NFL Power Rankings: Cleveland Browns Will Contend for Playoff Spot in 2011

As a rookie in 2010, Colt McCoy was okay. He certainly wasn't Pro Bowl caliber or anything, but he showed some signs that he might be a good NFL quarterback.

He was undeniably raw in his rookie year, but showed that his talents aren't going to be completely overwhelmed in the NFL.

From his days at Texas, we know that McCoy has a big heart and an ability to find ways to win, so having a talent level that can at least be competitive in the NFL is a promising sign.

Now he's learning a new offense—the West Coast Offense.

For those unfamiliar with the West Coast Offense, the language doesn't usually change at all from team to team. So if a defense that is used to seeing the West Coast offense is lined up against an offense that runs it, you will frequently hear dummy audibles being called out.

But those who have never been a part of a West Coast Offense or seen it in action are likely to have a very tough time when they're learning it for the first time.

That's what Colt McCoy was experiencing when Pat Shurmur was hired as Cleveland's Head Coach and McCoy was asked to run the West Coast Offense.

A trip to Mississippi went a long way in changing that. McCoy worked with Brett Favre in learning the intricacies of the West Coast Offense.

McCoy then reported to Cleveland's Training Camp with a knowledge of the offense.

So now the Browns have a relatively stable quarterback and an emerging team.

If Peyton Hillis can stay healthy and break the "Madden Curse," he gives McCoy a perfect complement.

I am not saying that the Browns will make the playoffs.

Between the Patriots, Jets, Steelers and Ravens, it's likely that you have two division winners and two Wild Card teams. If that holds true, then the Browns will watch the playoffs from home.

But if one of those teams slips, don't count the Browns out. They do have talent on that team. Enough to earn a playoff spot in a deep AFC? Probably not.

But enough to contend and take advantage of anyone's mistakes? Yeah, that's very likely.