If there was a big winner in the NFL Draft this year, the Cleveland Browns are arguably that team. Although rookies are generally not expected to come in and make immediate impacts, the Browns drafted two players that should provide immediate production. Both offensive tackle Joe Thomas and quarterback Brady Quinn are expected to see action. These two will combine to help turnaround a team that many feel took a step in the wrong direction with a 4-12 record last year.
A significant factor in Cleveland’s poor record last season was their -15 in turnover margin. Simply put, they gave the ball up too easy and couldn’t force their opponent to turn it over due to a lack of playmakers on defense. The additions of Thomas and Quinn will help in that area even though they’re on the offensive side of the ball. The reason for this is we sense an overall improved attitude in the Browns locker room. Romeo Crennel is in his third season at the helm and he has him team coming into this season with a little more bounce in their step!
As we've stated before, we firmly believe that many NFL games are won and lost because of what takes place in the trenches. That said, the Browns improvements to their offensive line are of real significance coming into this season. The Browns picked up a tremendous asset in free agency with OL Eric Steinbach and the drafting of Thomas reeled in the best offensive lineman available in the draft.
The drafting of Quinn is a good fit in Cleveland because the Browns system is quite similar to what Quinn ran at Notre Dame. Keep in mind that the Irish are led by head coach Charlie Weis who use to be the offensive coordinator with the Patriots. This is significant because the Browns have been working more and more of New England's system into their own playbook. This will result in a faster than expected transition for Quinn and eventually this well lead to a great improvement on the offensive side of the ball. Charlie Frye’s days are numbered as the Browns QB!
Being able to control the ball better on offense this year should help the Browns defensively as the Browns defensive units won’t have to spend so much time on the field. The Browns' defense will also benefit from personnel upgrades on that side of the ball. The Browns should see some immediate improvement in the secondary where they made significant upgrades this off-season. They drafted CB Eric Wright in the second round and also added cornerback Kenny Wright and safety Mike Adams. All three additions should keep teams from throwing at will, which they have done in the past as Browns fans will attest too! One area the Browns are not deep is their defensive line but they did make some “decent” additions in free agency and through the draft to help bolster the depth there.
As is the case in most situations where we are predicting a team to go over their projected win total, the schedule has to play in their favor too. Looking at the AFC North division, we believe the Ravens clearly overachieved last season. In Cincinnati, the Bengals continue to deal with off the field problems. In Pittsburgh, the Steelers will be adjusting to life with a new head coach. In other words, the Browns certainly will have opportunities to pick up wins within the division. In fact, they get all three division foes at home within the first four weeks of the season! This is a fantastic opportunity for the Browns to get off to a quick start this season and that could key a surprisingly respectable season.
Based on the Browns performance last year many may be surprised to see their win total posted at 6 this season. However, contrary to ‘Joe Public’, we obviously feel their improvements are much more significant than first meets the eye. As a result, they should indeed improve and, as a result, they will surprise many people when they end up flirting with a .500 record this season.
Cleveland Browns OVER 6 Wins +110
