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Column
Though they didn't make the playoffs, the Cleveland Browns had an inspiring season
Date published: 1/10/2008
BY J.P. STROMAN Since the NFL playoffs got under way last weekend, many people have been analyzing and breaking down the playoff teams' stats and rankings. But the most inspiring team of the year is one that did not make the playoffs: the Cleveland Browns. The Browns had struggled mightily for the past eight seasons since rejoining the NFL in 1999. Even in the current age of unprecedented parity in the NFL, the Browns managed only one winning season between 1999 and 2006. The team was plagued by poor drafts (Anyone remember Courtney Brown?) and free-agent signings that failed to pan out (I'm talking to you, Ted Washington). This past season, most publications picked the Browns to finish last in their division. Starting quarterback Charlie Frye was largely regarded as one of the worst starters in the game. And it only got worse when team president John Collins resigned amid reports that he was firing general manager Phil Savage. But this season, the team exceeded everyone's expectations. The Browns finished second in the AFC North division with 10 wins, which matched their total from the previous two seasons combined. Savage made a gutsy move in the first game, trading Frye to the Seattle Seahawks after a terrible opener and handing the starting job to little-known Derek Anderson. Anderson proved to be the answer, posting the highest quarterback rating the Browns have had since their resurrection. Several of the Browns' more recent draft picks also had career years. Wide receiver Braylon Edwards nearly doubled his career total in receiving yards and established himself at the professional level after a decorated college career. Before this year, tight end Kellen Winslow--a first-round draft pick--was best known for having missed his first two seasons due to injury. This season, Winslow was one of only three tight ends in the NFL to amass 1,000 receiving yards on the year.
Date published: 1/10/2008
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