AFC North Blog: Searching for an Identity

-Tony Mosesso, Michigan State University

For a team that hasn't shown any relevance since the '80s (only 2 playoff appearances since 1989 - '94 and '02), showing the nation, the NFL, the AFC North, the front office, and for Pete's sake, your own fans that you have an identity is crucial. If your own supporters don't believe in what you are doing, then you may as well fold up and start somewhere else. 

The Cleveland Browns have been fighting for this display of hope for some time. But this offseason might finally be the time that things are actually looking up. No, they won't contend this year, but they're doing the right things to contend in the not so distant future. Here's a quick breakdown of the Browns' offseason happenings.

1) Hired Mike Holmgren as President

2) FINALLY abandoned the Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn project. 

3) Acquired QB Jake Delhomme

4) Traded a 4th and 5th Round pick to the Eagles for CB Sheldon Brown and OLB Chris Gocong

5) Signed OLB Scott Fujita 

6) Signed OT Tony Pashos

7) Re-signed RB Chris Jennings

Now why did I choose these specific cases?

1) Holmgren was possibly their best move of the offseason - and was the precursor to everything else.

2) Neither quarterback benefited from their so-called "competition" and general team incompetence.

3) This is a QB that can hold the reins while the team rebuilds every other position. He has a career QB Rating of 82.1, and has only thrown more INTs than TDs one time - last year (not including his first year, which he played 2 games). And yes, I view that year as an outlier.He's won double digit games three times as a starter, and has only had one losing season. Delhomme is an example of overall consistency. That is, you know what you're getting from him (with the exception of last year's 'outlier'). He's a good fit to start to rebuild an offense. What else? He COULD turn Mohammad Massaquoi into a poor man's Steve Smith. 

4) This still leaves the Browns with TEN draft picks. They were likely not going to draft players that could start right away in those rounds as it is. This is ignoring the fact that Sheldon Brown and Chris Gocong have both proven they can play, and play well, in the NFL. They still have leverage in the draft with the 10 picks - these will definitely help them pick up some lost ground.

5) Fujita was key in the Saints' ability to stop the run last season, and he will definitely help this weak run defense.

6) Pashos is an established lineman, and he can help to improve their blocking. 

7) Jennings showed that he can run last year when given the opportunity. With Jamal Lewis gone, he'll get more repetitions - and that can only help both him and the Browns.

These are just seven steps in the right direction. The next step? Let go of Shaun Rogers. The Browns don't need any more distractions. The ex-Lion has not really stepped up for them, and all he's done was be a team problem. It's not helping them rebuild. He needs to be disciplined, or they need to cut ties. And Holmgren is the guy to take care of it. The step after that? Nail this draft. If the Browns do that, they'll be set for the future. They hold the 7th pick in the draft. What they will do with it is another story - could they draft Colt McCoy, given his skill set and the potential he's shown at his workout? He impressed scouts a lot, and there is no doubt in my mind that the Browns will give him an extensive look in the draft, if the Rams stick to their Sam Bradford plan. McCoy would be the perfect fit. Groom him in the background for a couple of years, and then let him take over Delhomme's temporary spot. 

With the playmakers the Browns have on this team (Massaquoi, Jennings, Joshua Cribbs), there's no doubt that they have some basis to build on. With the right front office (check), a veteran leader at QB (check), and a successful draft (pending), the Browns could again contend in this decision in the years to come.