Why Keeping Mangini Will Make The Browns The Surprise Team In 2009

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported a couple of minutes ago that Mike Holmgren will retain Eric Mangini and his staff for the 2010 season. My first though was a "Good for them. Good for all the Cleveland Browns fans who have been deprived from the playoffs"

The Browns finished with a four game win streak, against some pretty solid teams. I really liked the way Mangini ended the Browns' season, and I think he can carry that success into 2010.

In the last four games, the Browns were able to create an offense featuring Josh Cribbs and Jerome Harrison. The Browns were also able to develop a young receiving core later in the season.

The Browns offensive line has some talent, and Brady Quinn has shown some signs of life, I think Mangini just might pull this thing off. On defense the Browns have put together a talented young core of defenders.

I think the Browns could be a candidate to be a surprise team in 2009, but a lot hinges on five things...

1. Can Jerome Harrison take off where he left off in 2010?

2. Can Brady Quinn step his game up to the next level?

3. Will the Browns sign Josh Cribbs to a new deal?

4. Can the Browns add or develop a consistent pass catcher?

5. Can the Browns fight off the injury bug?

So your job now, is to tell me if the Browns can do those five things. If you think they can, the Browns will make the playoffs. If they can't well, Browns fans are familiar with this option.