There is hope once again in Cleveland, as the Browns are putting their trust in new president Mike Holmgren to lead this team to a Super Bowl. Head coach Eric Mangini likely saved his job after he led the Browns to four consecutive victories to finish off the 2009 season, but don't expect Mangini to stick around much longer if this team starts 1-11 again. Here is a look at what the Browns will be sending onto the field on both sides of the ball in 2010, plus my prediction on where they finish the year in the AFC North.
Offense: This offseason the Browns had a complete makeover at the quarterback position. Both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson are gone, and the new starter is former Carolina Panther Jake Delhomme, who lost his job in Carolina after throwing just eight touchdowns to 18 interceptions in 2010. The Browns drafted Colt McCoy, but don't plan on playing him this season.
The Browns look like they could have one of the better backs in the league in Jerome Harrison, but the question is whether or not he can last for a full season. To help soften the load on Harrison the Browns traded up in the draft to select Montario Hardesty, who could be very good if he can stay healthy.
The Browns leading receiver in 2009 was rookie Mohamed Massaquoi, but he had just 34 catches for 624 yards and three touchdowns. The hope is that they will get better play out of Brian Robiskie, Joshua Cribbs, or Chansi Stuckey this season. The Browns also drafted Carlton Mitchell out of South Florida in the sixth round.
The offensive line is the best unit on this side of the ball, as they have one of the best left tackles in the game in Joe Thomas, who has played in the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons. The Browns added tackle Tony Pashos to possibly take over right tackle from John St. Clair. Center Alex Mack was outstanding in his rookie season, and it won't be long before he is considered one of the top centers in the NFL.
Defense: The Browns are anchored in the middle of the defensive line by veteran Shaun Rogers, but it's likely he will be suspended for part of the season after getting caught with a gun at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. The Browns are hoping to get a little more out of veteran ends Robaire Smith and Kenyon Coleman, as neither did much to talk about in 2009.
The Browns got a little better at linebacker this offseason with the addition of Scott Fujita from New Orleans, and he should team up well with D'Qwell Jackson on the inside. Cleveland traded away Kamerion Wimbley to the Raiders, and are hoping that Matt Roth can bring the pressure from the outside. The Browns also traded for Chris Gocong from the Eagles, and he should be a solid backup to both Roth and veteran David Bowens.
The Browns figure to be much better in the secondary this season after adding corner Joe Haden in the first round and safety T.J. Ward in the second of this year's draft. Haden is expected to battle newcomer Sheldon Brown for the starting corner job opposite of Eric Wright, while Ward is expected to start opposite of Abram Elam at safety.
Prediction - 4th AFC North: It's hard telling exactly what to expect from the Browns this season, as they still are weak in a number of areas. They key will be the play of Delhomme, if he gets things figured out, this team should be much more competitive in 2010.
Check out where the rest of the teams in the NFL stack up in our 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on betting the NFL this season, be sure to stop back each week to check out our live NFL odds page.
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