by Daniel Reinard

Created on: March 18, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The Cleveland Browns finished the 2007 season with a 10-6 record and just missed the playoffs. Romeo Crennel was under intense pressure to provide results or risk getting fired. He delivered a solid season from what was thought to be one of the worst teams in the NFL. Can the Browns improve enough to make the playoffs in 2008?

The Browns need to put the fire out on a brewing QB controversy before it gets ugly. Derek Anderson the favored 2008 starter had a surprisingly good 2007 season that began when then starter Charlie Frye was traded only 1 week into the season. The result a new 3 year contract for Derek Anderson and a disgruntled Brady Quinn. Quinn figured to be starting for the Browns in the near future after being drafted in the 1st round of the 2007 draft. With the contract given to Anderson it is obvious the Quinn will not get that opportunity with the Browns. The Browns have made a firm and solid commitment to Anderson and should look to trade Quinn during the 2008 draft.

How have the Browns helped themselves this offseason. They have traded for DT Corey Williams and DT Shaun Rogers which should solidify their interior defense. They have along with Anderson re-signed both CB Gary Braxter and RB Jamal Lewis to provide veteran leadership. The lone key free agent acquired to this point would be Donte Stallworth. Taking a chance on Stallworth being healthy is worth the risk because the Browns are already solid on offense without him. The two big DT's will lead Cleveland to a much improved defensive performance.

The 2008 NFL draft has the Cleveland Browns without a pick until the 4th round. So rather than taking a wild guess on that pick I will instead predict that Brady Quinn will get traded. My vision has Quinn and some other compensation going to Tampa Bay for the 20th pick in the draft. The Browns will take Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with that pick.

So will the Cleveland Browns make the 2008 playoffs? The answer is yes with a modest one game improvement an 11-5 record. The Browns will have a shot to win on wildcard weekend but expect much beyond that. So an improvement to be proud of but not enough to eclipse the AFC elite.

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