2008 Cleveland Browns Insight
Quarterback Derek Anderson Re-Signs, Will Defense Surprise In 2008?
Quarterback Derek Anderson returns to the Dawg Pound after a Pro Bowl season in 2007 with playoff hopes in’08. Running back Jamal Lewis resurrected the Browns ground game, which had been missing for years. What was missing in ’07 was a defense. GM Phil Savage did some re-tooling and expects better results in ’08.
2008 Cleveland Browns Offense: Can QB Derek Anderson Lead Browns to Playoffs?
The Browns are relying on Anderson to show why they re-signed him instead of giving Brady Quinn the lead role on offense. Anderson had a 10-5 record in ‘07 with almost 4,000 yards and 29TD. He signed a three year deal and expects to be the starter if he performs up to par. Back-up QB Brady Quinn will have to wait and see when his chance will arrive. Cleveland’s in a good spot with two solid quarterbacks.
The offensive line is led by second year tackle Joe Thomas. Thomas had an excellent rookie year and received a Pro Bowl invite. Veterans Seth McKinney and Ryan Tucker return to help anchor what was a solid unit in ‘07.
The Browns offense received even more firepower when they signed receiver Donte Stallworth. Stallworth has big play ability and should complement Braylon Edwards nicely. In 2007, Edwards had a break-out year with 80 receptions, 1,289 yards and 16TD; earning him a Pro Bowl nod. Joe Jurevicius and TE Kellen Winslow are also big play makers on offense. Winslow returns after catching 82 balls for a TE record 1,106 yards.
Running back Jamal Lewis also re-signed in the off-season. Lewis revived his career in ‘07 gaining 1,304 yards on the ground and 9TD. His 4.4 yards per carry was his best mark since his 2,000 yard season in ‘03 when his average was 5.3. GM Phil Savage and coach Crennel hope Jamal can repeat his ‘07 performance. There isn’t much on the depth chart behind Lewis. An injury could prove devastating to Cleveland’s playoff chances.
2008 Cleveland Browns Defense: Will Signing Shaun Rogers Improve Defense?
The Browns decided to trade their early draft picks to acquire both defensive lineman Corey Williams of the Packers and Shaun Rogers of the Lions, respectively. Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker should be able to rely on them to improve upon the Browns 30th ranked defense in ’07. Cleveland ranked 27th against the run and 24th against the pass. Teamed with DE Robaire Smith, Williams and Rogers make up a huge defensive line. Each player is over 300 pounds, respectively.
While using the 3-4 defense, the linebackers can excel even more given the double teams the defensive line are sure to demand. Kamerion Wimbley and Andra Davis could combine for 300 tackles alone. It also frees up the linebackers to be able to blitz and put pressure on the quarterback.
The problem lies in the secondary, with SS Sean Jones being the only starter with experience. Projected starters at corner, Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald have just fifteen starts combined with Wright having thirteen of those starts. Unless corners Terry Cousin(12yrs) and Gary Baxter(8yrs) find the fountain of youth, the Browns secondary could be in trouble.
Insight into 2008
Overall a solid team. If the d-line can help the secondary force some turnovers by putting pressure on the QB, the defense should be alright. Look forward to the offense to put up big numbers as in ‘07. The Dawg Pound could very well be playoff bound in 2008.
