Written by Dave Kolonich

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Now that OTA’s have wrapped up – and we’re weeks and months removed from the draft and free agency, there’s no better time than the present to make a bold prediction regarding the 2010 fortunes of the Browns.

Right?

Did you hear the one about how Jake Delhomme threw some “crisp” passes last week?

I guess some people haven’t.

Check out the latest round of NFL “Power” Rankings – from a variety of media sources.  See if you can guess the common theme regarding our Browns?

First, from some guy….here’s this:

WEEI – Boston – Power Rankings

 

31. Josh Cribbs can’t score all the points for the Browns. Cleveland’s league-worst offense won’t be improving in 2010, especially with the addition of Jake Delhomme. I’ll set the over/under until Mangini gets fired at 10 games. 

Oh, wait – he’s from Boston.  We must listen to him.

Of course, what was Mike Holmgren thinking?  Not bringing back Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson?  My God – what will become of this offense?

Although this may come as a shock to the rest of ivory-clad sporting world, Eric Mangini is the new Wayne Fontes.  If he wasn’t fired in the offseason, it’s not going to happen in 2010.

Also – this just in:  he’s actually a good coach.

And from one stargazer to another…

SI - Peter King’s Power Rankings

29. Cleveland.

31.  Jake Delhomme to the rescue at quarterback? Are you kidding? It will be another long year watching the offense for Browns fans. Colt McCoy will get the job in 2011. 

Once again – Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson – remember them?

Or – how about these?

6-8, 34 Yards, 1 Interception

13-31, 99 Yards, 2 Interceptions

6-19, 90 Yards

9-24, 122 Yards, 2 Interceptions

2-17, 23 Yards, 1 Interception

6-17, 76 Yards, 2 Interceptions

But, no – you’re right Peter King and Pete Prisco.  How could the Browns have given so much money to a veteran QB?  I can’t for the life of me figure it out.

Speaking of things that are easy to figure out, here’s this…

USA Today – Power Rankings

We’re only better than three other teams, but what a nice graphic.

But, small steps first.  And it turns out our best free agent acquisition was not even a player…

ESPN – Power Rankings

You can find these thoughts and more in Chapter 58 of my forthcoming book:  How Gaining Access Has Replaced Actual Journalism. 

Oh, wait – we’re talking about “power” rankings….

How about this one?

NFL.com – Kirwan’s Power Rankings

Tier-5

Jake Delhomme has something left, then Cleveland is a solid Tier-4 team. Keep in mind they won four straight to end the season last year and there is positive energy coming out of the combination of Mike Holmgren and Eric Mangini. There’s just too much work to be done in this rebuild to think 2010 is the year.

Damn – Tier-5!  Super Bowl!

Actually, I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. 

Houston is ranked as a Tier-4 team, which means we are clearly destined for a title…or ready to repeat last year’s 5-11 finish.

Now I’m really confused.