Do the Cleveland Browns Have Any Hope in 2009?

Starting over. The hallmark of the Cleveland Browns since they were brought back from extinction. While perhaps not the worst NFL team of the last decade, they certainly are part of the conversation. They've turned the reigns over to Head Coach Eric Mangini, who has as many winning seasons in the last 3 years with the Jets (2) as the Browns have had in the last 10 years. Is there any hope that the Browns will be playing meaningful football in December?

Reason for Optimism

Two years ago, this team won 10 games and barely missed the playoffs. Ranked number 8 in scoring in the NFL, it was seen as dynamic offense that could overcome its mediocre defense. Derek Anderson was seen as an up & coming quarterback, Braylon Edwards was going to join the elite group of wide receivers and Jamal Lewis found the fountain of youth. While last year was a struggle for all 3 players, if they can regain their 2007 form, they could once again be an elite offense and score enough points to put them in contention every week.

Reason for Pessimism

Derek Anderson is battling Brady Quinn for the starting job, Edwards can't catch a cold and Lewis is turning the dreaded 30 years-old for a running back. To expect the 2007 offense to come back is to expect the 2007 real estate market to come back. Not going to happen.

Reason for Optimism

The schedule is quite favorable as the Browns will face several teams in transition - including Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Oakland & two against Cincinnati. If they can win 5 of these 6 games, it will give them confidence against the meat of their schedule. With Jacksonville, Green Bay, Minnesota at home and Buffalo & Chicago on the road, these 5 teams are expected to beat the Browns, but all of these teams have flaws that could quickly spiral their season out of control, giving the Browns an opportunity at winning 3 of them. While the 2 games against Pittsburgh & Baltimore and 1 game against San Diego should be 5 losses, if they can pull an upset in one them, 9 wins is not out of the question.

Reason for Pessimism

While reviewing their schedule, every team on the aforementioned schedule is chalking up the Browns as a victory. Even Detroit. The talent levels - and potential flaws - are similar and to expect the Browns to win 60%, let alone over 75% of the games might be expecting too much.

Overall Prognosis

Browns fans won't have much to look forward to this year. Success will not be measured in wins & losses as anything over 5 wins should be considered gravy. However, if either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson can prove he is the quarterback of the future, then the team will have settled the leagues most important position and can build around him for 2010 and beyond.

(All Statistics Source) http://www.pro-football-reference.com/
(2009 Schedule Info) http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/