| Ricky E. Morris. 8th October, 2005 - 1:34 pm
In Chinese Astrology 2006 is the year of the dog. Dogs are known as loyal, faithful and honest. The Dog in the astrology can be compared to Cleveland Browns fans. They have been loyal to there team for the last 59 years. 2006 marks the Browns 60th birthday. What a birthday gift it would be if the Browns could make the playoffs and beyond!
The Browns made a lot of moves this off season to make room for 2006. They released or traded around 46 % of the 2004 Browns roster. Included in that list were some of the highest paid Cleveland Browns. Included in the roster cuts were Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, Ross Verba, and Jeff Garcia just to name a few. At this point it seems the majority of Phil Savages moves have become successful. Jeff Garcia is currently injured, Ross Verba still hasn’t found himself a team, and don’t kid yourself if you think Warren, Brown, Ekuban and Myers are the reason the Denver Bronco’s defense is doing well. They are helping make it better but they are definitely not the main reason it is doing as well as it is. They added one of the best linebackers this year and they have Pryce whom is one of the better defensive ends in the NFL. The disappointing thing about the reports coming out from the national media is that they are making things seem like the Browns gave them up for nothing. In return for their defensive line, which would have cost the Browns around 20 million dollars against this seasons cap, they received Droughns and Dilfer whom have been assets to the Browns in the first three games.
On top of the two players the Browns received, next year the Browns are estimated to have nearly 30 million dollars in free cap space. This is a huge plus especially looking at the way the Browns are currently playing football. It is obvious that the Browns are lacking talent overall at some positions. With 30 million dollars to spend in free agency and re-signs there is no reason that 2006 won’t be the year of the dog.
On to other news, this week the Browns and the Bears play. I’ve seen some local media and some fans guarantee this game a win which is disappointing to hear. Though I myself think the Browns will win, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns actually lost this game. The Chicago Bears are a good team that is well coached. They have a top 5 defensive unit in the NFL. The Bears running game has excelled in the first three games for them. I wouldn’t mark this as a win on either side and guarantee it at the moment. Remember its any given Sunday. Keep in mind the Browns had a hard fought game against the Eagles last year and at 3-4 it appeared the Browns were a forced to be reckoned with. After that game the Browns went on a 8 game losing streak. The Browns just came off a hard fought game against the Colts. Don’t get cocky nothing is guaranteed. 4-12 teams have no right to guarantee wins anyways. Just like the great Paul Brown said, "When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less."
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