Although it is way too early to make any definitive statements about a 5-11 team, I definitely think these guys are headed in the right direction. First they hired Mike Holmgren on as the president of football operations and then Holmgren decided to keep Mangini on as head coach. I questioned Mangini’s tactics during the season but the fact is that the guy had to implement a culture change in Cleveland. It was going to be a rough season either way, but once he was able to root out the guys that didn’t want to work and play smart football, this team ended the season on a 4 game winning streak that included the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. The addition of Tom Heckert from Philadelphia will also give them a boost at the GM position.
The defense could still use some help, but they played spirited football down the stretch including a 6 point shut down of the Steelers. The main questions for the Browns going into next season have to be their plains at the quarterback position and what they should do with Joshua Cribbs.
The Browns have to upgrade at quarterback. It’s as simple as that. Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson handcuffed this franchise this season and they haven’t shown anything that would say otherwise. I do think the Browns need to draft a quarterback, but not necessarily with the 7th overall pick. Unless Sam Bradford is still on the board, the Browns should use one of their later picks on an undervalued QB and trade for Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck. Holmgren has history with Hassleback and the Browns need a proven commodity at the QB position. Hasselbeck won’t blow you over with his stats but he will take care of the football and he won’t lose games for you. He will be a stop gap for the Browns until they can develop whoever they draft.
In the meantime, the Browns need to keep the talent that they have. Joshua Cribbs is a star in this league and they need to stop low-balling him. Cribbs (aka Pay Da Man) at times was the only viable weapon for the Browns on offense and special teams. Obviously he’s not a sound receiver just yet, but he can be developed into a dangerous prospect. And you can’t replace his ability as a returner and a wildcat quarterback. Letting Cribbs hold out or trading him would be a huge mistake for this team. He played this entire season despite reports that he might holdout under his current contract, so they need to come up with some better figures for this guy.
Other than that, the Browns are on the right track and should look forward to improving in the upcoming season. The problem is the play in a division where they were the only team with a losing record and everyone else is getting better, too. Playoffs might be a long shot, but respectability is within an ear shot.
