Can we please just stop beating a dead horse and let the legal system play out Jimmy Haslam‘s fate? Unfortunately, these were once again the cards we were dealt as loyal fans and it’s time to put it in the rearview mirror. At the end of the day, there is not one thing we can do about it. With that said, how about some positive energy?
In just eight days, our beloved brown-and-orange take the field again in Berea, OH. Like every year, there are many questions and concerns surrounding this young team full of waiting-to-burst talent. Let’s look at the top five positive reasons to be excited about the Cleveland Browns in 2013.
No. Five: Mingo ate the AFC North Quarterbacks
While many of you who read my articles know that I was 100% for DeMarcus Milliner, I am intrigued by Mingo. Watching numerous film on Mingo, there are some comparisons to DeMarcus Ware when he first appeared in the NFL. Mingo will bring a presence to the defense that has been missing for a long time: fear and non-stop motor. I fully expect no. 51 to have double-digit sacks this year and to bounce Ben Roethlisberger‘s helmet off of the turf a few times.
No. Four: Welcome to the Dawg Pound, Davone Bess
If you’re not excited about Bess, then you clearly have not watched this team the past 14 years. While I’m not looking for Bess to catch 100 balls, score 10 touchdowns, and rack up 1,000 yards receiving, I am looking for a true possession receiver that can move the chains on the crucial 3rd & 7 play calls. That’s what we will get with Bess – a drive continuing playmaker.
No. Three: It’s Jordan Cameron Time!
Last season, I spoke to Cameron at training camp. He told me how excited he was for the season and expected great things himself. Unfortunately, do to politics and some of the worst play calling we have all witnessed in a long time, Cameron was not utilized. “Chud” is about to change all of that. I expect big things from the 24-year-old this season period.
No. Two: It’s Your Team Mr. Weeden, Grab the Horns
Brandon Weeden had a rookie year of highs and lows. Pat Shurmur flat out stunted his growth despite Weeden throwing for over 3,300 yards and 14 touchdowns. We all know he needs to cut down his interceptions, but it’s his pocket presence that needs great improvement for the Browns this year. Working from the shotgun this year should greatly help Weeden with his confidence as he will be able to do what he does best, “let ’em rip”. Anything less than 22 touchdowns and 3,500 yards passing is not acceptable in this offense.
No. 1: TRich Baby!
The nay-sayers can all claim that Trent Richardson‘s 3.6 yards per carry is below average, but the reality is that this team will flow through TRich. Missing the 1,000 yard mark last year really disappointed Richardson. Also, Richardson’s first action he saw in 2012 was in the opener against Philly. Richardson is one of the hardest working players on this team and you can be sure he will be ready this season to dominate. 1,600 plus all-purpose yards is there.
Ryan Ruiz is the Cleveland Browns Beat Writer for The Inscriber: Digital Magazine. You can follow him on Facebook: Ryan (BrownsWriter) Ruiz and Twitter @ryanpruiz24.