(NOTE: I wrote this in mid December, 2009. Let's see how things are going against my recommendations!) Amazingly enough, the Cleveland Browns found a way to win their last four games and finish 5-11. Everyone was fired with the exception of the one guy we all thought was getting the ax, head coach Eric Mangini.  Mike Holmgren has been brought in to right the ship in Cleveland. We've got a lot of new faces for sure. Let's hope it makes some kind of difference.

It's been widely reported that Brown's owner Randy Lerner doesn't know jack shit about pro football.  I can't comment on that but it doesn't appear that any of these rich bastard, pro sports owners know much about sports.  They obviously know a lot about making money (or, the were born with that proverbial spoon) but it seems to me that whenever one of them gets involved at all with the daily duties the team suffers.  Witness Jerry Jones.  Or George Steinbrenner.

As a fan, all I really want is a competitive team that has a shot at winning on Sunday. Cleveland doesn't need to go to the Super Bowl this year.  That would be nice though.  So, even though I've already admitted that I'm no expert, I'm still going to chime in with my opinion on what this team needs to be a factor in the league.

Cleveland still needs a quarterback.  Quinn and Anderson just don't fit the bill.  Brady Quinn is simply the latest draft day mistake by the Browns.  He's a total bust, never going to be worth a tinker's damn.  Ditto on Anderson.  Derek plays like he's on crack.  Maybe he is!  At any rate, draft or trade for a QB this year!  DONE: Anderson and Quinn both gone, Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme are now in Cleveland. Browns will likely draft a QB as well.

Running Backs Never Hurt Either

A couple of nice surprises this year in Harrison and Jennings. Jamal Lewis needs to just stay retired. Still, it wouldn't hurt to find at least one other decent running back.  Actually, with proclivity of injury to skill players, a lot of teams are four deep at running back. DONE: Peyton Hillis in with trade for Quinn.

Find Some Receivers

After we find a quarterback that can throw a pass we'll obviously need someone that can catch a damned pass.  Massaquoi was solid, the best we had.  Brian Robiskie was a mystery. Watched him at Ohio State, thought he'd be a stud with Browns.  Turns out he rides the pine most of the time. Don't know what's up with that. I would also like to see us throw to Josh Cribbs more as well. Other teams also have tight ends, why can't Cleveland? The Browns could always break the Jaguars hearts and draft Tebow.  Then they'd have both a hell of a tight end AND a team chaplain! DONE: (partly) Benjamin Watson comes in at tight end.

Keep Building the Defense

It's difficult for me to fault the defense this year.  They played extremely well given the fact that for at least 10 of the 16 games, they spent 80% of the game on the field.  The offense was just that pathetic.  If Mangini hangs around we won't need to worry about the defense much because he's a defense oriented type of guy with a good coordinator. Time will tell.

And, Finally

Sign Josh Cribbs. Quit dicking around and give this guy some money.  He was the only genuine star you had on the whole damned team in 2009.  The only guy that many people came to the stadium or tuned in to see. A true game changer and a terrifically exciting player.  Don't screw around and lose this guy.  Get him in the fold and then USE him for all he's worth. DONE

The final question is, will there even be a season in 2010?  Seems there's a very good chance of a lock-out, or strike or something.  Don't know much about that.  Probably unlikely but you never know.  Can't do much but wait and see.