"Is it too early to start talking about the Browns as a possible darkhorse contender in the AFC? No matter who their QB is, they’re putting the pieces in place to make a run...."

http://theredzonereport.com/2008/03/04/2008-free-agency...on-tracker/#more-179

I predict the schedule won't end up being as tough as everybody says it will be.

For instance, I think the Titans are going into the tank. And Pittsburgh certainly hasn't gotten any better.

"darhorse contenders"????

The Browns were the darkhorse last year, this year they're on everybodys radar screen...

Our boys better be ready this year cause everyone will be bringing their "A" game when they play the Browns...

T.Dawg

quote:

Originally posted by daddybull1:
"darhorse contenders"????

The Browns were the darkhorse last year, this year they're on everybodys radar screen...

Our boys better be ready this year cause everyone will be bringing their "A" game when they play the Browns...

T.Dawg

I agree!! If we avoid the injury bug, we will be the team everyone will be worrying about. We won't sneak up on anyone with all the Pro Bowlers we had this year plus the additions we made. Look for ALL the games to be real 'Dawg-Fights' this year!

quote:

For instance, I think the Titans are going into the tank. And Pittsburgh certainly hasn't gotten any better.

That's a good point about the Titans.

They have a ton of cap room, yet so far they've lost two of their pass-rushers and a young, almost-elite LG in Jacob Bell.

Adding Crumpler was a decent move, but I doubt it makes up for those losses.

And considering how the Browns felt gipped in losing the last playoff spot to the Titans, I think the Browns will be extra-motivated for that game.

No doubt the Browns won't 'sneak up' on everyone in '08. They have everyone's attention now if they didn't before. These FA signings/trades are absolutely void of any subtlety on the part of this organization. The message is clear: Our window of opportunity is wide open and we're going after it right now.

That being said, I agree with you, Lum, the NFL schedule always seems to work opposite of what's expected. Browns in '07 had roadies with the Jets and Baltimore that looked like losses this time last year, but by the time those games rolled around all of us in here would have been extremely disappointed had the Browns coughed up those ballgames. Conversely, Buffalo turned out to be a quality win.

Where are the possible soft spots and potholes in next year's schedule?

AFC North: Cincinnati and Baltimore -- soft spots. Cincy can't get out of its own way defensively and Baltimore is getting older every year.

AFC South: All potholes. This is a physical, physical division my friends. Tenn and Jax on the road, with Indy at home is tough.

NFC East: Here's where the misconception lies with the schedule. All four of these ballgames are extremely winnable for the Browns. The Redskins and Eagles are very inconsistent ballclubs, and I love the fact that the Browns have the Cowboys and Giants at CBS next year. Those two games will be the highlight of the home schedule next year and I expect one if not both to be in primetime. Very possible to go 4-0 here.

Denver, Buffalo: Buffalo will be a tough one, but they have a ways to go at key positions yet (QB, pass rusher). Denver is one team no one talked about last year as a disappointment. They will continue down that path.

All in all, the Browns' outcome next year will most likely hinge on those contests against NFC East teams.