By: Luke Florence
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
I am not going to get excited for this. I've done it too many times.
The Cleveland Browns have been in training camp for two weeks now, but Saturday night at 8:00 PM EST, the 2009 season will officially be underway. Yes it is just a preseason game, but, it's a game nonetheless.
Last year I sat eagerly on the edge of my seat as Derek Anderson led the Browns down the field on their first possession, capping it off with a spectacular Braylon Edwards TD catch. They were coming off a ten-win season and the sky was the limit. Unfortunately, we know they hit rock-bottom by the end of the year instead.
Enter Eric Mangini.
Reports from camp indicate that the team is more disciplined than under Romeo Crennel. We will see.
Supposedly there will be less penalties than in year's past. We will see.
Jerome Harrison should get more touches. We will see.
We've heard that practicing game-specific situations will benefit their offense in the two-minute drill. We will see.
Rob Ryan, the new defensive coordinator promises a more attacking defense. Again, we will see.
That is what Saturday night will give us. A glimpse to those promises and reports. In football, as it is with all sports, seeing is believing.
WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO
- Just seeing the Browns in uniform under the lights of Lambeau Field.
- If any of those above statements will come to fruition.
- If Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson will both have a great game, a lousy game, or if one will clearly outperform the other.
- James Davis, Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi, David Veikune, Alex Hall, and Kamerion Wimbley.
WHAT I'M EXPECTING
- Honestly, this team can not be any worse than last year. There is no way possible NOT to take a step forward. At the forefront is the QB situation, but as of right now, Mangini has done everything the right way. He announced the starter in PRIVATE on Friday, and gave the other guy the starting nod next week. So far he is the anti-Crennel.
- The first preseason games are typically more about the rookies than anything else, but I'm also expecting big things from Lance Leggett. He has played well during training camp, and caught the long bomb from Quinn for a TD in the team scrimmage. He could be in store for a big night.
- Lastly, I expect an injury. Preseason games are all about injuries, and so far in Browns training camp the only notable injury has been Syndric Steptoe. Someone will get hurt in this game, and let's just hope it's an expendable player.
Enjoy the game. At the very least it will be nice to have Cleveland Browns Football back, especially with the Cleveland Indians selling house.
Giddy up folks, football season is here.
Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."
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