AFC NORTH - CLEVELAND BROWNS

2006 PREVIEW

The Browns were competitive in almost every game last season despite limited personnel, which is a tribute to Coach Romeo Crennel. However while Cleveland did upgrade somewhat in the off-season, we do not feel they improved enough to escape the AFC North cellar unless Carson Palmer misses the whole season for Cincinnati.

The biggest question we have is whether or not Charlie Frye is a bona fide NFL starting quarterback. The Browns seem to think so having traded away Trent Dilfer, but we have our doubts about Frye, who tossed six interceptions vs. just four touchdown passes last season. We feel this critical position is the single-most reason Cleveland will not improve as much as some people would hope. Running back Rueben Droughns is the bright spot of this offensive unit as he returns after rushing for 1232 yards on 4.0 yards per carry last year. However the Browns lost their leading receiver of 2005 in Antonio Bryant, and the newly acquired Joe Jurevicius is more of a receiving type than the speed threat that Bryant was. The Browns did plug a hole in the offensive line by signing free agent center LeCharles Bentley away from New Orleans.

The Browns were respectable defensively last season ranking 14 th in the NFL. However similar to the New York Jets, the only reason why Cleveland ranked so high in pass defense (3 rd) was that its run defense was atrocious, surrounding an astounding 137.6 rushing yards per game. The Browns did add some veteran leadership in linebacker Willie McGinest, who should have a positive influence both on the field and in the clubhouse, but they still need to stop the run a lot better before being expected to move up the standings.

2006 Prediction: 4 th Place AFC North