Cleveland Browns: Preparing for 2009

Cleveland started this offseason refusing to accept the failures of the past.

Gone are GM Phil Savage and Coach Romeo Crennel. Savage made the mistakes that are made by teams like the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. Championship teams are built, not bought.

Crennel seemed to be in over his head, showing that this branch of the Bill Belichick coaching tree was rotted before it ever had the chance to grow.

Former Jets' coach Eric Mangini was brought in to right the ship. Mangini had a successful stint, leading the Jets out of the basement of the AFC East, but never took them to a division crown.

Many questions are now left for the Dawg Pound that need answers.

Quarterback

Is it going to be Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson?

Anderson was benched for Quinn after the season had already been lost. After a somewhat decent start to his NFL starting career, Quinn was also injured, forcing Anderson back into action. Anderson didn't last long, before being injured himself and landing on IR.

It is important that there is no QB controversy this offseason. If Quinn is going to get the job, it needs to be now and for the year. Look for Anderson to possibly be traded before training camp.

Running Back

Jamal Lewis has his best days in his rear-view mirror. If the Browns want to compete this year, the replacement for Lewis has to be found NOW.

Wide Receiver

If Braylon Edwards wants to be considered an elite WR in the NFL, he is going to have to start holding onto the ball. Edwards has all of the gifts an elite receiver needs: speed, size, strength, but he needs to stop eating buttered popcorn before he goes on the field.

Tight End

Kellen Winslow could be a top TE if he can get his injuries and attitude in check.  Many people compared Junior to his dad coming out of the University of Miami. At this point, there can be no comparison.

Offensive Line

Joe Thomas is an absolute animal, and worthy of his high-draft status. Cleveland needs to get him some help so whomever they have under center can stay off his back.

Defense

So many problems, so little time. Last year, Leigh Bodden was traded for Shaun Rogers. Rogers is a beast, but now the Browns have no one in their secondary that can press the WRs.

The new management in Cleveland could learn a lot from the Pittsburgh Steelers.  They cannot think of this as a one-season plan. They have already started at the top of the organization. Now, they must take the time to build from within.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated has an amazing article of why the Steelers have been so successful. If the Browns follow it, maybe they too can some day be hoisting the Lombardi.

It just won't be this year.