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In the Hood: The AFC North - THE OFFSEASON IN THE AFC NORTH ~ The Cleveland Browns

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Posted On: 6/19/07
Written By:  
Eric Buckner
THE OFFSEASON IN THE AFC NORTH ~ The Cleveland Browns THE OFFSEASON IN THE AFC NORTH ~ The Cleveland Browns
After finishing off yet another dismal season in Cleveland following the city’s return to the NFL in 1999, the 2006 4-12 Browns faced another challenging off season. In year 3 of the Phil Savage / Romeo Crennel era, the Browns are hoping to re-build around a defense that showed some promise in 2006 behind a group of young and talented linebackers. Entering the middle of their 2006 schedule at 1-5, the Browns showed some character in narrow losses to the Broncos, Steelers, and Chargers and in victories over the Jets and Falcons.
 
The Browns have arguably made the most improvements to their roster out of all of the AFC North teams, but have they made enough of them to get them out of the basement of the division in 2007? Nine players were lost, but 12 players were acquired during the free agency period. To win in the NFL, you have to be able to run the ball with some consistency, something which the Browns have struggled with in recent years.
 
Significant efforts were made to improve the rushing game and the O-line with the signings of RB Jamal Lewis (Ravens), C/G Seth McKinney (Dolphins), G Eric Steinbach (Bengals), and #1 draft choice T Joe Thomas (Wisconsin). In addition to the problems with the ground attack, many believe that the Browns need a change at QB, where Charlie Frye has shown flashes, but remains inconsistent and has thrown several interceptions during crucial game situations. Many draft observers applauded the team’s move to get Brady Quinn with the 22nd overall pick, but it came at a price, i.e. this year’s 2nd round pick and next year’s 1st round pick. ITH wonders whether Quinn will become a franchise QB. Teams that needed a QB at draft time like the Dolphins and Vikings passed on Quinn. Time will tell if this was the right move or not. ITH does expect that the Browns offense will be more consistent and better in 2007. 
 
Defensively, the Browns have been slowly stockpiling good young talent like LB D’Qwell Jackson and Kamerion Wimbley from the 2006 draft, and this year they picked up CB Eric Wright (UNLV) with their 3rd round pick. Their back 7 will be young and improving and the team made some moves to compensate for an aging D-line including the pick-up of DT Robaire Smith (Titans) and DT Shaun Smith (Bengals). Other notable acquisitions on defense include S Mike Adams (49ers), LB Antwan Peek (Texans), and CB Kenny Wright (Redskins).
 
Browns fans attending training camp will need to pick up roster sheets to figure out who’s who in 2007.
 
Next up...the Pittsburgh Steelers
 
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Posted On: 6/19/07
Written By:  
Eric Buckner

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