and the following weeks at work.

Is your OL returning the same starters this year? Have there been any improvements made there? Pass blocking and pass defense (when the opposing QB actually has a bit of time) are about the only two weaknesses I think Pitt has.

And if it's the same OL, I just can't imagine Ben can survive another season like last year. The guy took a beating. Granted, he took that beating all the way to the Super Bowl ... but how much can the body take?

It's 1:00 A.M so forgive me if my thoughts are unclear.

QB-I think Quinn starts, gets injured at some point, DA comes in and does well, but not good enough to stay as starter. The QB compeition is FINALLY over, as Quinn puts up 2800 yards, 15 TDs, 6 INTs, and runs for 400 more yards. Quinn is just so pocket savvy when I see him and has all the physical tools to be a quality NFL starter. Anderson, I hope, will be kept to keep a very high quality NFL backup on our team so even if Quinn gets hurt, we can not miss a beat.

RB-It'll be clear by the end of the season that Jamal Lewis is offically done, we cut him, is resigned by the Ravens, then retires. He looks very Emmit Smith in a Cardinals Uniform right now to me, just slow feet, slow reads, slow burst, slow everything. I think James Davis is competition, but not NFL every down back quality. James Harrison will continue to be oft injured but productive when he is on the field. I think we take a 2nd round big horse of a running back and have a Giants like running back situation in 2010.

WR-I expect Braylon to not be 08 Braylon. If he drops the same balls he dropped last year as consistently as he did last year, then he's gone in the offseason. I think Cribbs turns out to be a quality WR, amassing 700 yards on somewhere around 42 catches. Furry/Furrey/However the heck you spell it will become Wes Welker like and be a 1st down and Redzone machine. I could see about 6 TD's for Furry/Furrey alone. I'm not sure what to make of Robo and his bad start, but hopefully he can get his act together.

TE-I expect blocking and some pass catching, hopefully we see more from Martin Rucker. That's...That's about it. Hooray no more Offensive PI calls.

OL- I expect Joe Thomas to have a better year, Steinbach to have a above average year, Mack to gradually get better and better, and our right side to have some sort of push in the running game. I think by the end of the season, we'll be able to run on both sides of the ball, not sure about pass protection, though. It won't be the 07 line, I don't believe, but it will be upper echelon, top 15/10ish.

DL- I have said this in other threads, but I firmly believe we have one of the best 3-4 D-lines in the NFL. Corey Williams seems to finally be picking up the scheme, Robaire Smith is healthy, Kenyon Coleman is exactly what we knew he was, Rogers is Rogers, Mosley had a huge preseason, as did Rubin...and I feel like I'm leaving someone out of the rotation. I think we could have 6 NFL starting caliber D-linemen, and we will see that effect, hopefully on our run defense.

LB-Outside of DQ Jackson, we're in huge trouble here. Unless Wimbley learns a new move, Barton finds some pass rushing, Bowens somehow drags his old butt on the field and produces a pass rush, or Alex Hall regains his pass rush form from last year, we are going to be very meager on sacks this year. I'm talking maybe 15 sacks this year. On the other hand, I believe our rush defense will be much improved in this area. Barton is more instinctive than Davis, and can get in the backfield. DQ can keep the line off of him and roam like he should and I think both Wimbley and Hall are quality run stoppers on the side. If Viekune can find a pass rush in him, we may look better, but this is the obvious 1st round pick next year.

Secondary-I have no clue what's going to happen outside of Eric Wright. I know Eric will continue to be one of, if not the best, up and comer at Corner. I have no idea what to expect from McDonald, Elam, Pool, Adams, or Francies. This unit can either be electric with Elam being our great safety, or it can be a complete crapper, and everyone outside of Wright looks like a backup/nickleback. One could only hope that Mangini's familiarity with this position can help improve this unit. May be tempting to draft a Mays/Berry if we are bad enough.

I expect Special Teams to win us at least 3 games.

So I guess that leaves me with one last thing: the record.

Week 1 Sunday, September 13 vs MINNESOTA VIKINGS FOX 1:00 PM-I think this is a loss, but it really depends on the run defense. If the run defense can provide solid play, then we could surprise. The old man river doesn't scare me at all.

Week 2 Sunday, September 20 @ Denver Broncos CBS 4:15 PM-I hate the "should" and "will" win type of quotes, but this is one that we very much should win.

Week 3 Sunday, September 27 @ Baltimore Ravens CBS 1:00 PM-More than likely this will be a loss.

Week 4 Sunday, October 4 vs CINCINNATI BENGALS CBS 1:00 PM-At home, being a possible 2-1, I say they grab that W.

Week 5 Sunday, October 11 @ Buffalo Bills CBS 1:00 PM-The Bills have fired their O-Coordinator, and we even beat them last year.

Week 6 Sunday, October 18 @ Pittsburgh Steelers CBS 1:00 PM-Don't hold your breath.

Week 7 Sunday, October 25 vs GREEN BAY PACKERS FOX 1:00 PM-Aaron Rogers is a stud, I cannot see them getting a W.

Week 8 Sunday, November 1 @ Chicago Bears CBS 1:00 PM-It really depends on if Quinn is playing well and how the Bears offense is. I can see this one going both ways, Homefield, I'll give it to the Bears.

Week 9 Bye Week-Bye week has been tough the past few years, but I say we pull through, W!

Week 10 Monday, November 16 vs BALTIMORE RAVENS ESPN 8:30 PM-Monday night after a bye week? I seem to have seen that before...Oh, and we're at home with drunk rabid fans who've had to wait 15 days for their team to play again? They sure as hell better win.

Week 11 Sunday, November 22 @ Detroit Lions CBS 1:00 PM-I cannot see how we lose to the Lions.

Week 12 Sunday, November 29 @ Cincinnati Bengals CBS 1:00 PM-Bengals and their tricky O beat us this day.

Week 13 Sunday, December 6 vs SAN DIEGO CHARGERS CBS 4:05 PM-Could be a very cold day and LT hasn't been the most healthy. On the other hand, Phillip Rivers is really good. I'll say L.

Week 14 Thursday, December 10 vs PITTSBURGH STEELERS NFLN 8:20 PM-Game of the Browns season. I'm going to say loss, but I do think it'll be very, very close.

Week 15 Sunday, December 20 @ Kansas City Chiefs CBS 1:00 PM-Trap game. Players have long layoff, around Christmas, may or may not be playing for something...on the other hand, the Chiefs have a worse pass rush than we do, Browns should win this game.

Week 16 Sunday, December 27 vs OAKLAND RAIDERS CBS 1:00 PM-See Lions.

Week 17 Sunday, January 3 vs JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS CBS 1:00 PM-Depends on which Jacksonville shows up and how good we are. If we have a shot at the playoffs, I see us coming out and beating them, if it's completely meaningless...I still see us beating them.

I have 8-8 or 7-9, can see us winning as little as 5 games and as many as 11. It really depends on the discipline, their heart and their passion for the game. I'm going to go one under my schedule I just posted and say 7-9, but their should be a lot of quality football this year. Or at least a couple of close games. As always, Go Brownies!

I predict. 6-9 wins, i know it's a cop out, but the way we have been the last couple seasons on the injury dept. they are making it tough on us.
We got a good schedule and if we can get 1-3 against the ratbirds and squeelers we will be ok.

I am going to be overly optimistic and say that we grab a 10 wins this season and surprise some teams as we did in 07.

Overall, Mangini has brought some discipline to the Browns atmosphere. We have a much better receiving corp than what we had last year. I believe the rookies will contribute more than expected and the veteran presence will serve us well towards the end of the season. As everyone has already pointed out, our weakness will be our right side of the line. It will truly have to be a team effort at what ever rotation Mangini uses. Our running game will not evolve around Lewis, he is there for his leadership abilities and to groom Davis. Quinn will play his best ball this year because he has something to prove. If he fails this year, rest assure we will get a Quarterback in the Draft next year because DA is not the answer we all know that Ratliff isn't capable of holding down the fort.

Our biggest weakness will come in our Secondary this year. I have not been moved with what I have seen so far, we definitely need some help. We are one injury away from having a successful year. I believe that our DL and LB corp will serve us well this year and show more promise than we have seen in previous years. That said our run defense will be greatly improved and our pass defense will suffer. Our special team will have to come in and save us on a couple of wins as many of you have already suggested.

Week 1: We stop AP and pressure Farve. A Surprise Win.

Week 2: Unlike last year, they do not have a QB or true threat at wide-out. Win.

Week 3: B-More's receiving corp is lacking, pressure on QB. Our passing attack will the weapon of choice and some good runs by Davis. Win

Week 4: This will be another close game, Cin has improved on the offensive side of the ball but still lacking on the Defense. Close game but a Win.

Week 5: What can I say they have TO but a OC trying to implement a plan on short notice. We Win this easily.

Week 6; At Pittsburgh, we loose. See them in the Dog-pound!

Week 7: GreenBay picks up where they left off in pre-season. Another Loss.

Week 8: This will be a defensive game and we will show some blitz schemes that Cutler is not expecting. We edge them out and Win.

Week 9: Bye

Week 10: I think we have the Ravens number but they still one and beat us. Loss.

Week 11: We open the flood gates on Stafford and the rookie mistakes will be evident. Win.

Week 12: We get over confident here and loose to Cincy. Loss

Week 13: Charges continue to make us have doubts about our success and they win handily. Loss.

Week 14: This is hope and a prayer, We come back to life and beat Pittsburgh in the Dog pound. Win

Week 15: We handle KC with no problem due to their injuries. Win

Week 16: By now Frye is in and we spank them, well we do that regardless who is in. Win

Week 17: We are playing for a playoff birth and this win is needed to get in. Win


In the end, I believe we will surprise quite a few teams this year even with our shortcomings. We will have a winning record this year!

Not that it means much, but in the preseason, I've noticed marked improvement on Special Teams and Run Defense. We've always had decent ST's due mostly to guys like Josh Cribbs, Dawson, Pontibriand and Zastudil..

But Run Defense is something new and exciting. Those on here that know a ton more than I have said for years, if you cut down on an opponents ability to run at will, you not only take away a weapon, but you force them to beat you with the pass.. That can lead to INT's etc....

So, with that thought in mind, and basically being an optimistic person by nature, I'm going with 9 wins...

I have the browns at 11-5.
The defense will be much improved this year.
I noticed that the coach does not put up with stupid mistakes like the old coach did. In the 3rd preseason game he was up in the ST's coaches grill when we had a penelty.
Players dont hang out with him on the sidelines like they did with crennel either. He only expects results and I truly see him getting them.
Last year was a fluke only because our schedule was so tough and we didnt have a decent QB for 6 games.
Brady is our starting QB and although will have some growing pains I think he will manage the ball pretty well which will translate into a few wins more than if the gun slinger Anderson were playing.
Also Mangini is willing to play rookies (something that Crennel never seemed willing to do) and that will add to our improvement. I look for Davis to be a good change of pace back though out the year.
Again Browns 11-5

Diam isn't in banned camp, at least not one imposed by anyone running the board. He may or may not be back. And it doesn't sound like it has anything to do with Quinn. Although if BQ lights it up, I doubt Diam will be able to keep his self imposed ban for long........

As for this season.....short and sweet.......6 wins, tops.

The Offense appears that it will be OK most days. I think Davis and Cribbs will have us cheering long and loud most of the year.

The Defense, however, looks like it will be lucky to move it's "Defense against the run" ranking above (better than) 30. Maybe I'm wrong but I have trouble seeing these guys slowing down, much less stopping, a guy like Adrian Peterson.

Las Vegas had the over/under line on Browns wins at 6.5 I think they know of what they speak.

This isn't meant to belittle anyone in particular but..........Anyone who seriously thinks we're winning more games than we're losing needs to seriously consider rehab.

Just saying........

Anything less than 8-8 will have the Cleveland sporting press calling for Mangini's head on a plate. I can see us winning 7 or 8. What I want to see is good, disciplined football and no losing in blow outs. What I really want to see is the Pittsburgh monkey off our backs but that would just be like a bonus this year rather than a realistic expectation.

What I saw in the Tennessee game was encouraging. We'll see if it actually translates into real football.

And BTW...

I KNOW I need REHAB...

Cause I'm in the 9-10 W's crowd...

Mour???...Tabber???...Let's go...

Well we're back for another year; it's always an exciting feeling for the first week of the NFL. Even if the Browns are projected to be "bad," I still love football season and autumn. I love high school football fridays, college all day saturday, and the NFL sundays. Along with the weather, there's nothin better.

That being said, I won't be as long-winded as I usually am. I'll just make some general predictions.

QB - I see Quinn starting the season (as most do). I feel he will play solid. He won't do anything spectacular, but he won't cost us any games. He will hit the open man and be pretty accurate. However, I think he'll get hurt at some point and Anderson will take control for at least a few games. As for him, I'm not even going to predict how he will play.

RB - It's no secret that Jamal is getting worn down, but I'm not as down on him as some others are. I feel he can and will be effective to a certain extent. James Davis will get a lot of carries in my opinion. Mangini will want to see what we have in him and get a proper evaluation before the draft. (I have a feeling Mangini sees RT, RB, and S as our three big draft needs going into April).

WR - Braylon returns close to 2007 form, MoMass surprises some people with his abilities, Robo struggles and doesn't see much action, Furrey is our 3rd down crutch, and Cribbs also plays a major role in the success of the offense (when there is success)

TE - Nothing spectacular here. Royal will start, but Heiden will be on the field just as much. Also, I don't think Rucker will see much time (he's a blocking liability)

OL - I see Thomas having a great year, but that's about it. Mack will struggle IMO due to the talent of DTs in our division. The right side of our line will be an extreme weakness, which we will have to address in April as I said earlier.

DL - This will actually be a strength IMO. Rogers is a beast, Rubin looks like a solid rotational player, Robaire looks as good as I've seen him, Corey Williams is a decent back up, and Coleman appears to be a good pickup.

LB - This will be a weakness. I don't think we see anything different from Wimbley. He just seems to be a one-trick pony, and I've seen little improvement from him. Veikune still seems to be an odd draft pick. Alex Hall will show improvement, and he may be a future star. DQ will be a tackling machine, but nothing too exciting. Barton will disappoint some people. He's slow, and I personally think he's just a TAD better than Andra Davis.

DB - I actually feel comfortable with our starting CBs. I think Wright has looked excellent in the preseason. I have a little worry about our nickle and dime backs, but I think Francies has a solid future. As for safety, this is a BIG worry of mine. Like I said, this will be our first round draft choice IMO (Mays or Berry). Elam is NOTHING like I had hoped for. He looks terrible IMO. I'm also worried that Pool may be just about done...safety is a BIG hole.

GAME BY GAME

MINNESOTA VIKINGS LOSS
@ Denver Broncos WIN
@ Baltimore Ravens LOSS
CINCINNATI BENGALS WIN
@ Buffalo Bills WIN
@ Pittsburgh Steelers LOSS
GREEN BAY PACKERS LOSS
@ Chicago Bears LOSS
BALTIMORE RAVENS LOSS
@ Detroit Lions WIN
@ Cincinnati Bengals LOSS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS LOSS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS LOSS
@ Kansas City Chiefs WIN
OAKLAND RAIDERS WIN
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS WIN

So, we will finish 7-9 (which I would be happy with). I honestly think we could win as few as 3 or 4 games, but we could win as many as 8 or 9 (if we get extremely lucky with injuries and finding some rhythm).

Overall, we will be happy with Mangini and the progress of the team. We have some MAJOR holes and weaknesses, but we do have some talent on offense and some young players on defense who can improve.

5-11
the swiss cheese defense will be on the field too long and will tire by the 4th quarter.

In many ways, the browns are a hard team to figure out: in '07 they were sniffing at the playoffs, in '08 the wheels came off- in '09 will the real team please show up.

Aren't the prime time tv darlings of '08 much improved in '09?? I think they are- across the board, the defense is better. Our young corners have another year of experience, Hall is coming along, Barton is a good bandaid, and maybe Kam can get it going in a new system. If Ryan can get some pressure on the QB, the defense can surprise.

And the offense should be improved. I give the starting QB nod to Quinn, and see what happens. There will be some mistakes linked to inexperience, but at this point its time to see what we have. The right side of the oline concerns me- but Hadnot back in the mix should help. For all those saying we should have drafted Loadholt, he really struggles against the speed rush. (if only we had a speed rusher to capitolize on this weekness against the vikes). I hope Lewis can give one more solid year, we need his experience and passion for the game. It remains to be seen if KWII will be missed- Furrey as a go to might make up for this loss in the passing game. Rookie widereceivers usually take time to develop, hard to say how much they can contribute this year.

As for overall rankings, I think 8-8 has a chance.
vikes L
denver W
baltimore L
cinci W
buffalo W
pitt L
greenbay L
chicago L
balt W
detroit W
cinci L
sandiego L
pitt L
KC W
oakland W
jacks W

This is my first time posting in this thread for all the years of reading it . . . .

I think . . . . Mangini will have us playing more competitive, and with more swagger than the laid back Crennel had this team playing. With that in mind, there are 6 games or so, as I see it, that will tell the tale as to how this team will be in the future. That's the Denver, Buffalo, Chicago, Jax, type games, the middle of the pack crowd. Beat them and we got something going.

We HAVE to beat Cinnci twice, KC, Detroit, Oakland. If we can split with Baltimore, and beat Pitt once, we really got something to hang our hats on.

I will say we do better than what most pundits have us (which they all seem to buy into we will have 4 wins) and grab a respectable 7 wins, a few upsets and a few close calls.

Roster-wise I see Brady slowly growing into his role. He's a smart guy, has a nice arm, might not be able to make all the throws but will make the right ones and by years end people won't be excited about him, but will be okay with him as the signal caller.

I predict Jamal will completely run out of gas by November regardless of how many carries he gets. James Davis will be the guy, Vickers will pull more short yardage duties.

Braylon will do well enough, be quiet, make plays, mature a little now that Mangini is in house and K2, his partner in crime, is gone.

Rogers will be a beast, Rubin will too

I think Francies will get lots of playing time, Maiavia and Veikune will be mostly special teams and we will wonder why we drafted a project in Veikune that soon in the draft.

that's my thoughts

I guess I may need rehab then. Because when I look at our schedule, I don't see a whole lot of games that we shouldn't be able to win/compete in. Sure there are some difficult games, but there are a bunch of games that we ( IMO ) should win.

I see us Sweeping Cinci, splitting with Balt and Pitt. I see Detroit, Buffalo, Oakland, KC and Jax as wins. That's 9 wins.

SD, Chicago, Denver are games I think we should be very competative in and could go either way, but I figure we'll come up short on at least 2 of them.

Minnesota and Green Bay I figure we should compete well but ultimately we will probably be shown our weaknesses. But then I figured that with the Giants last year too, and we all know how that worked out...

So that's 7 - 12 winnable games (depending on how we do in the division which is always tough to predict).

I'm going back to drinking now.....The rum is calling me.

There was alot of negative reaction to the SI article that had us going 2-14. How can you argue with that assessment? Why?

1. 100% ( or close to it) turnover in the coaching staff.
2. 42% turnover on the active roster including 9 rookies and 13 vets that are new
3. unproven rookie GM
4.no obvious off-season improvement at safety and linebacker.
5. no obvious improvement at the right side of the OL.
6. Tucker going down was a blow to the depth of the right side of the OL and Hadot and Weary are hurt. Currently there are only 8 OL on the team. One OL injury could scuttle the season.

In conclusion there are too many weaknesses for this team to get into the playoffs. Let's hear it for "maybe next year". The FO needs to address the safety,linebacker and right tackle positions. Also, by the end of the year it will be evident that the TE position will need to be addressed very soon.

But there are positives:
1. as long as the blocking is good the QBs will do just fine in fact I'll say that we have the best one-two punch in the league.
2. the TE squad will block better and have almost as much production as KW2.
3. the WR corps will do just fine and show that they will be solid for years to come b/c of the play of Robo and Mo Mass. BE all pro-year or close to it,but he will leave the team at the end of the season.
4. special teams will excell once again.
5. the DL will excel.
6. the CBs will not be spectacular, but solid.
7. Lewis is not entirely washed up and might return for one more year.
8. over the off-season the weaknesses outlined above will be corrected leading to a truly competitive team in 2010 and beyond.


The Vegas over-under of 6.5 wins is accurate.

Quote:

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And BTW...

I KNOW I need REHAB...

Cause I'm in the 9-10 W's crowd...

Mour???...Tabber???...Let's go...

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Guess I need rehab also then.. Otto, at least I gave a reason for feeling the way I do,,,

Offense....

If Quinn gets the nod, I do think we will do a better job of controlling the ball, though I don't see that leading to many more points scored, just more time of possession.

But, that helps the D as it keeps them off the field and possibly helps us win the battle for field position.

On D, I think the unit is at least a little better talent wise, and from a coaching standpoint I think we improved, so both should lead to fewer points scored.

What that leaves is a lot of low scoring affairs that are going to depend mostly on turnovers and which kicker gets the favorable wind conditions when it is their turn to kick the zillions of fieldgoals we are going to watch this year.

So, how do you predict which way the ball bounces??

Bottom line I think it will go our way half the time leaving us with 7 wins. If it doesn't go our way, look for 4 wins. If we are charmed, 10 wins.

Key game...the opener. If we lose it won't necessarily make things any worse unless we just get hammered. If we win, it could set the tone for some exciting moments this fall and winter.

Key player O...Edwards. I think we have to get that guy in the game in a big way the first game. His whole season might hinge on how he does, and how he is used in that game.

Key player D..Rogers....we didn't see much of him in the preseason...not sure if it was a injury, or a matter of him not being mentally a part of things. If his mind isn't right, forget stopping the run.

Key player overall....Dawson. As I said, plan on seeing a zillion FG attempts. If Dawson is money a high percentage of the time, we stay in games...if we blow 7-8 minutes off the clock and then start missing 44 yarders, forget it.

J/c...

I think we are going to be very much improved this year. I think this is the final year of a QB controversey for at least 10 years.

BQ comes in, plays very well, and shows he is our future, and for the first time in a long time, we go into an offseason with ONE QB.

As for record. I'll say...

9-7. Going into the year, I was not nearly as optimistic. But, looking at the schedule, I think we get wins over..

Denver, Cincy x2, Buffalo, Detroit, Kansas City, Oakland, Jacksonville, and Baltimore once.

A lot of "experts" are hyping the Bungles this year, but I do not buy it at all.

I'm not quite ready for the 12 step plan, but if you can't be optimistic now, when can you be? I think this team is going to compete, week in and week out. That's all I ask for.

I think we go 2-4 in the Division, beating Cincy and Pitt here. I think we go 3-1 against the AFC West because the AFC West blows. We win at Buffalo because Buffalo blows, and vs Jax here in December, because it will be miserable on the lakefront in December, and because Jax blows. That makes 7-5 vs the AFC. We go 2-2 vs the NFC, beating Minn and Detroit. Brett Favre is going to have one of those bad-Brett days next Sunday. He's going to throw some picks and he's going to eat some turf.

9-7, no playoffs.

Now excuse me, I'm off to the beverage store.

Something so many seem eager to dismiss is the fact that this team has talent and we have upgraded that talent.

First off Romeo was completely incompetent. Honestly, I thought he was the worst coach in the league some of his decisions were foolish. Mangini may not be Mangenius but he isnt a fool.

Our D appears to be light years ahead of where they were just a year ago. We didnt show much of anything in preseason but I see major improvement from many individuals and do not underestimate the value of having Robaire healthy and Rubin coming along. It also helps that Wright and McDonald are now veteran corners Rob Ryan might just turn it loose.

Offense
Despite the national press saying we have a CRISIS at QB, Folks DA played pretty good this preseason but Brady simply performed at a higher level. You can count every bad pass he threw on one freaking hand. He is much improved and our receiving corps appear vastly improved.

I think the signs are very good that Davis was the steal of this draft. I think he and harrison give us a dynamic 1-2 punch and they might be a great setup for Lewis in the 4th.

RT and TE along with depth at the line is a concern but it isnt comet impact type of concern either.

ST had slipped despite Cribbs numbers and right now it appears as if the Browns have by far the best special teams unit in football. This group will have a major impact on this season.

I believe this team has playoff potential and we will finish in the 9 to 12 wins area.

I was taking down notes to write my feelings, but Mourg, you just took the words out of my mouth.

This team is improved even though many are afraid to admit it. Injuries killed this team early last year. The behind the scenes crap with RAC and Savage pulling different ways had a lot to do with the attitude the team played with.

I see a much more disiplined team with experienced coaching. The talent is there, sure not as much as Pitt, but it is there if you look. Rogers is going to make a huge difference on D with the scheme implimented. The preseason showed my an improved defense, and that was without Rogers and gameplanning.

On offense, the line struggled from injuries last year. Womack has been very solid so far, and even Fraley looks to be on top of his game. St Clair is the only weakness, but he's IMO better than Schaffer. I see Cribbs as being a threat right from the get go on offense. I think he will be the dynamic that propels this offense up in the ratings. Cribbs is out to prove something, and I think when he puts his mind to something, he can be dangerous. I look for him to take a few to the house catching a ball in stride anywhere on the field.
Quinn is something we haven't had for decades, a SMART QB. Time of possession will be key and I think he will control the game in that sense.

I see no less than 9 wins. If we beat Minnesota, a tall order, I see over ten wins.


Just a note, many keep saying the schedule is easier because we play the NFC north, I don't get it. GB, Minnesota and for the most part Chicago with Cutler could be a tough division for anybody. San Diego is going to be tough. Our division is always tough. The only teams I see as maybe EASY wins, would be Denver and KC. This team will be tested every week, I think they are up to the challenge.

1) james davis is our starting RB

2) this offense will look sharp. delay of game penalties and having to snap the ball at the last second will be something we laugh about on other teams. this team will line up knowing what the play is with enough time to use audibles and cadence. protection adjustments and hot routes consequently will be more effective. last year's discombobulated vomit train of an offense will stay in last year.

3) DL and nickel corner have improved. 3rd downs will be longer for opponents and will not be converted as easily just by talent.

4) Ryan's D will get better as the year progresses. of course the back end of the schedule is cupcake compared to the front, but this will be a top half D by season's end. it will be fun to watch.

5) braylon, harrison, cribbs, rubin, williams, wimbley and hall will all have much better numbers than last year.

6) if mangini doesn't do something about our oline depth in the next couple days i won't be as confident. fraley, undrafted rookie trautwein, and a hurt hadnot? really? something must be in the works.

7) chip on the ol' shoulder. this team is getting trashed on worse than any browns team i have watched. you would think this is a transplant from the canadian league if you listen to the national press. i hope it makes our players angry.

im ready for some football. 10 wins.

QB....Quinn should get the nod, and we will see a ball control type of O that will lead to more TOP and fewer TOs.

RB........I really wanted us to pick up a mid round RB last year to replace JL, but we didn't. Can we get another year out of Jamal?? I don't think so. I look for Davis to get the majority of the carries. This isn't a good situation for us this year and needs upgrading next year

FB........Vickers is Vickers

WR........This is a much better unit. We have depth galore here, and it is actually one of the strengths of this team now

TE........Royal hasn't impressed me at all. If Rucker doesn't make strides I look for us to draft a mid round TE again next year.

OL............The left side should be great, and Mack should get better as the year goes on. The right side is garbage, and investments need to be made there this off-season.

DL............Again depth galore. I think this probably the best unit we've had since our rebirth no matter what scheme we've ran. If the LBs don't make plays in the backfield it won't be because this unit can't keep blockers off of them. I also think we can actually get some pressure from this group as well.

LBs........DQ is the best we have, but I am looking/hoping to see more tackles behind the LOS this year. EB should be an upgrade over AD, but that ain't saying much. The OLBs looked better in PS, but I'm not holding my breath. As I said above though, this group has no excuses for not making plays, because the DL is plenty good enough now.

CBs.......Besides Wright I think we are basically garbage here. Imo this is the weakest unit on the team. Mcdonald is a good nickle, but not a starter. The safety's are..............ugghh.

STs.........should be the best unit in the NFL. We've been good here for awhile, but we've really turned the corner this year.



So with all that said I am going with 9-7. We have a MUCH easier schedule this year, and we also have made some improvements. Couple those with the most important reason of all...........we cannot be that injury ridden this year as we were the last..lol.