Cleveland Browns 2005 season preview

Updated: September 2, 2005, 11:24 AM ET

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THE BOTTOM LINE

By Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com

In his debut season as an NFL head coach, Romeo Crennel has won instant credibility with Browns players simply by flashing the jewelry accumulated with five Super Bowl victories as an assistant. Alas, it is going to take more than bling to restore respectability to one of the NFL's most historic and celebrated franchises.

There has been plenty of addition by addition from Crennel and astute general manager Phil Savage, and even more addition by subtraction, as the Browns' new football regime has purged more than its share of malcontents and underachievers. But the bottom line is that years of mismanagement and squandered draft choices, salary-cap excesses and poor judgment, is far too much to overcome in just one offseason. No matter how productive an offseason it has been.

It might be a tough reality for the loyal fans of Lake Erie to swallow, especially old-timers who can recall the glory days of the Browns, but there is no quick fix. And, fortunately, Savage and Crennel are sage enough to understand that. The roster additions might be enough to serve as a tourniquet of sorts, to staunch the bleeding and afford the opportunity to eventually overcome the wounds. Bottom line: Six wins would be quite an achievement for the Browns in 2005.

ESPN's TAKE

By Merril Hoge, ESPN.com

The Big Question
What do the Browns need to do to turn things around? After winning just nine games over the past two seasons, it's all about learning right now in Cleveland. How quickly and how well can both sides of the ball pick up the new system? New head coach Romeo Crennel is going to need a couple of years to get this thing straightened out, but the learning starts now.

FANTASY TAKE

By Scott Engel, ESPN.com

Sleeper: William Green, RB: Yes, he has been a disappointment in the past, but Green has come to camp with a renewed vigor and has played well in exhibition games. Lee Suggs hasn't been able to stay healthy during the preseason, and never has been dependable. Reuben Droughns might suffer now that he has left Denver. Don't write off Green.

Bust: Reuben Droughns, RB: Droughns will be a great example of how the Broncos can manufacture good yardage out of just about anyone. Droughns won't be able to find the same running room he did in Denver. Anyone who drafts Droughns before the fifth round is putting too much stock in last year's performances.

From ESPN the MAGAZINE

The Big Number

300 The Pats dominate late because they're in great shape; Crennel brought that theory with him. The team's collective weight loss from 2004, say the trainers: 300 pounds.

STRENGTH --> BALL-CATCHERS

The Browns have been disappointed in their WRs for years, but now the position could be a bright spot. (It's a bad team, okay?) The new regime snagged Braylon Edwards with the third pick in April, and the rook is primed to be a premier target. That will open things up for Antonio Bryant, who hasn't handled the idea of being a No. 1 guy very well. Meanwhile, once Edwards cracks the starting lineup, Northcutt will bring depth and flexibility.

WEAKNESS --> BALL-THROWERS

Few teams have worse QB situations. In fact, we're stumped to come up with any. Dilfer (left) is 33, with the tools of a 40-year-old. At least he's fresh; he hasn't been a regular starter for four years. Rookie Charlie Frye has the arm strength, feet and the competitiveness to start some day, but he'll be nowhere near NFL-ready this fall. Almost makes you pine for the days of Tim Couch.

PROSPECTS

Four seasons under Butch Davis left the Browns decimated, so Crennel and Savage changed everything but the team colors. There's a new QB (Dilfer), a new playmaker (Edwards), a new scheme (3-4) and, well, a new depth chart on D after 12 guys were jettisoned in the offseason. With talented backs (Suggs, Droughns, William Green) and free agents Andruzzi and Coleman up front, the plan is simple: run the ball, keep it close, steal a few wins.

So, in the preseason opener, the Browns went out and drew 13 flags, gave up 154 yards rushing and watched Dilfer throw for 16 yards. "How we handle adversity will define us," the QB says. With that kind of attitude, the motto in Cleveland ought to be: Survive '05.

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