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2009 Cleveland Browns NFL Season Predictions

Written June 16, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Cleveland Browns 2009 Predictions After nearly winning the division in 2007, the Cleveland Browns entered 2008 with expectations sky. Things didn’t exactly go as planned, and the Browns ended up finishing the season 4-12 and kicked head coach Romeo Crennel to the curb. The Browns hired head coach Eric Mangini, who was fired after another disappointing season with the Jets. Heading into the 2009 season the Browns look more like a team fighting to finish around .500 than a team fighting for a playoff spot.

WIth a new head coach, many times comes a lot of new faces, and that is exactly what happened this offseason for the Browns. The Browns added over 20 players via free agency, trades, and the draft, and with that you get a lot of new starters for the upcoming season. The Browns received safety Abram Elam and Kenyon Coleman in their trade with the Jets for the No.5 pick, and both are expected to start this season. A few moves the Browns made in free agency were the additions of corner Corey Ivy, offensive linemen John St. Clair and Floyd Womack, linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowen, and veteran wide receivers David Patten and Mike Furrey. The team also watched a fair share of players leave this offseason, including wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, linebacker Andra Davis, safety Sean Jones linebacker Willie McGinest, tackle Kevin Shafer, running back Jason Wright, and tight end Kellen Winslow. The Browns will likely also be without wideout Donte Stallworth because of a DUI manslaughter charge he received in March. The Browns made a number of moves in the draft including moving out of the No.5 overall pick. They ended up landing California offensive lineman Alex Mack with pick No. 21 and a couple of receivers in Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi in the 2nd round. The team also selected Hawaii defensive lineman David Veikune in the 2nd round, but plan to use him at inside linebacker. With so many players coming and going it is going to be very hard for this team to come together in just one season.

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The Browns once again have a battle for the starting quarterback job between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, both have their strengths but the longer this team goes without a set man under center, the longer its going to take this offense to gel together. The team is counting on another solid season from running back Jamal Lewis, and even though he is getting up there in age, the Browns feel he has enough left in the tank to run for over 1,000 yards again in 2009. The team needs to find someone to play opposite of Braylon Edwards in the receiving game, and Mangini wants to see electrifying return man Joshua Cribbs used more in the passing game. The offensive line should improve off a mediocre 2008. It looks as though newly added St. Clair will start at right tackle and Womack stepping in to play right guard. The left side is pretty well set with Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas and the solid left guard Eric Steinbach. I think Quinn ends up being the starting quarterback for this bunch, but I don’t know that this team will improve that much in 2009. Bet the Browns +900 to win the AFC North at Sportsbook.com.

On defense the Browns should improve up front, and they are really hoping that newly acquired defensive end Kenyon Coleman can be a big part of this team turning it around against the run. Joining Coleman up front in the 3-4 scheme is end Corey Williams and nose tackle Shaun Rogers. At linebacker the team is hoping Eric Barton can step in and be a force at inside linebacker along side D’Qwell Jackson. On the outside the team needs a more complete package from Kamerion Wimberly and Alex Hall, as both have a ways to go to be stars at their positions. In the secondary the Browns have to be a little worried about the corner play of Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright, as both were torched by the long ball last season. At the safety position newcomer Abram Elam will team up with Brodney Pool, and this duo needs to sure up the pass coverage if this team wants any shot at improving in 2009. Bet the Browns +7500 to win the NFC Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com.

My Prediction: 4th in the AFC North (6-10) I think the team is heading in the right direction, but I don’t think they are near ready to compete in the AFC North. Until they figure out who there starting quarterback is going to be and Mangini gets his system running the way he wants, this team will continue to lose football games.

Those of you looking to hit it big with your NFL picks this upcoming season, be sure to check back for our expert NFL picks and while your at it make sure you have the latest NFL odds for every game at Betfirms. See where the rest of the league stacks up in my 2009 NFL predictions article.

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