All in all, it was a success

01.04.2008

It's been almost a week, time for emotions of all sorts to settle, time for the calendar to change and time to let it soak it in.

The Browns had a pretty good year.

Very good, in many regards. Not so good in others, and it's certainly disappointing that came up short of the playoffs. But the Browns won more games than just about anyone dreamed they would. They won many of them in thrilling fashion, too, and did so with a group of players who had breakout seasons and seem primed to take even bigger leaps in the future.

Sure, there are questions and problem areas; every team has those. But for the first time in a long time, the Browns have a core group of productive, veteran players and a core group of exciting young players. They have offensive linemen and playmakers, too, and we found out in '07 that if you have a good offensive line and a healthy roster, you've at least got a shot.

So to wrap it up, let's run through all the emotions -- and the big moments -- 2007 brought.

You're satisfied because 10 wins is as many as the Browns had the previous two years combined; three division wins is three times as many as they had in those previous two years and seven home wins seems like it's as many as they had the whole decade.

You're excited because a lot of these guys are young, and hungry, and talented. Another year of continuity (a word that finally applies to the Browns' plans) shouldn't do anything but help.

You're disappointed because the Colts didn't win last Sunday and the Browns didn't make the playoffs. But isn't your energy for '08 better placed in focusing on beating the Steelers (twice would be fine) than the Colts?

You're satisfied because the Browns rebounded nicely from hitting rock bottom in Week One. They scored points by the boatload, forced defenses to as much guessing as they did adjusting and past Week One, they were in every game until the final minutes.

You're excited because if Joshua Cribbs keeps even close to this pace, the defense keeps progressing and the offense can erase the slow start problem, having a playoff-contending team will be much more the norm than the exception.

You're disappointed, though, because you didn't want to be a playoff contender. You wanted to be in San Diego this weekend. And had just a couple plays in Oakland, Arizona and Cincinnati -- all very winnable games -- gone the other way, the Browns might be hosting a game.

You're satisfied because the Browns swept the Ravens, put together actual winning streaks for the first time in a long time and got some bounces and breaks to go their way. Good teams create their own breaks, but how overdue was this team for some good bounces?

You're excited because you're not only thinking about beating the Steelers and measuring up with the Cowboys, Colts, Giants and Jaguars, you're practically making reservations for Monday night games, Sunday night showcase games, maybe even a Thursday or Saturday. National attention. National respect. Finally.

You're disappointed because the Steelers' streak remains intact.

You're satisfied because the defense that struggled to cover anybody early in the season tightened up late in the season. They certainly didn't lose in Cincinnati or Arizona because of the defense.

You're excited because the Brodney Pool and Sean Jones you saw in the last 10 games should be the guys you'll see going forward; ditto Shaun Smith, who'll be even better when he settles into the system and one position. And Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright are only going to get better.

You're disappointed because teams still seem to run too easily on the Browns, and with the teams on the 2008 schedule, that's going to have to stop. You can't win 'em all 33-30, though it sure helps to have Phil Dawson on your side if you need to.

You're satisfied because Eric Steinbach is as good as advertised, Phil Savage is saying positive things about getting Derek Anderson and Jamal Lewis back, and Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow played like the top picks they are.

You're excited because Joe Thomas is only going to get better and stronger (especially playing next to Steinbach). Winslow and Edwards combined for almost 2,500 yards and neither one is even 25. Edwards and Cribbs (and probably some others) are going to the Pro Bowl and already making plans to go back.

You're disappointed because no smart team is ever going to kick to Cribbs again.

You're satisfied because the Browns won some games by passing 50 times, some by running 40 times and some by getting a little help from a lot of places and a few big plays from Cribbs, Lewis and Edwards. In the past, adjusting in December meant calling up guys from the practice squad and hoping to keep it close.

You're excited because the Browns have shown they're going to be active and aggressive in March and April, and you have to believe a winning team is going to attract top-level talent more easily than a four-win team.

You're disappointed because it isn't quite March yet.

You're satisfied because Cleveland Browns Stadium rocked, there were more happy Sundays than disgusting ones, the locker room is more full of good players and good people than it has been and there are real positives on which to build.

You're excited because the Browns are back.

In Cleveland, disappointment happens all too often. But this year, it in no way overshadows the excitement.