Let There Be Hope: How To Gauge the Browns Success For 2009

2007's miraculous run gave way to 2008's ridiculous disaster and disappointment for Browns fans.

Now with the entire Savage-Crennel era over and done with, the Cleveland Browns hope the fourth time's the charm with Eric Mangini at the helm.

Free agency gave the organization an opportunity to add depth at important positions such as the OL, LB corps, and the secondary. Players such as Floyd Womack, Eric Barton, and Roderick Hood have come on board to help right the ship that has been wronged almost annually since 1999.

But how are we supposed to measure success for a team that has been the only team in the AFC North not to once win the division since its inception in 2002?

People say that the expectations of a decent season are doomed by a terrible roster and a rebuilding year. But a good portion of the players still here were on that 10-6 team, including the left side of the O-line in Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach.

I personally feel that 8-8 is completely feasible. Often times the roster lacked fire and focus in the game, things Mangini will not tolerate on the sidelines.

However, everyone seems to be torn on what expectations this team should have if any at all exist.

With that said, here are my opinions for what would make 2009 a successful season for the Cleveland Browns:

1. The defense actually looks like a defense.

For years, the Browns have lacked a true defensive aggressiveness and fire that the top defenses in the NFL have.

New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan should fix that by implementing an aggressive scheme and the 46 into this system.

He does have some pieces to build around in DT Shaun Rogers, LB D'Qwell Jackson, and two promising DBs in Eric Wright and Brodney Pool. And if he is able to take advantage of LB Kamerion Wimbley's pass rushing abilities, the Browns could be fearsome soon.

The Browns defense has alot to live up to, namely matching the Steelers and Ravens in defensive ability and intensity. They won't do it this year, but hopefully within two years it will be at that caliber.

2. Whoever starts at QB has a great, productive season.

Now I have proclaimed that Brady Quinn has better potential as a franchise QB than Derek Anderson. But as long as they find a way to be productive under center, regardless who it is, Browns fans might be satisfied for the time being.

Mangini has done his best to ensure that training camp would be an open competition between the two and he would test them in pressure situations such as two-minute drills and long drives.

Whoever performs better is expected to be named the starter by Mangini, unlikely to be named until later in the preseason.

But with Braylon Edwards and a very talented offensive line protecting his blindside, and an assortment of receivers fighting for playing time, whoever starts should have a chance to lead a unit with such untapped potential to another good year like 2008.

3. The Browns don't play for field goals.

Anyone that has watched the Browns in the past four seasons knows exactly what I mean.

It's time for the offensive to play for the six-pointer instead of settling for three. Sure Phil Dawson is as automatic as most kickers in the NFL, but he probably would rather kick six extra points than six field goals any day.

The difference in 2007 was that the Browns scored TDs. They were able to punch it in or get the amazing catches from Edwards and others.

2008 saw very little of that, as the offense continually stalled and tried field goals in situations where touchdowns would be more beneficial such as in a tie game. Hopefully 2009 is different in that aspect.

4. The Browns finally beat Pittsburgh, just once.

This is the major point of emphasis for most Browns fans. In my opinion, if the Browns beat Pittsburgh, many fans will be satisfied for at least a little while.

The Browns never beat the Steelers in the Romeo Crennel era, and have lost the lead in the head-to-head matchup in recent years. Twice they were blown out at home by the Steelers, and only three were games decided by less than four points.

Eleven straight losses to your archrival would demoralize anyone, let alone a team that had trouble establishing a solid franchise in 10 years.

The problem seemed to be that the previous regime just never grasped the concept of the rivalry, that Browns-Steelers is supposed to be more than just a game. It's one of the five biggest rivalries in all of football, and it's been so one-sided over the past five years.

Just one win over the Steelers would reignite the rivalry and maybe give the franchise some life and keep them going forward to 2010 and beyond.

However you judge it, 2009 is crucial to the direction of the franchise, and a breakout season would be welcome with open arms.

But since that can't be counted on, Browns fans will have to at least see signs of a drastically-improved group and at least .500 football in 2009. They are capable, don't forget it.

They just have to believe again, and bring hope back to Brownstown once again.