Week 1: Browns VS. Bucs

What will we see tomorrow?

That's the big question facing Browns fans this evening.

1. We're wondering if Jake is going to produce like the confident leader that showed himself during the pre-season? I was very impressed w/ Delhome's leadership, especially at the line of scrimmage. He was reading blitzes and other defensive schemes and letting his offense know what to do. He didn't try to do too much--which was a good thing. He checked down to backs and his tight ends and didn't force too many throws. In fact, he didn't throw any INT's. That will be key--especially during the middle part of the Browns' schedule.

2. What about Harrison? This pre-season, Harrison didn't produce like the emerging star he seemed to be at the end of last season. Saying that, he did seem to be a step or two away from breaking some long runs. However, in the NFL, you can't rely on a step or two. Hopefully, he can be a real NFL runner and continue his progress as a receiver. I'm sure some fantasy players are wondering the same thing about Jerome.

3. Why not start Hillis? How about Hillis! Some fans are ready to crown him as the second coming of Kevin Mack. I'm not ready to do that quite yet, but I do really appreciate this guy's work ethic and attitude. He bleeds Cleveland and will be especially useful in the miserable climates of November and December. He will also open up some holes for Vickers to be utilized as more of an offensive force. I don't think he's going to gain big yards, but he'll be the pounder that will wear out defenses. Hopefully that will help Harrison bust off some big gains.

4. How deep is this RB group? With Hardesty gone for the year and maybe forever--James Davis gets another shot at pro sports in Cleveland. I've really liked what I've seen from him in the past two pre-seasons, but that's not a good measure of talent. Let's hope he can contribute during the regular season. Yes, this group is deep--but they're only an injury or two away from being very weak. Harrison has never been asked to be a feature back for an entire season. Hillis and Davis have had some injuries in the past. The rock of the group is Vickers, who is solid. He may be the best blocker in the league. Can you imagine an offense witha lead in the 4th quarter, running out the clock that includes both Vickers and Hillis in the backfied, Watson and Royal at tight end, and Moore at WR. That's a lot of big bodies the defense would have to be worried about!

5. What in the world will Cribbs do? Everything. He will fill in for Shaun Rodgers at nose tackle or defensive end until he's fully recovered from his injury. Some fans would actually love that. Cribbs will continue to return kickoffs and punts, while giving up some of these to Haden. He'll work more at receiver, often playing the role of decoy. But he's a legitimate threat in the passing game now too--did you see that catch on the sideline against Detriot? Wow! If he can be a target at receiver, that will open up his role as a runner, passer and everything else.

6. Yeah...what's up with the wildcat, flash, cyclone, or whatever they're calling it? Cribbs will be featured in some sort of these packages every week. The addition of Wallace as a backup and situational QB will only help out Cribbs. It will make all teams nervous on defense--something that can only help the rest of our young offense. My guess is that if we're up by a few scores, they'll limit the Cribbs gaget plays--no need to give anything away for the upcoming weeks. I also hope they don't disrupt Delome's rhythm if he's doing well, by pulling him out of the game to put Wallace in. Look for a big week 3 Flash package against the Ravens, because we might be in a shootout.

7. How good is our Defensive Line? On paper, I really like a lineup of Rubin at nose tackle and Smith and Rodgers on the ends, with Coleman in the rotation. I didn't see enough pressure during the preseason and I didn't see them stuff the run like they should be doing. Maybe it was because Rodgers wasn't in there? Maybe it was the lack of linebackers blitzing? I'm not sure, but it needs to be better.

8. How about those Linebackers? We have a bunch of them! Was defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan, hiding some packages during the preseason to try and fool our regular season opponents? I hope so. I did like what I saw from Gocong during the preseason. I think he can be a force at ILB. I like what Roth brings to the table and I have enjoyed watching Marcus Bernard develop. We need to see more from Fujita and hopefully Jackson can come back and play a part. I know Barton and Bowens are leaders, but can they still be productive? The Browns finished 8th in the NFL in sacks last year and they need to build on that if they're to be successful this year.

9. With so many linebackers, which players will start? In a 3-4 defense, it's a committee scheme at linebacker. That being said, I guess we'll see Roth and Fujita at ends and Barton and Gocong in the middle. Hopefully we can move Fujita to inside and work in Bernard who is an impressive pass rusher. If he can buckle down and be a good run stopper, than we have the potential to have a really good group of backers.

10. Will our secondary show up? This may be our biggest area of concern. The heads upstairs thought so too. That's why we brought in Sheldon Brown, and drafted Haden and Ward. I think Haden will be good and thankfully with Brown and Eric Wright at corners, he won't be forced to be a star right away. I really like what Ward brought to the table during the preseason, but he's bound to make some rookie mistakes. We are very thin in this area. Behind Ward and Elam, we have the speedy Mike Adams, who plays his butt off on every down, but wouldn't scare anyone if he were a starter. Hopefully we don't have any major injuries in this section of our team, because it is not too deep.