It’s time for the Cleveland Browns and their fans to bring it on.
Here we go Cleveland Browns fans. The time for debate is over. One week from today the Cleveland Browns 2012 season kicks off at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. And for those of you who are just now gearing up and paying attention, here is what you will see in the 2012 edition of your Cleveland Browns.
Youth is our identity in Cleveland. Last year we were one of the youngest teams with the average NFL experience of our players at 3 years. This year 15 rookies have made the 53 man roster including 3 undrafted rookies. Many of these players will be asked to do a lot early and often.
A lot rides on four offensive rookies (Not to mention rookie RT Mitchell Schwartz). QB Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma State taken 22nd overall) must take care of the ball. He was drafted for his arm, his accuracy, and his maturity. He has had to climb a steep learning curve and he has handled himself well. He will not need to throw 300+ yards a game but he will need to manage the game and once again take care of the ball. The Browns offense all starts with him and how he handles the game.
The crown jewel of the Browns 2012 draft was 3rd overall pick Trent Richardson (Alabama) who has not played due to a minor knee surgery. Coach Pat Shurmur and General Manager Tom Heckert both say that Richardson is close to being ready. If The Browns expect to improve at all offensively, much will ride on the young running back. He will be the Browns workhorse and is expected to do great things. Let us hope he lives up to his potential and our expectations.
Two new receivers have been added. Travis Benjamin who is a speedster from Miami University. The 2nd is Josh Gordon who was picked up in the supplemental draft with a 2nd round pick. Both have dynamic skills which have been lacking in Cleveland for years.
Benjamin has perhaps been the most surprising in preseason and camp. Josh Gordon is rusty being out of football for over 1 ½ years due to failed drug testing. But he is a big target with natural ball skills. He has been compared to such players like Brandon Marshall and Randy Moss. Once Gordon is up to speed and has improved on some basic techniques in route running he will be a dangerous weapon in the Browns offense.
Injuries, suspensions, and some roster moves will put a lot of pressure on this Cleveland defense to perform early in the season. Much of the focus has been to improve in stoping the run as the Browns were one of the worst in the NFL at it a year ago. But it appears that the moves made in free agency, the draft, and rookie free agent signings has made this defense better, faster, and tougher. Despite the setbacks on defense during this offseason and training camp I expect this defense to exceed everyone’s expectations.
All that is left to do is to wait until September 9th. So lets pull out Browns gear, prepare for tailgating and remember what has been said about this team and city even before the season has started.
No one expects the Browns to be a factor. No one expects the Browns to compete. A 4 win season is the best the Browns can hope for due to one of the toughest schedules in the league.
Every sports Analyst, prognosticator, and loud mouth on television or a microphone has already ended the Cleveland Browns season prior to the first kickoff. So as you are with your fellow fans both inside and outside the stadium. In the bars, at work, and at home remember this year’s battle cry to everyone who does not believe.
BRING IT ON!!!!!
Michael W. Youngman--Lead Analyst AFC North Michael is the Lead Analyst for the AFC North Report and the Cleveland Browns Report. He has written many articles that have been featured by playerpress.com, cantonrep.com, FoxSports.com, and of course this site. Michael has also written a book titled “The Dayton Project” published in 2008 by PublishAmerica. He makes his home in the Hall of Fame City of Canton Ohio with his wife Lisa and his two children Joseph and Jennifer. To learn more, visit his Website
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