Who is to Say Eric Mangini Can't Turn the Cleveland Browns Around?

The Cleveland Browns will enter the 2009 NFL season with fear. Fear of having their no offensive touchdown streak continuing. Fear of losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers once again. Fear of failure.

These are just some of the many things the Browns will have to get off their back. To be honest though, the Browns can't go anywhere but up, and that is where they are headed.

In 2006, Eric Mangini was hired as the New York Jets new head coach. He took them from a 4-12 team to a 10-6 team. Though they lost in the playoffs, they did make it there nonetheless.

They didn't make the playoffs the two seasons after that, but Mangini brought them back to a winning team. Why can't he do it with the Cleveland Browns? He has put the correct pieces into place.

On offense, Mangini has added and subtracted some receivers, upgraded the offensive line, signed some 'backs, and retained both quarterbacks.

Predicted starting lineup:

QB- Brady Quinn
RB- Jamal Lewis
FB- Lawrence Vickers
WR1- Braylon Edwards
WR2- Brian Robiskie
TE- Robert Royal
LT- Joe Thomas
LG- Eric Steinbach
C- Alex Mack
RG- Floyd Womack
RT- John St. Clair

You may not think so, but this is a good starting lineup. It will be a run first, ball control offense. Quinn shouldn't struggle in this style, as he is accurate on short passes and is a game management QB.

Lewis is a downhill runner, and had an off year last season. The O-line is now improved in both talent and depth, and the rest of the position players can block. James Davis and Jerome Harrison will help the running game as well.

The receivers are better than perceived. Edwards is a deep threat and a big (redzone) target. Robiskie is a tall possession receiver that will become Quinn's best friend. The other receivers are all different and will find important roles as well.

Joshua Cribbs will find a very important role in many complex plays, depending on the coaches. Wildcat and rushing attempts are in Josh's future.

The tight end position could very well see three different players week in and week out. Royal and Steve Heiden will be primarily blockers to help the running game, with Martin Rucker being the "hands," of the position.

The O-line's strong side is obviously the left with Thomas and Steinbach. The right side will have to prove themselves but shouldn't expect not too. They have many starter candidates and if one doesn't work out, use your next best option.

Don't expect six weeks of no offensive touchdowns again, especially with a new strict coaching style. The offensive will be a smashmouth unit that, even though it will be slow moving, will produce results.

The defense is looking good as well. Although it may not be one of the best, it will do better this year.

Predicted starting lineup:

RDE- Kenyon Coleman
NT- Shaun Rogers
LDE- Corey Williams
ROLB- Kamerion Wimbley
ILB- Eric Barton
ILB- D'Qwell Jackson
LOLB- Alex Hall
CB1- Roderick Hood
CB2- Eric Wright
FS- Brodney Pool
SS- Abram Elam

This isn't a jaw-dropping defensive unit, but it don't overlook it. Many players have something to prove or earn, and a strict mindset could straighten things out for it.

The defensive line is looking deep more than anything. Besides the starters, they have Robaire Smith, Shaun Smith, Louis Leonard, CJ Mosley, Santonio Thomas, and Ahtyba Rubin. With experienced players and Rogers manning up the middle, the line should see sucess.

Then comes the underrated linebackers. Jackson and Barton are tackling machines, while Wimbley and Hall can create a pass-rush. If Hall can create a consistent pass-rush, then Wimbley will have a great season.

The secondary just became stronger with the addition of Hood. With Hood, previously presumed starter Brandon McDonald should move back on the depth chart. Behind him are veterans Corey Ivy and Hank Poteat, and the rookies Don Carey and Coye Francies.

The Browns had a key loss with the departure of Sean Jones, but Abram Elam could be a blessing in disguise. He is a solid tackling safety who should blossom with a full-time starting role. Brodney Pool is now has the most tenure as a Brown's deepback, and should look to have a breakout year.

The defensive shouldn't have any flashy superstars but will look to bring good consistent play. 

Then comes the special teams, which have been a strength of the Browns the last few seasons.

Predicted starting lineup:

K- Phil Dawson
P- Dave Zastudil
KR- Joshua Cribbs
PR- Cribbs
LS- Ryan Pontriaband

Their kicker Dawson is a team leader and is one of the best kickers in the NFL. Zastudil isn't great but very consistent and always shows up to play. Pontriaband is a great longsnapper for the team.

Cribbs is just a beast. He always does something with the ball, and gets the Browns those few extra yards that could be so useful in the long run. Sometimes he just forgets those extra yards and decides to score a touchdown himself.

It should be one of the better special teams in the NFL.

So who is to say Mangini can't turn the Browns around like he did the Jets?The team is way better than people think. Add the strict coaching and the team-first veterans added to the equation, you got yourself something.

I'm not saying expect them to make the playoffs but don't be too surprised if they finish around the .500 mark.

GO BROWNS!!!