2009 Expectations? No One Really Knows When it Comes to the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns exceeded its expectations in 2007 by winning 10 games and falling just short of the playoffs. Then, they failed miserably to meet high expectations in 2008, finishing 4-12.

Realistically, the Browns have been a 7-8 win team the past two years, but it hasn’t shown up in their record. If things go well for them in 2009, they could win 8-9 games and contend for a playoff spot. If they don’t, the Browns are looking at 4-6 wins.

Browns fans have certainly seen each side of the spectrum in recent years.

1. Get the players to believe
If the Browns hope to contend this season, the first thing new coach Eric Mangini must do is rebuild the fractured psyche of his team coming off a dreadful season.

Several players are coming off disappointing seasons, and must be able to shrug it off and start fresh this year with a new focus.

If Mangini is unable to get his message through to his players, the Browns will continue to dwell in the AFC North basement.

2. Improve the running game
Forget the quarterback controversy and all the hype surrounding it.

Lets make this clear: the Browns have to get better production from their running backs if they have chance of competing in the AFC North against the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals.

Starter Jamal Lewis averaged 3.6 yards per carry, and it usually seemed like less than that.

Backup Jerome Harrison was seldom used in the offense last season, and even when he did touch the ball his impact was limited.

Cleveland consistently found itself in second or third and long situations because they were unable to run effectively on first down. Lewis also appears to be fading at this point of his career, which could end up being a major setback for the team.

However, some of it falls on play-calling. The Browns were very pass-happy at times in 2008, making a second down run call very predictable. For any running game to work, the team must make a commitment to the run.

But if Lewis can't improve his yard-per-carry average or backup Jerome Harrison can't make an impact, the Browns will struggle again.

3. Defensive front seven, please stand up
Just as important as being able to run the ball to take pressure off the quarterback, the Browns have to get better at stopping the opposition from running right at them and must pressure the quarterback during passing situations.

General Manager George Kokinis acquired former Jets linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens, as well as defensive lineman Kenyon Coleman to add a boost to their front seven, but how big of an impact they'll have is still a mystery.

Outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley has been unable to assert himself as a consistent playmaker, leaving nose tackle Shaun Rogers and linebacker D'Qwell Jackson as the only two above-average defensive playmakers on the roster.

A lot of people are quick to point fingers at the secondary when things aren't going well, but the fact is the defensive backs will only be as good as the linemen and linebackers allow them to be.

4. Finally choose a quarterback
Mangini must finally decide on a starting quarterback and stick with his decision.

Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn have each shown promise, but each has flaws.

Anderson flopped last season after throwing 29 touchdowns and earning a selection to the Pro Bowl in ‘07, and Quinn’s broken finger in his throwing hand stunted his progression after two quality performances in the first two starts of his career.

Mangini needs to bring some stability to the position, but the question remains: Could he start Anderson and risk possibly alienating his fan base, which favors Quinn?

5. Get the most out of what you've got
The main thing Mangini must accomplish, just like any coach, is maximize the potential of the players on his roster.

The play of wide receiver Braylon Edwards basically sums up the Browns over the past two years—a Pro Bowl appearance (10 wins) in 2007, and 16 drops (four wins) in 2008.

After deciding not to trade Edwards to the New York Giants during the offseason, Mangini needs to get him back on track to a reliable pass catcher.

Young cornerbacks Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald each had good and bad moments during their first two seasons in the league, but has proven to be solid a starter in the league.

Like Braylon Edwards on offense, Mangini must maximize the ability of Wimbley, who had 11 sacks as a rookie, but just nine in the last two seasons combined.

While Wimbley's sack total declined in 2007, he was still able to get consistent pressure. But in 2008, even that ability appeared to decline.

6. Evaluating talent
Although we won't know how the 2009 draft turns out for the Browns until a few years down the road, it's vital that they've made solid draft choices that will help the team for years to come.

It's obvious, but if any fewer than two of their top four picks don't turn into solid starters, it will set the franchise back.

But even more than starters, the Browns desperately need depth. It's amazing that a team consistently picking in the top 10-15 in the draft still is searching for decent backups at multiple positions.

The Browns are very thin at corner, safety, running back, wide receiver and outside linebacker right now.

Also, making the wrong choice on who should start at quarterback could be detrimental to the team's future. But a long-term decision must be made. Rotating between the two is no longer an option.

Whatever decision Mangini makes better be the right one. His job depends on it.