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CLEVELAND BROWNS 2009

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Updated Sep 11, 2009 1:30 PM ET
     
 
Lighter schedule, lower expectations Nobody should be chanting "Super Bowl" before this year's opener. The schedule isn't quite as challenging as last season's, but the AFC North remains a meat grinder because of the Steelers and Ravens. \ Quinn's leadership skills The quarterback was a strong leader at Notre Dame. Coach Charlie Weis said the Irish -- 29-17 under Quinn -- probably wouldn't have had a winning record without him. Browns teammates already see more confidence in Quinn this season. Promising rookies Running back James Davis could get significant carries. Receiver Mohamed Massaquoi might eventually make a case to be the No. 2 receiver. Alex Mack should eventually be an upgrade from Hank Fraley at center. Coye Francies has looked decent at cornerback. \ Defensive aggression New coordinator Rob Ryan is taking a more-aggressive approach and potentially breathing life into a nonexistent pass rush. The fiery attitude of defensive-line coach Bryan Cox also should help. \ New regime Nobody is going to mistake coach Eric Mangini for Romeo Crennel. Mangini's hard-line approach produced two winning seasons in three years with the New York Jets. \ \ 5 REASONS TO MOPE \ Environment of insecurity Mangini kept players on edge in New York and operated under secrecy. Will he continue that approach or moderate it at his second stop? \ Lack of playmakers The Browns traded their most reliable playmaker in tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. because of his corrosive attitude in the locker room. Running back Jamal Lewis is slowing, and receiver Braylon Edwards is bedeviled by dropped passes. \ Runaway opponents Since the Browns returned to the NFL, they have seldom shown an ability to stop the run. Even with Shaun Rogers plugging the middle, the Browns finished 28th against the run. \ Safety concerns The Browns should be respectable at cornerback but suspect at safety. Abram Elam joins Mangini from the Jets, but he has never had so much responsibility. Brodney Pool is another source of concern. \ Getting it right The right side of the offensive line is problematic. Guard Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack and tackle John St. Clair don't inspire lots of confidence. \ \ treed@dispatch.com
Tagged: Alex Mack, Jets, Browns

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