NFL Cleveland Browns

10 Bold Predictions For 2014 Cleveland Browns

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By @cdrottar19

Cleveland Browns: 10 Bold Predictions For 2014 Season

Cleveland Browns: 10 Bold Predictions For 2014 Season

The NFL season officially kicks off tonight, and the Cleveland Browns are hoping to finally turn the corner in 2014. Many expect the Browns to continue trending downwards, some barely predicting one win for the team this season. However, I don't believe this will be the case. Here are some predictions for Cleveland's 2014 season.

1. Cleveland's Running Game Will be Vastly Improved From Last Year

Cleveland's Running Game Will be Vastly Improved
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

1. Cleveland's Running Game Will be Vastly Improved From Last Year

Cleveland's Running Game Will be Vastly Improved
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

This really won’t be too hard to accomplish. The Browns were absolutely heinous at running the ball last year. To make up for it, the team added Ben Tate, while also drafting Terrance West. Together, these two will help drastically improve Cleveland’s rushing attack and keep the ball moving.

2. Isaiah Crowell Will Slowly but Surely Become a Factor

Isaiah Crowell Will Slowly but Surely Become a Factor
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

2. Isaiah Crowell Will Slowly but Surely Become a Factor

Isaiah Crowell Will Slowly but Surely Become a Factor
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

The undrafted running back surprised many during the Browns’ final preseason game, earning himself a roster spot. As the season progresses, I expect more and more appearances from Crowell. Not only will he see increased minutes, he’ll continue turning heads as well.

3. The Browns Defense Will Rank Top 10 in the NFL

The Browns Defense Will be Top 10 in the NFL
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Browns Defense Will Rank Top 10 in the NFL

The Browns Defense Will be Top 10 in the NFL
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

On paper, the Browns defense is actually pretty stout. But, there’s obviously a difference between paper and the field. That said, with a deep line and an improved secondary, Cleveland’s defense looks like it could take a huge step forward this season, potentially becoming one of the league’s best.

4. Johnny Manziel Will Eventually Start This Year

Johnny Manziel Will Start at Some Point This Year
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

4. Johnny Manziel Will Eventually Start This Year

Johnny Manziel Will Start at Some Point This Year
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

This isn’t a prediction based on the massive national hype from people hoping to see the rookie take the field. It’s more based on Cleveland’s history at QB. Only once since ’99 has a Browns quarterback started a full season. Whether it’s via under-performance or an injury to Brian Hoyer, Manziel will be under center for Cleveland at some point this season.

5. When He Starts, Johnny Manziel Will Look Better Than Currently Predicted

Johnny Manziel Will Look Better Than People are Predicting
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

5. When He Starts, Johnny Manziel Will Look Better Than Currently Predicted

Johnny Manziel Will Look Better Than People are Predicting
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Manziel is apparently everyone’s new favorite punching bag, as both Sports Illustrated and Merril Hoge took some potshots this week. However, I think Manziel will look better than what the detractors are saying when he takes the field. I’m not saying he’ll “wreck the league” just yet, but he’ll definitely prove his worth and hopefully keep the team from considering a new QB next year.

6. Justin Gilbert and Joe Haden Will Become One of the NFL's Best CB Tandems

Justin Gilbert and Joe Haden Will Become One of the NFL's Best CB Duos
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

6. Justin Gilbert and Joe Haden Will Become One of the NFL's Best CB Tandems

Justin Gilbert and Joe Haden Will Become One of the NFL's Best CB Duos
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Haden has proven to be one of the league’s best cornerbacks. Gilbert, so far, has looked very raw through the preseason, making a few costly mistakes. However, I don’t anticipate this being the case much longer. Eventually, the rookie will get on his game, leading to these two making up one of the NFL’s best duos at corner.

7. Karlos Dansby Will Make Fans Forget About D'Qwell Jackson

Karlos Dansby Will Make Fans Forget About D'Qwell Jackson
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

7. Karlos Dansby Will Make Fans Forget About D'Qwell Jackson

Karlos Dansby Will Make Fans Forget About D'Qwell Jackson
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Many fans were upset when the Browns decided to get rid of linebacker D’Qwell Jackson. He was a fan-favorite, and had stuck it out through many rough seasons in Cleveland. That said, Dansby’s play will soon remind Browns supporters the team made a significant upgrade in replacing Jackson. Though slightly older, Dansby will be heavily utilized in Cleveland's new high-pressure defense.

8. Chris Kirksey Will End Up Being Cleveland's Best Pick from the 2014 Draft

Chris Kirksey Will be Cleveland's Best Pick from 2014 Draft
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

8. Chris Kirksey Will End Up Being Cleveland's Best Pick from the 2014 Draft

Chris Kirksey Will be Cleveland's Best Pick from 2014 Draft
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The rookie from Iowa has looked phenomenal through the preseason, in both pass and run coverage. He's shown the quickness and aggressiveness the Browns desperately need at inside linebacker. I don’t anticipate things changing much come regular season. The Browns took flak for picking Kirksey instead of a receiver, but he’s on pace to make them look very smart for bringing him in.

9. Mike Pettine Will Keep His Job at the End of the Season

Mike Pettine Will Keep His Job at the End of the Season
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

9. Mike Pettine Will Keep His Job at the End of the Season

Mike Pettine Will Keep His Job at the End of the Season
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

This shouldn’t be a bold prediction for a first-year coach. But, the Browns aren't your typical team. Trigger-happy owner Jimmy Haslam has already sent one rookie coach packing after his first season, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he did it again. However, I think Pettine will make it to the offseason without needing to fear losing his job.

10. The Browns Will Win More than Six Games

The Browns Will Win More than Six Games
Getty Images

10. The Browns Will Win More than Six Games

The Browns Will Win More than Six Games
Getty Images

Cleveland has won four or five games every year since 2007, but I think this is the season the trend finally snaps. I’m not saying they’ll find themselves in the postseason, but expect six, possibly seven wins this year. The majority of these may come later in the year, as the team finally starts getting a grip on the new schemes installed this season. Either way, there's a decent chance this team shows promise for the future.

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