OS Madden 10 Preview: AFC North

[Aimbrogn]

The Browns are fielding pretty much the same squad that almost made the playoffs in 2007 and I believe that the problem can be attributed to the mismanagement of former head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Phil Savage. With the exception of drafting Joe Thomas the Browns have drafted poorly and I still think Brady Quinn has something to prove. The Browns were such a painful disapointment last season due to the instability at quarterback, injuries, and the fact that Braylon Edwards could not catch a beach ball if it was tossed to him. I expect the Browns to be a suprise team that could reverse some negative sentiments in Cleveland if they find stability at QB, Jamal Lewis gets more then .5 yards per carry, and if Eric Mangini can do a good job of motivating the team. I think Cleveland is capable of finishing in 3rd place because the Bengals have no offensive line, running game, defense is unproven, and Carson Palmer is coming back from another major injury, and Ocho Cinco is past his prime. The only offensive player I think could stand out is Chris Henry.

[jmood88]

That's a lot of if's.

[wwharton]

Quote: Originally Posted by Aimbrogn

The Browns are fielding pretty much the same squad that almost made the playoffs in 2007 and I believe that the problem can be attributed to the mismanagement of former head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Phil Savage. With the exception of drafting Joe Thomas the Browns have drafted poorly and I still think Brady Quinn has something to prove. The Browns were such a painful disapointment last season due to the instability at quarterback, injuries, and the fact that Braylon Edwards could not catch a beach ball if it was tossed to him. I expect the Browns to be a suprise team that could reverse some negative sentiments in Cleveland if they find stability at QB, Jamal Lewis gets more then .5 yards per carry, and if Eric Mangini can do a good job of motivating the team. I think Cleveland is capable of finishing in 3rd place because the Bengals have no offensive line, running game, defense is unproven, and Carson Palmer is coming back from another major injury, and Ocho Cinco is past his prime. The only offensive player I think could stand out is Chris Henry.

Browns have almost the same team as 2007 while other teams have drastically improved. Take away one of the many lucky wins they got back then and consider the Ravens and Steelers are much better teams (and that's talking about in the division only) and you can see why expecting the same results is a bit of a stretch.

[mmorg]

Quote: Originally Posted by jmood88

Quinn is lucky to have a 71, he's shown absolutely nothing in the NFL or in college, other than showing that he can get wins against bad college teams.

Well, it did take USC an illegal push into the end zone to beat Notre Dame that year.

[jmood88]

Quote: Originally Posted by mmorg

Well, it did take USC an illegal push into the end zone to beat Notre Dame that year.

That's the closest he got to a marquee win and it was a loss.

[MattieShoes]

Four games against the two best defenses in the NFL, year in and year out... Browns and Bengals are just plain unlucky.

[SoxFan01605]

This list seems good to me. I will say that I think the Bengals could surprise a lot of people this year, even without TJ. Still, barring key injuries, it comes down to a 2 team race yet again. And, if Flacco doesn't have a sophomore slump, the Ravens are very close IMO.

[Aggies7]

Quote: Originally Posted by MattieShoes

Four games against the two best defenses in the NFL, year in and year out... Browns and Bengals are just plain unlucky.

Agreed kinda feel bad for them.