2009 Cleveland Browns: Season Preview
By Wilson of Predictem.com
2008 Record: 4-12 (4th in AFC North) ATS 7-9, O/U 5-9
Stadium: Cleveland Browns Stadium
Head Coach: Eric Mangini
Superbowl Odds: +6000
Training Camp Site: Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio
Training Camp Dates: July 23 – August 16
Intro: The Cleveland Browns suffered a major setback last year as they were a favorite pick to be atop the AFC North, but an off-and-on offense never got rolling and the defense could not keep up with constantly being on the field. Needless to say, the Browns never lived up to their expectations in 2008.
Another thorn in the Brown’s side last season was the injuries and poor play of the QBs. QB’s Derrick Anderson and Brady Quinn both suffered injuries which ultimately led to the team’s inability to hang with the competition.
The Browns will enter the 2009 campaign with a lot of questions yet to be answered especially at the QB position but it will likely be Quinn behind center. Either way, the Browns have not scored an offensive TD in 24 quarters! That number is scary, very scary and may cause a mental issue as the entire team is well aware of the pathetic stat.
New head coach, Eric Mangini, will be charged with the task of turning this team around and his first move will be deciding who gets the start at QB. Mangini spent three seasons in New York with the Jets where he showed signs of brilliance but now he takes on the challenge to replenish a faded Browns program.
Who’s New? LB David Bowens, LB Eric Barton, DE Kenyon Coleman, S Abram Elam, OT George Foster, QB Brett Ratliff
Key Draft Picks: C Alex Mack (California Bears) WR Brian Robiskie (Ohio State Buckeyes)
Who’s gone? QB Ken Dorsey, TE Kellen Winslow, RB Jason Wright
Offense: The QB concern will be again, at the forefront and that will determine what direction the Browns go this season. Will it be the Quinn or Anderson? Look for Quinn to edge out Anderson even though Anderson has the stronger limb to chuck the ball deep.
WR Braylon Edwards will most likely be the offensive MVP if he can overcome his lackluster 2008 season. Edwards pulled in 80 passes in `07 and racked up over 1280 yards. If he can pick up his game and avoid mental errors (drops) he should carry the receiving corps if not the entire offense.
Jamaal Lewis will once again assume duties as the No. 1 RB out of the backfield. Lewis is a tough runner who can break tackles and takes care of the football. If Lewis carries the pigskin 20 or more times per game he will make an impact and tire out opposing defenses. Jerome Harrison will serve as backup RB. He can make plays when called on and has the ability to make guys miss in the open field.
The offensive line for the Browns will be decent and should provide enough protection and blocking to help the playmakers do their thing. With the addition of rookie Alex Mack, given that he takes the job away from Hank Fraley, the Browns look to be even stronger.
Defense: New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will operate out of the 3-4 scheme. Ryan’s number one concern on defense will be to improve the pass rushing game. Cleveland only had 17 sacks last year, and Ryan knows that number needs to go way up.
Leading the defense will be NT Shaun Rodgers. Rodgers was one the best defensive lineman in the NFL in 2008. At 350 pounds, Rodgers has incredible speed and his tackles amount to those more common to a linebacker. Other teams often double team him which is a great thing for the Browns as it usually creates an open lane for other defenders to attack the play.
The Brown’s defensive backs will need to step up as they have played inconsistent in recent years. The coaching staff is looking for CB’s Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald to pick up their games a bit and lead the secondary. Adding to the secondary leadership will be SS Abram Elam and FS Brodney Pool.
Linebacker, D’Qwell Jackson had a great `08 season with 154 tackles, 3 INT’s, and 2 sacks. Jackson is a guy the defense can’t afford to lose to injury or anything else.
Special Teams: Perhaps the brightest and best unit on the Browns entire roster is the special teams’ guys. Joshua Cribbs is one the best return guys in the league and has the speed to break away from the crowd and is tough enough o run through guys as well.
P Dave Zastudil was among the top of the league last year in net punting. PK Phil Dawson knocked down 30 of 36 FG attempts. I’d say the Browns just leave these guys alone and let them take care of their business. If it aint broke…
2009 Cleveland Browns Schedule:
September – 13 Minnesota Vikings
September – 20 at Denver Broncos
September – 27 at Baltimore Ravens
October – 4 Cincinnati Bengals
October – 11 at Buffalo Bills
October – 18 at Pittsburgh Steelers
October – 25 Green Bay Packers
November – 1 at Chicago Bears
November – 8 BYE
November – 16 Baltimore Ravens
November – 22 at Detroit Lions
November – 29 at Cincinnati Bengals
December – 6 San Diego Chargers
December – 10 Pittsburgh Steelers
December – 20 at Kansas City Chiefs
December – 27 Oakland Raiders
January – 3 Jacksonville Jaguars
Betting Odds and Projections:
Lets be real honest here, the Browns don’t exactly have a Pro-Bowl cast of playmakers on either side of the ball but they might just surprise some teams. If they get a QB who can lead, and stay healthy they may be able to put together a decent run for the division.
With new blood in the system from the top to the Offensive and Defensive coordinators, maybe this team will be rejuvenated and perform on a higher level.
The Vegas Sportsbooks and most Online Sportsbooks have the Browns at 60 to 1 (+6000) to win superbowl XLIV. The Browns like the role of underdog, so maybe this season will be their turning point. Luck to ya.
Editor's Picks - Each week our in house pro's tackle the week's card and make predictions on the week's games ATS! Best bets, top plays, premium selections, etc. FREE!
Expert NFL Picks - Free premium plays from the "real" expert football handicappers from around the web. Don't fall for second rate picks from ESPN, the NFL Network, Hank Goldberg or the screaming touts on TV.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We forecast the loudest barking dog of the week. Expect a 60% winning percentage with these plays.
Favorite of the Week Play - We examine "the chalk" and determine the safest bet in which who you should lay the points with. Forecasting winning favorites long term isn't easy, but we've had some pretty good luck with it over the years.
The Armchair Quarterback Predictions - ACQ makes an appearance at Predictem to give out his much coveted troika of free weekly NFL picks. Put your helmet on and tackle your bookie with these sick picks. He is simply FLAT NASTY!
Line Movement Plays - We report all the major line moves from the gridiron and forecast whether it's public money or sharp action causing the move.
NFL Consensus Picks - See what the general public is betting on. We use this info to fade the public to the tune of big profits over the course of the season.
NFL Trends - Don't ever let anybody tell you that the trend is your friend. These picks make great fades which is exactly what we do with them.
Monday Night Football Picks - The ultimate bailout play. Our MNF picks are golden and have hit 62% or better 3 out of the past 4 years. (Last season was a disaster!) Did we mention that their FREE?
Superbowl Predictions - Our take before the season on who we think will win Superbowl XLVI. We'll update with a final pick based on the actual remaining teams a week prior to the big game at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5th, 2012.
Super Bowl Picks - Everybody here in the Predictem office takes their best preseason shot at predicting the winner Superbowl 46. Pride is on the line here! Oh, and LOOT too! Picks will be updated a 2nd and final time two weeks before the Super Bowl plays.
Free UFL Picks - Point spread predictions for the United Football League each week of their season (starting in October).
5Dimes - Bet your NFL football picks at -105 odds every day of the week! 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Pleasers and huge point buying opportunities as well!
Intertops - Tired of deposit hassles? Bet on football using your credit card at a sportsbook where your Visa CAN and WILL work for deposits!
SBG Global - Best parlays odds online! Get paid 12-1 on 4 team parlays! Best at accepting credit cards for deposits too!
Football Bets - We explain all the different types of wagers that you can place on an NFL game and give advice on which ones good and which are sucker bets. We also explore the value of betting at reduce odds.
Superbowl Betting - We explain all the different types of wagers you can making including point spread bets, totals, moneylines and prop bets.
Statless NFL Handicapping - The quick, easy way and yes, it's effective!
Betting NFL Underdogs - It's the first thing you should consider every Sunday. We explain why.
Choosing an Online Sportsbook - We talk about things to consider before you commit to play at one.
Famous Football Quotes - From the inspirational to the greatest touchdown calls of all time. We've got them!
Pro Football Hall of Fame - A full list of NFL players who have been inducted into the NFL HOF.
The Spread - Offers free NFL football predictions, matchups, stats including both offensive and defensive and more!
Fantasy Football Sites - Get recommendations on where to find weekly updated player news, depth charts and legit websites that offer the best stat and record tracking for your fantasy football league.