The Cleveland Browns enter the 2012 regular season with what many consider a brutal schedule. At the forefront in any discussion about the Browns win/loss record in the upcoming season are two rookies, quarterback Brandon Weeden and running-back Trent Richardson. Weeden and Richardson have given hope to a Browns fan base that desperately seeks something to cheer about, that something being a potent and respectable offense, unlike the dysfunctional offense seen last season.

Although much of the blame for last seasons less than stellar offense has been placed on the shoulders of Colt McCoy there were numerous other failures, lack of protection, questionable play-calling and receivers dropping passes, all of which were out of McCoys control. The Browns, during the NFL Draft attempted to address these problems, their success or failure will become clearly visible shortly into the regular season!

The Offense:

As stated, the Browns offense will be focused on two rookies, Weeden and Richardson. There has been a great deal of media hype surrounding both players and projections of the impact they will have on the Browns offense. Both players are talented, but one must take into consideration two things before expecting these young men to place the Browns on their shoulders and carry them to the promise land--growing pains and "welcome to the NFL"--a game that is much faster with far more talented defenses to face.

Richardson is without a doubt, as labeled by Weeden "a freak". A powerful and talented running-back who is capable of gaining much needed yardage provided the offensive line can open holes and the passing attack demands respect from defenders, eliminating them from "stacking the box". On the flip-side of that coin, Richardsons impact at gaining yardage will open up passing lanes--both the running game and the passing game must work hand in hand or the offense will become one dimensional--somewhat like when Peyton Hillis was in Cleveland. A great deal of Richardsons success will rest squarely on the shoulders of Weeden and Browns receivers--hence the problem.

Whether Browns receivers will be able to cure their case of the "droppsies" due to having another QB tossing them the ball remains to be seen, however I do expect Weeden to have growing pains. These growing pains will only be magnified by many of the upper-shelf defenses he will face this season. Playing in a division known for top defenses along with a thirst for blitzing the QB will be a hardship for a QB who is known to lack mobility--especially in a division where QB's must be mobile, making plays while running for their life (See McCoy and Harrison). Last season showed that defenses lacked respect for the Browns air attack--expect the same for Weeden although not at such a magnitude.

The Defense:

Although the Browns defense last season was respectable and rose up on numerous occasions the bar has been set higher. They will be playing more potent offenses this season and must keep them "in check". The Browns offensive scoring ability will be greater than last seasons rather pathetic output but probably not by a great amount.

After canning then coach Eric Mangini, Browns president Mike Holmgren stated that 5 wins was not enough, only to say he probably should not have said it quite that way last month. Maybe he sees what is on the horizon!

Prediction:  5 Wins and 11 Losses