Predictions or lack there of
While the consensus is clear -- no one has a clue how the Browns will perform this year -- this blogger is willing to committ. Despite an offseason filed with unknowns, the cup is more than half full.
2003 prediction: 10-6, and a wildcard berth. They'll finish 4-2 in the AFC North, beating the Steelers twice and the Bengals and Ravens once each.
The Browns offense will be among the best in the NFL, charging out of the gate with a strong passing game and turning up the rushing attack as the season progresses -- it won't be the '99 Rams but it will evoke a few memories. 7 players will have over 20 receptions. The team will throw for 30+ TDs/3800 yards and rush for close to 2000, making the team a top 10 offense.
The defense will be porous at times, especially early, but will generate turnovers and be a good unit by midseason. There is no way Campo and Davis allow the defense to get worked week to week. I expect Warren, Lang and Roye to be a handful upfront. Gardner will play a lot vs. the run, but otherwise expect a youth movement at LB -- and their athleticism makes mroe plays than their inexperience concedes. Generating a pass rush is will be interesting -- either Lang + Word are turned loose, or a guy like Thompson will emerge. Most likely the team will play the pass straight up, letting their LBs cover a lot of ground and making quarterbacks beat them. If the defense proves adequate, the Browns are in business.
Special teams should be very good, especially if we see Northcutt 2002 instead of the 2000 version. I have a hunch Gardocki will rebound from a sub-par 2002, and Dawson has developed into a kicker who can reliably hit from 40+ yards.
There will be a couple bumps in the road. It's likely there will be a QB change at some point, though I think Couch's raw talent will show itself now that he is being pushed. Injuries will come, but the team has some solid depth now and should be able to weather its fair share. And the team may lose to the Bengals, but not more than once.
Offensive Leaders:
Passing Yards: Couch
Rushing Yards: Green
Receiving Yards: Morgan
Receptions: White
Defensive Leaders:
Tackles: Griffith
Sacks: Thompson
Interceptions: Little
2003 prediction: 10-6, and a wildcard berth. They'll finish 4-2 in the AFC North, beating the Steelers twice and the Bengals and Ravens once each.
The Browns offense will be among the best in the NFL, charging out of the gate with a strong passing game and turning up the rushing attack as the season progresses -- it won't be the '99 Rams but it will evoke a few memories. 7 players will have over 20 receptions. The team will throw for 30+ TDs/3800 yards and rush for close to 2000, making the team a top 10 offense.
The defense will be porous at times, especially early, but will generate turnovers and be a good unit by midseason. There is no way Campo and Davis allow the defense to get worked week to week. I expect Warren, Lang and Roye to be a handful upfront. Gardner will play a lot vs. the run, but otherwise expect a youth movement at LB -- and their athleticism makes mroe plays than their inexperience concedes. Generating a pass rush is will be interesting -- either Lang + Word are turned loose, or a guy like Thompson will emerge. Most likely the team will play the pass straight up, letting their LBs cover a lot of ground and making quarterbacks beat them. If the defense proves adequate, the Browns are in business.
Special teams should be very good, especially if we see Northcutt 2002 instead of the 2000 version. I have a hunch Gardocki will rebound from a sub-par 2002, and Dawson has developed into a kicker who can reliably hit from 40+ yards.
There will be a couple bumps in the road. It's likely there will be a QB change at some point, though I think Couch's raw talent will show itself now that he is being pushed. Injuries will come, but the team has some solid depth now and should be able to weather its fair share. And the team may lose to the Bengals, but not more than once.
Offensive Leaders:
Passing Yards: Couch
Rushing Yards: Green
Receiving Yards: Morgan
Receptions: White
Defensive Leaders:
Tackles: Griffith
Sacks: Thompson
Interceptions: Little
posted by Michael @ 11:06 AM
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