Many Questions Still Remain for Browns

I was fortunate enough to attend the Browns pre-season game against the Titans Saturday night and got to see a very well played game, on both sides of the ball. The Browns finally looked like a cohesive unit on the field and the coaching is definitely the reason for that. Eric Mangini has taken a group who couldn't even sniff the Endzone last year and turned them into a machine. They've stepped up their game 200% since the pre-season disaster that was the game in Lambeau. With all that being said, there are still a few questions left to answer.


1. Who will be the Browns starting QB on September 13th?


A lot of people aren't going to like what I have to say here. Derek Anderson, at this point, in my honest opinion, gives the Browns the best chance to win. As I listened to the post-game radio show on the way home from the game I couldn't help but think to myself "Were this people watching the same game I was?" I know, I know...Brady Quinn led the only offensive touchdown drive of the evening. I get that, but you know who he did it against? A bunch of guys who won't be starting for the Titans in their first game. What did he do in his first few series? The first one was a Three & Out that started with a 5-yard throw that went straight to Josh Cribbs. Unfortunately it was straight to his feet. Also, in the first scoring drive, Quinn stalled at the 14 yard line. I realize not every trip to the Red Zone is going to result in a touchdown but the way the offense was moving, there was no reason for that drive to end.


In Derek Anderson's first drive, he threw a nice ball to the Endzone that went through Braylon Edwards' hands. He took the team down the field, 13 plays and 47 yards before settling for a Field Goal. Could he have done better? Absolutely, but I don't think Quinn's TD pass against a 2nd String Defense put him in the lead for the QB spot. Let us not forget the scoring drives that Derek Anderson has orchestrated as well. He may not have thrown the ball into the Endzone, but he has put us there. Derek needs to start the season as the starter. Period.


2. Can the Defense keep the other team out of the Endzone?


Last night started shaky for the Browns Defense as they let the Titans march down the field and score on their 2nd drive. Kerry Collins and the Titans "O" made adjustments after a Three and Out to start the game and the Browns "D" couldn't keep up. But they did make some GREAT plays! They had a Pick 6, a couple forced fumbles including one that ended what should have been a Touchdown drive by Vince Young. As great as it was to get that fumble recovery as Vince tried to get to the Endzone, there were too many mental lapses during that Tennessee drive.

3. Will the Browns stop committing STUPID penalties?

They damn well better! There were numerous flags thrown on Saturday night and a couple of them hurt the Browns pretty bad. First, there was Derek Anderson and Phil Dawson standing WELL outside of the "Players Box" on the sideline. An official ran into Anderson, fell and threw a flag for Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Should have been thrown for Aggravated Stupidity. You know where players should be? In the "Players Box!" Another great kick return by Josh Cribbs was negated as well. I can't remember if any took place during the game against Green Bay but this is the 2nd week in a row that I witnessed a great return brought back due to laundry on the field. NFL players should know the proper and illegal ways to block someone. Guess which you should be doing? The proper one! I guarantee there is a worn out circle around the Browns' practice field from all the laps Mangini has these guys running.

4. Who will be the starting Running Back for the Browns?

This question initially seems to have a pretty clear cut answer: Jamal Lewis. Not so fast Cleveland fans! Have you watched a lick of the pre-season? James Davis is quickly establishing himself as the man in the backfield. I have seen him make cuts like a young...Jamal Lewis. This kid has the quickness, the ability to cut and the breakaway speed you need to be a successful back in the NFL. In my opinion, and I think I've stated it before, Jamal Lewis needs to be a 2nd & 3, 3rd &2, Goal Line guy. I think James Davis is the best option right now. He's been getting a lot of reps with the first team and he's taking full advantage of them.

So there you have it. Four questions the Browns MUST find answers to if they are going to have a good 2009-10 season. It can happen, and with Eric Mangini at the helm I have full faith that it WILL happen!