ColumbusSports.com : Your place to stay informed and talk about the sports scene and sports teams in and around Columbus.

The anticipation has been here since the dismal end to the embarrassing season last year. The Browns have not scored an offensive touchdown during the regular season since November 17, 2008 against the Buffalo Bills. The touchdown that happened 304 days ago was by Jerome Harrison. It was a 72 yard run. When the Browns played the Green Bay Packers in week one of the preseason this year, we could not wait to see how the Browns had improved. Unfortunately, they could not score a touchdown or any other score for that matter. They started out with a 17-0 loss and it was looking like the same old Browns we have seen way too much of lately. However, since week one of the preseason the Browns have showed some improvement and their offense has displayed some signs of life.

In week two of the preseason they played the Detroit Lions. The Browns won the game 27-10. They did play better than the week before.  Derek Anderson played well and tried to make his mark as the Browns starting quarterback. Another bright spark was Joshua Cribbs. Whatever Mr. Cribbs wants in a new contract the Browns need to provide. He is without a doubt the best player on this team right now. Every time he gets the ball he has a legitimate chance to put points on the board. In addition to special teams, Cleveland needs to use him as a receiver this year as well. James Davis looked pretty good also and he may be able to assist the offense this year in a big way. This sixth round, 195^th pick of this year’s draft, gained 116 yards on just 12 carries and scored a touchdown. Even though Cleveland started out hot, in this game they really slowed down and the offense sputtered. Furthermore, they played against the one team that was “probably” worse than the Browns were last year. Detroit’s record was winless at 0-16. Sports writers and fans were saying “who cares?”.

Game three was against a much better team, the Tennessee Titans, who were just one win away from going to the Super Bowl last year. However, the Browns were able to score throughout the game. It almost felt like a regular season game. They wanted to come out and play well against a good team. Brady Quinn made a good case for himself at the starting quarterback position. His 11-15 day for 128 yards helped the Browns hold on and win 23 -17. Brady had some good drives and a couple long pass plays. One of those good drives ended with a touchdown to Braylon Edwards. Congratulations are in order; Braylon showed he CAN still catch a football. Maybe he will keep his mouth shut and concentrate on keeping his arms out for some more big catches this season.  We have to hope, even though he played for that “state up north”, it does not necessary mean he will be a horrible player or an NFL bust.

I know it is only preseason and everyone is saying, “Preseason does not mean anything”. One could disagree with this. The only thing it does not mean is that “Man genius" can decide who the starting quarterback will be. By the way, it will be Quinn.  Preseason is a time to see where your team is and how they can play together. Although they are not going to be a Super Bowl team or even a playoff team for that matter this year, they are improving. When you consider who they traded away and did not re-sign, there is still a decent chance they will be a better team. You may see some different players out there but you will also notice a little different play. They are playing the NFC North division which should help their cause. They should go 6-10 or 7-9 which is better than their horrific 4-12 season last year. Hey Browns fans, hang in there. You have to remember that baby steps are better than no steps at all. Beware, “Dawg Pound”, good play is coming your way. Go Browns, go Browns!

Tags: brady quinn, braylon edwards, cleveland browns, derek anderson, joshua cribbs