Browns Blog

Matter of opinion

The consensus opinion among AFC North coaches is that the Browns are the team to beat next season. It's the first time since the Browns returned to the NFL in 1999 that they've given such a lofty offseason projection.

Crennel begged to differ. He said that the defending division champion Pittsburgh Steelers are the best in the North. His thinking is that the Steelers are the elite of the division until someone proves otherwise.

Crennel better get used to the lofty projections for the Browns. Coming off a 10-win season and having made some key additions to the defensive line, the Browns should be considered right up there with the Steelers.

The Steelers appear close to a decline. Although they're not about to disappear from the playoff picture, it's clear that weaknesses are surfacing that might prove critical next season.

The offensive line, which has long been the Steelers' strength, was weakened from the free-agent loss of guard Alan Faneca. There hasn't been a better interior lineman in the NFL in recent seasons than Faneca.

Faneca's departure comes one year after center Jeff Hartings retired. Hartings' absence last season was a big blow to the Steelers' potent power ground game.

There are other areas of concern for the Steelers. Receiver Hines Ward isn't getting younger, and receiver Santonio Holmes is inconsistent. The corps of linebackers -- the heart of the defense -- isn't what it was a few years ago, and the corners aren't strong.

The Browns also have defensive concerns. They've done nothing to address an average group of linebackers, which means that Kamerion Wimbley remains the only legitimate pass rusher among the group. The trading away of cornerback Leigh Bodden leaves second-year players Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald as the potential starters. There isn't much quality depth behind them.

At this point of the offseason I'd have to agree with Crennel. The Steelers have enough weapons and enough playoff experience to be deemed the favorite. But the Browns aren't far behind.