Did the Browns moves over the weekend make them THAT much better than the Bengals?

by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 3, 2008 12:11 AM EST in Analysis

There's no question that the Browns were better than the Bengals in 2007. Well, except for the Bengals 19-14 win thanks to four well placed interceptions by the league's newest multi-millionaire quarterback. Sorry, I had to throw that in there. There's growing debate between Ohio teams on who's done more/less in free agency. In terms of actually doing something, then the Browns take the checkers. In terms of comparing the teams based primarily on the actual transactions made by the Browns (as some are contending), well, I'm not sure.

For example, people say that the Browns have done more after giving Derek Anderson a three-year deal. Whereas you have to consider, the Bengals don't need a quarterback because they have one that's highly regarded as the most technically sound with some pretty gaudy numbers. Plus there's no way on god's green Earth that the Bengals would sign Anderson. Or the Browns signing Donte Stallworth even though the Bengals already have Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chris Henry. Perhaps it's acquiring two large defensive linemen? That admittedly, you'll have to give to the Browns in terms of "upgrading". Though you have to consider, the only reason we lost one big man to the Browns, is because, paraphrasing Marvin Lewis, the Lions had problems panicking over a $1 million roster bonus.

But losing Madieu Williams isn't a "loss", so to speak. A seventh-round pick safety is showing that he has the ability to replace Williams, if not improve the position. Nor is losing Justin Smith. Few Bengals fans will cry over a guy that averaged 6.2 sacks per year at the value of $45 million.

However, I remind all, there's a draft to consider. Whereas the Bengals will have their full compliment on the first day, perhaps even more after losing free agents last season (losing Eric Steinbach could reward the Bengals a third round pick), the Browns have no reason to be in New York Saturday. In fact, the Bengals, as per Mark Curnutte, could have as many as four compensatory picks.

So, while it's true that the Bengals are quiet, it's not like the Bengals won't see more personnel movement. Nor does it mean that the Browns activity over the weekend will make them better. The NFL Draft will provide the Bengals with as many improvements as would signing free agents. And it seems, that's the way the Bengals are going to handle things.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Concerned about the Browns (Mike and Katie)

There is no doubt that the Browns are trying very hard to set themselves up for a division run. I give them a lot of credit in turning a crappy team around so quickly. Which, of course, has me scratching my head at the Bengals front office.

On the flip side, the Bengals have more to work with to begin with (at least offensively) and can be a little more circumspect. I agree that losing Williams and Smith really aren't huge deals because they are replacable--we just have to replace them.

What I fear is that the Bengals won't make any moves of import (aside from signing a couple "over the hill" veterans for cheap) and then we will be in a position of depending totally on the draft to fill holes.

That is not a good position to be in as very rarely do drafted players make an immediate impact. This draft could be a great one--3-4 years down the road, but the Bengals need more immediate attention if we want to see Palmer, Johnson, Housh and Co. have their best shot at a Super Bowl while still in their primes.

And as I write this, I am reading that the Bengals just picked up Robertson from the Jets for two draft picks--sound familiar? I hope this one actually sticks. If so, it is a better move than the Rogers deal. It looks like we are staying in the 4-3.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3274297

by goffchile on Mar 3, 2008 8:30 AM EST reply actions

As an addendum

Apparently, the trade is contingent upon reaching a contract with Robertson. Get ready for the roller coaster ride!

by goffchile on Mar 3, 2008 8:55 AM EST reply actions

In a word, Josh...

Yes.

by BeerRun on Mar 3, 2008 11:17 AM EST reply actions

But the Browns

They still don't have that strong of a secondary...in fact, they lost Leigh Bodden. Donte Stallworth is overrated. Jamal Lewis could break at any moment. I would not be at all surprised if Derek Anderson hit the crapper.

I wouldn't elevate them to "team to beat in the division." Pittsburgh, as much as we hate them, still has that title.

by mp45242 on Mar 3, 2008 5:12 PM EST reply actions

Re: Weekend Moves by the Browns.

I know that we are all Bengals fans but there's little doubt in my little noggin that the Browns have done very well so far in the offseason.

One should not forget that the Browns will have a draft also and they may address even more needs at that time.

I said this last year and people didn't believe it. The Bengals cannot afford to take anyone lightly and definately not the Browns at this point.

I suspect that barring injuries Cincy will have a real tussle both times they play the Browns.

Regardless of talent on Cincy's side, QBs and WRs don't tackle unless they give up the ball so Cincy needs to shore up their defense.

by davidincincinnati on Mar 3, 2008 7:42 PM EST reply actions

I'll Believe it when I see it...

The Browns are a team that overachieved, relying on some well-timed plays at the end of games and an over-achieving offense, despite a pathetically bad defense. Remind you of anyone? Ahhh - the 2003 Cincinnati Bengals! And what was the Bengal's record in 2004? 8-8!

The Browns will be better, but that much better? They have signed two perennial underachievers - Rogers and Stallworth. They resigned a "veteran QB" what, despite what Peter King says, is not the "elite QB the Browns have been waiting for since Tim Couch." Elite QBs don't throw 4 terrible interceptions against a bottom tier defense when everything is on the line. They also signed a Running Back in Jamal Lewis who is one year older and one year slower than last year. When (not if) Lewis goes down, who is going to step in? I hear Lee Suggs and William Green aren't doing anything right now...

Plus they have a harder schedule than last year.

We'll see how they do in the draft, but I don't think one year after a decade of futility entitles them to be the "team to beat" in 2008. Kellen Winslow is one stunt bike ride away from an injury - and he's already being a malcontent, just like everyone knew he would be. If the Browns aren't winning like they were last year, Winslow could turn out to be this year's "Chad Johnson," where the same antics when winning are suddenly team killers when losing.

In short, f*ck the Browns.

"Ryan, Things in here don't react too well to bullets." - Marko Ramius

by TarZander on Mar 3, 2008 8:44 PM EST reply actions

Re: Tarzander

Hey, I missed on Cleveland having a draft this year and you missed on an elite QB having 4 ints in a game. Seems to me that is exactly what Palmer did this year in one game and I said bench him. LOL I still say it too.

I don't know if the Browns have overachieved so much as it being darned easy to complete passes against a weak Cincy secondary in the first game. If you'll recall Cincy DBs seemed to turn the corner when Marvin bagged the injured players and put them on the injured list. From that point on the defense got better.

It doesn't necessarily say that it's going to happen but the Browns have done things to make the team somewhat better this year. If we didn't know based on the season last year we should know it now. Cleveland is doing alot of the things that Marvin did when he got here and Cleveland is a contender in this division. If they can move up and get pressue on Palmer then things will be difficult for Cincy. Likewise, if Cincy can beef up their defense things should get better for Cincy too and that should help the team dramatically.

Really, thinking about it, when is the last time that Cincy management set their jaw and added considerable talent to the DL? I think the team has been lopsided on offense for some time now and the defense has suffered from not only injuries but from the money being paid to high priced offensive players.

You'll note also that the FA signings are happening in Cincy after Marvin said that you build a team through the draft and not through free agency. I guess he changed his mind on that.

Also, I don't think that Cincy is finished in the FA market either because of extra draft choices. that they have. I think that they will likely deal a couple of them somehow.

by davidincincinnati on Mar 3, 2008 10:05 PM EST up reply actions