It's been a good year for football in Ohio. After disappointing performances from our flagship teams in 2004, all three posted significant improvements this year.

Part One: The 2005 Cleveland Browns (6-10)

Last year the Browns finished the year with a 4-12 record. There were uncertainties at most skill positions, as well as vacancies and question marks in the coaching staff and front office.

Cleveland remedied all of those problems rather nicely this year. Bringing in GM Phil Savage, who has one of the best eyes for talent in the league, was the first step in rebuilding a young, vital organization through free agency and the draft. First year Head Coach Romeo Crennel, the longtime Parcells/Belichick understudy brought his 5(!) Super Bowl rings to the table, instantly bringing a modicum of prestige to the organization (as well as a great deal of respect from players in the locker room).

Crennel's supporting cast includes another graduate of "Tuna University", Offensive Coordinator Maurice Carthon who has coached at the NFL level for more than 10 years, including 8 under Parcells' tutelage with the Jets, Patriots and finally the Cowboys.

The man working to keep the opposing team's score low is Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham. A 7 year NFL vet with the Colts and the Texans, Grantham's knowledge of the 3-4 D, and his overwhelming enthusiasm on the sideline made him an instant fan favorite. While Romeo remains stoic and unaffected on the sideline, Grantham wears his heart on his bright orange sleeve. A student of the Marcel Marceau school of play calling, TG gets as much of a workout as any player on the field. Running, yelling and fist pumping up and down the field, Grantham is always the first to leap into a sea of orange helmets after a big defensive stop.

On the field there were some BIG changes made. How big? How about 6' 6" 345? As in Left Tackle L.J. Shelton. Joining L.J. on a much improved O-Line were Cosey Coleman, and three time ring winner Joe Andruzzi, who has spent his career protecting guys named Favre, Bledsoe and Brady.

And who was the guy this year? Trent Dilfer! Well, not really. But he gave us a few victories while the real guy, third round pick Charlie Frye was busy learning Mo's playbook. Charlie posted fairly solid numbers in his rookie season, going 98 for 165 with 4 scores and 6 picks. Granted, that only equates to a passer rating of 69.8, but the top overall draft pick, Alex Smith had 11 interceptions and one (as in the same number as his draft pick, one!) touchdown. But Charlie's numbers don't tell the whole story. Not only did he look as good in the pocket as any vet in the game, scrambling like McNabb and stiff arming defenders like he was posing for the Heisman, but he's a local kid who always rooted for the Browns just like his childhood hero, Bernie Kosar.

Rounding out Frye's new empire are several dangerous targets. Wideouts Antonio Bryant, and third overall pick Braylon Edwards were voted the best college receivers in the nation in 2000 and 2004. They, along with special teams threat Dennis Northcutt make up a quick, elusive receiving corps who could be the best in the league once the passing game finally clicks. Tight end Kellen Winslow II could hasten that process if he ever lives up to expectations. If Winslow turns out to be the biggest bust since Bosworth, at least they still have the ever reliable Steve Heiden.

The players who had the most immediate impact on the Browns offense this year were fullback turned halfback Reuben Droughns and quarterback turned WR/KR Joshua Cribbs. Droughns, acquired in the offseason from the Broncos is a punishing rusher who enjoys plowing through defenders as much as making them miss. In his first year in Cleveland, Droughns posted impressive numbers, he had to. Often dispelled as simply a product of the Denver system, his 1600 total yards including 1237 on the ground revitalized a depressed Cleveland rushing attack, and quieted many of his critics. The Browns' offense had good starting field position more often than not, and that was due mostly to Joshua Cribbs. Signed as an undrafted free agent in April of '05, Cribbs holds several school records at Kent State... for passing! A frighteningly fast and athletic kick returner, Cribbs posted over 1000 yards and a touchdown in only 14 games on special teams alone. At 6' 1", and with an insatiable desire to master the wide receiver position this offseason, the fans can expect big things from this former Golden Flash.

The Browns defense was impressive against the pass, even without a serious pass rush or stud cornerback Gary Baxter for most of the year. They finished 4th in the league in passing D, one ahead of the Chicago Bears whose defense alone may carry them to the big game. However, the Browns new 3-4 D leaked rushing yards like a Polish Submarine all year long (don't make that face, Polish Submarines really did leak!). Opposing teams averaged 137.5 rushing yards per game, over 2200 for the season. They made enemy backs look like 1984 Eric Dickerson every Sunday. I'm not sure if it was the personnel or the new schemes or a combination of both, but this is the biggest area that must be improved. I expect Phil Savage will spend much of the offseason and his 30 million in cap room to correct this, and I sure hope that he watched the Fiesta Bowl, because Hawk, Carpenter and Kudla will all have their hands raised this April.

next up...

Part Two: The 2005 Ohio State Buckeyes