Best-Case Scenario for the Cleveland Browns' 2012-13 Season

The problem with putting together a best-case scenario for any given NFL team is the need to keep it realistic. Sure, the "best case" for every team is ideally an undefeated record, a Super Bowl victory.

But few teams have the kind of perfect storm that leads them to that ending. What's the point of a best-case scenario if it doesn't really apply to the team we're discussing?

That's why this examination of the Browns' best-case scenario needs to be attainable. That's why talking about a Super Bowl 2012-13 season just doesn't make sense for them right now. The best thing that can happen to the Browns this year is a 9-7 record that includes some key divisional victories.

Not that we need any reminder, but since the Browns reformed as a franchise in 1999, they've had just two winning seasons and a lone playoff appearance.

As such, Cleveland is in the midst of yet another rebuilding process, this time under the aegis of team president Mike Holmgren, general manager Tom Heckert and second-year head coach Pat Shurmur.

This rebuilding process took an aggressive turn this offseason. The Browns added two free agent defensive ends to help bolster what was a terrible run defense last year.

They addressed their issue at right tackle in the draft, took quarterback Brandon Weeden in the first round and picked up difference-making running back Trent Richardson with the third overall pick to replace the unreliable Peyton Hillis.

Now the Browns head into the offseason not with a quarterback controversy but with a legitimate battle, the outcome of which will prove to be the best option for a team that's lacked such a thing for season after season.

There's a lot to be excited about with both Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden, and either quarterback could have a respectable season this year despite the cries of many nay-sayers that the Browns are incapable of significant improvement at the position.

Part of this negativity comes from the state of the Browns receiving corps. No. 1 receiver Greg Little tied for the second-most drops last season, with 14.

Behind him are Mohamed Massaquoi,—who hasn't been the same since suffering multiple concussions (most notably one at the end of the 2010-11 season)—rookie Travis Benjamin, return man-turned-receiver Josh Cribbs, slot receiver Jordan Norwood and a number of odds and ends, including undrafted rookie Josh Cooper.

However, those dedicated receivers aren't the only targets available to McCoy and Weeden—they also have five tight ends on the roster, with at least three of them being viable threats in the passing game.

They also have the aforementioned Richardson, who—in addition to his 1,679 rushing yards and rushing touchdowns last year for Alabama—also caught 29 passes for 338 yards and three scores.

Whether it's Weeden or McCoy under center this year, Little should have a rebound in his sophomore season. What Little needs most is time on the field, a full offseason of practice and greater familiarity with his offense—all of which he is or will be getting, and should result in better performance.

Bottom line is that the Browns need to field a more competitive offense as a whole this season as well as stiffen up considerably on defense. These are two things they've accomplished, it seems, at least on paper.

If it translates to the field, then wins are sure to follow. The Browns' schedule isn't the easiest,—it's never an easy schedule when your division is the AFC North—but there are a number of games that they can win.

Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles presents the Browns with an opportunity to catch an up-and-coming team off guard. The same goes with the team's two early-season contests against the Cincinnati Bengals, one of which could certainly go in the Browns' favor.

The rebuilding Indianapolis Colts in Week 7 is a crucial road game for Cleveland, but one that is certainly winnable. Think of the Colts as in a similar situation as the Browns, but without a playmaker like Trent Richardson on their roster.

Another team the Browns could catch off guard is the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11. I personally think this is going to be a season rife with struggle for the Cowboys, and that's a situation the Browns could take advantage of.

While it might sound crazy, a late-season three-game win streak could be in the Browns' future. In Weeks 13-15, they take on the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Redskins.

Of those three, it seems only the Chiefs could prove to be particularly dangerous this year. Yes, the Redskins have Robert Griffin III, the quarterback once coveted by the Browns, but their defense could prove to be a major liability this season.

A win against the Baltimore Ravens could potentially happen this season as well. In Week 3, the Ravens host the New England Patriots and follow that up with the Browns.

Baltimore showed last season that it can underestimate even the most underdog of opponents; with all the changes that team has seen this offseason, that propensity to occasionally choke is amplified. It would also prove to be quite the momentum- and morale-building victory.

Another early-season contest in which the team hosts the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 could also provide the Browns with a win.

Add it all up, and those are nine games the Browns could realistically win if their efforts toward improvement are all they are currently hoped to be.

It's not going to be the best record in the NFL, of course, but for the Browns, 9-7 represents a major leap forward and a reason to be optimistic about the future. Clearly, those are two things the team needs the most this year.

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