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Taking the Next Step By Brian Campbell  |
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Defense, defense, and defense win championships. That’s a common thought in today’s NFL and this Browns team seems to think so as well.
So, as it goes with wins and losses the Cleveland Browns matched the reigning AFC North Champion Pittsburgh Steelers last season, as they both went 10-6, but the kicker is, the Steelers went to the postseason and the Browns didn’t. Too bad for the Browns that they play in the AFC, not the NFC, since 10-6 would have them winning a division there.
Regardless of the resurgence of this offense, the Browns were still one of the most active teams in the offseason. But, again, there are questions. Have they really done enough to pass the Steelers, win the division and make the postseason? The answer is yes.
First, look at the fact that Steelers haven’t done much in this offseason. Then, look at how much the Browns did. Granted the old saying goes, you can’t win a championship through free agency and you need to build through the draft, but the Browns seemingly are looking to change that adage.
Lets look at what this team are expecting from their 2008 Draft class.
They sent their first round pick to the Dallas Cowboys last year in order to move back into the first round and select Brady Quinn, and he is currently occupying the bench, so that pick still hasn’t panned out just yet.
The Browns then, perhaps jeopardizing their future a bit in order to win now, sent their second round pick to the Green Bay Packers for defensive tackle Corey Williams. Williams, thought by many to be the best DT available, could turn out to be a steal if he can continue to play as well as he did in 2007. For anyone who follows this team, they know how slow, old and ineffective the Browns front seven looked last season, and they literally couldn’t stop anyone. They look to change that, starting with Williams. Williams amassed seven sacks last season; to go along with three forced fumbles and interceptions. He will be the disruptive force in the middle of the line this team so desperately needs.
The Browns then sent their third round pick to the Detroit Lions in order to nab a running mate for Williams in the form of DT Shaun Rogers. Rogers, like Williams, comes to the Browns after registering seven sacks, and a very memorable interception returned for a touchdown. If he can be like the player he was early on in his career, then this was surely a steal if you look at the value of the third round pick they sent the Lions. Rogers paired with Williams should be a nice one-two run stuffing punch in the middle of the line, allowing the ends to penetrate the backfield.
Not to mention in the fourth round of the draft the Browns selected UNLV linebacker Beau Bell. He fits in the Browns 3-4 defense, and he fits well. He has good lateral speed and get work to get to the ball both quickly and effectively. The Browns need youth at the linebacker position, and talent, and with Bell they got both.
If the offense can perform at the same high level they did last year, then this team should be able to speed into the postseason.
Next time around we will look at what the Browns did offensively, who they added and what they need to do to complement their newly revamped defense.
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