5 Questions the Cleveland Browns Could Answer in the 2011 NFL Preseason

On Saturday, the 2011 Cleveland Browns begin their quest to build a playoff franchise.

There's a new head coach in Pat Shurmur, as well as a whole new staff under Mike Holmgren in Cleveland.

Now although fans, the media and anyone else not directly affiliated with the organization could use the NFL lockout as an excuse for the Browns (providing they disappoint), the players and coaches won't go that route.

Sure the lockout hurt, because a new system in all three phases of the game is being put in, and they're such a young team that the chemistry isn't quite there yet.

But, remember they are professionals, and at this level of football they must be able to adapt to a sudden change situation.

All this said, here are some questions the Browns can answer this preseason.

Also, be sure to check out this article for more Cleveland Browns preseason analysis!

Has the Defensive Line Improved?

After the 2010 season completed, the Cleveland Browns rush defense had allowed an average of 129.4 yards per game, ranking them No. 27 in the league.

So, when it came time for the 2011 NFL Draft, they went to the weak spot and answered the call.

First came DT Phil Taylor from Baylor (pictured), and then DE Jabaal Sheard from Pitt.

Both are currently listed as starters on the Browns depth chart and are expected to significantly improve Cleveland's front seven.

This preseason they will be tested, however, as Cleveland goes up against four perennial NFC playoff teams in Green Bay, Detroit, Chicago and Philadelphia.

All of whom are anticipated to have an above average (at worst) rushing attack for 2011.

Is the Passing Game More Effective?

In eight starts last season as a rookie, Colt McCoy performed better than any other Browns QB.

Needless to say, it's not that difficult to outperform both Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.

But nonetheless, he easily gave Cleveland the best chance to win.

This preseason the Browns have their hands full.

Previously mentioned was their brutal schedule against, Green Bay, Detroit, Chicago and Philly.

Well, all four will be a solid opponent for Colt McCoy to test his passing ability. With some respectable receiving targets (mainly TE Ben Watson and rookie WR Greg Little) we should get a feel for his game.

Not to mention, both Green Bay and Philly will be much better than anything he faces until December rolls around.

How Will the New Running Game Look?

Last season RB Peyton Hillis carried the rushing load as the Browns finished with an average of 103 yards per game, ranking them No. 20 in the NFL.

Hillis ran for almost 1,200 yards, while also scoring 11 TDs.

But he was really their only threat, as James Harrison failed to produce early on.

For one, let's hope that (meaning having a good year then faltering thereafter) doesn't happen to Hillis, in addition to the Madden curse.

It's a double-negative approach, so by the law of mathematics it's a positive, right? (Or a double-whammy at the very least).

So the Browns went out and nabbed Green Bay RB Brandon Jackson in free agency.

This comes as no surprise and is a great fit for both parties.

Jackson makes the Browns backfield that much better, while it gives QB Colt McCoy another threat.

Additionally, Jackson will come in to change the pace, much like he did for the Cheese-heads.

Also, don't count out the rookie FB Owen Marecic, who will give Hulk-smashing power (both blocking and running) to the Browns Brahma Bulls.

Does Rookie WR Greg Little Present a Deep Threat?

Excluding rookie Greg Little, the Browns WRs are Mohamed Massaquoi, Chansi Stuckey, and Brian Robiskie.

Ouch.

None of which are solid deep threats, more so possession WRs at the short-to-medium route levels.

Little provides QB Colt McCoy with the ability to stretch the field, which in turn will open up the middle for the others, but mainly TE Benjamim Watson.

Now although it is safe to be skeptical of him (since he was ineligible for all of 2010), the fact that he still went as a second-round pick should say something about his talent.

Make no mistake about it, Greg Little has a lot of potential, but he also needs to learn that there's going to be a lot of responsibility riding on his shoulders.

The question is whether he welcomes the challenge or yields from it.

Are the Browns a Legitmate AFC North Contender?

At first glance, it may appear to be a far-fetched question.

Are the Browns a legit AFC North contender?

Well, the defense should significantly improve with rookie D-lineman Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard.

In addition, don't overlook rookie strong safety Eric Hagg from Nebraska.

On offense, we've already discussed the ground game and WR Greg Little, but keep in mind that the Browns acquired former Raven WR Demetrius Williams.

Williams went overlooked in Baltimore, mainly because of Derrick Mason, Anquan Bolden and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Expect him to make a significant contribution for Colt McCoy.

The pieces of the puzzle are beginning for fit this time around in Cleveland and the potential across the board is there, along with the talent.

All they have to do now is get the job done on the field.

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