This year like any other year should prove difficult for the Browns to win games. It is a challenge to look at the roster and find a true star. The biggest on the team is LT Joe Thomas, outside of that the Browns are in deep trouble on both sides of the ball. Starting at QB Jake Delhomme shouldn’t produce any better than he did last year in Carolina which saw him run a talented team into the ground. Making his situation worse is the fact that Joshua Cribbs, a return man is the best receiving threat on the team. Also included in the mix are Mohammad Massaquoi and Benjamin Watson, both average targets at best. In the backfield, last year’s flame Jerome Harrison looks to build on a solid 2009 finish and could be challenged by rookie Montario Hardesty for carries. A likely scenario by season’s end due to poor QB play would be a running back by committee style. A bright spot on the team is the offensive line that boasts Thomas, Eric Steinbach and Alex Mack, all potential Pro Bowl players. The success of Harrison and Hardesty will depend greatly if the unit can stay healthy and productive. Other than that the conservative play calling of the Browns attack shouldn’t amount to any spectacular totals other than the potential of Cribbs and Harrison.
On the defense there is talent yet not a lot of depth. Shaun Rogers anchors the middle of a large, yet slow line that will not pressure the QB enough to change games. At linebacker D’Qwell Jackson carries a unit that has veterans a plenty, yet their youth and durability are question marks. In the secondary the Browns have an interesting trio of players at CB. Veterans Sheldon Brown and Eric Wright along with first round selection Joe Haden make for a difficult tandem no matter which set is on the field. At safety no talent exists, and I wouldn’t be surprised by the end of training camp, if Brown isn’t moved to one of those spots.
For Cleveland in 2010 look for struggles precipitated by the lack of talent on the offensive side of the ball. The difficulty the Browns will face in scoring will put added pressure on the defensive to play to a level they are capable of, yet for 16 games seems unlikely. The best hope for the Browns is if backup QBs Seneca Wallace or Colt McCoy comes through if Delhomme implodes. Other than that look for a three win season at best.
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