The Browns made a big turn around in 2007 by getting to the 10-6 mark, but they fell just short of the playoffs despite their improvement. What were probably negative vibes in January and February have likely turned into feelings of great anticipation as training camp nears. Cleveland certainly enters this season with more hype and expectation than they have had in several years. NFL Betting odds at BodogLife.com lists the Browns at 9/4 odds to win the AFC North title.
Creating most of the off season buzz in Cleveland is an offense that shocked the league 
last year. Going into the 2007 season many people were not even sure who the Cleveland quarterback was going to be, but Derek Anderson emerged to give the team a franchise type player under center. The club resigned Anderson in the off season and he will again lead an attack that posted 25.1 points per game last season.
Aiding Anderson is newly signed Dante Stallworth. The former Tennessee product joins Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow to form one of the most outstanding receiving corps in the league. Complimenting the Browns air show is a solid ground game led by the punishing Jamal Lewis. There is no reason this group should not continue to challenge defenses in 2008 and register a lot of points in doing so.
Cleveland was undone last year by the poor play of their defense. Head Coach Romeo Crennel has an impressive defensive pedigree, but he has not got this group to perform up to standard. Last year they gave up 24 points and 359.6 yards per game to opponents, basically countering their own offense's production. The front office traded for Packer defensive tackle Corey Williams in the off season and also signed free agent DT Shaun Rogers in attempts to bolster a unit that has been weak at the point of attack.
The additions will help the defense but they will still be the weaker link on this team. The Browns playoff future will depend on just how much progress Crennel can coax out of his defensive unit.
Prediction: 2nd Place AFC North.
