My Annual Cleveland Browns Prediction.....

Every year I write my season prediction for the Cleveland Browns. Every season I give an overly optimistic prediction of how they will do. Maybe I'm just an optimistic guy. It's hard to just say your team will stink before they even play a game. The Browns will even play a game in London, England this season. We don't want to embarrass our town in front of the queen!

I could just give a flat prediction and say the Browns won't win the Super Bowl. But neither will 31 other teams. The Browns are normally on the other end of the spectrum. Last season the Browns were the worst team in the NFL, winning only one game. This season? I'll bravely say the Browns may be turning the corner.

My reason for optimism is based on two people. One is a player, the other a coach.

Kizer can learn from Head Coach Hue Jackson.

Rookie DeShone Kizer has been named the starting quarterback of the Browns. In addition to being the youngest player in the NFL, Kizer only played two seasons at Notre Dame. But he seems to be learning the position like a sponge. Then there's the measurables. He's 6'4" and 234 pounds. Also God touched his right arm with a lightning bolt. His arm strength is unusually good. That became apparent during the preseason comparing him to the other quarterbacks. Being a big, strong athlete with a rocket arm can erase a lot of mistakes in the NFL.

All that said, rookie quarterbacks always struggle. They make plenty of mistakes. Buy if he can stay healthy, I think there is reason for optimism with DeSone leading the way.

Two improvements: Myles Garrett and Coach Greg Williams.

The coach that I think will also make a difference is Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams. Williams coaches and teaches through aggression and intimidation. That's what you want on the defensive side of the ball. Tough guys that make the other guys know they're going to get hit. Coach Greg Williams was once suspended from the NFL for instituting a prize, or bounty, for getting the opposition quarterback off the field. He is known for that type of defense that plays on the border of legal and illegal.

There are other reasons I think the Browns will be improved. There is an improved veteran offensive line to protect Kizer. There also should be an improved pass rush on defense led by the number one draft pick Myles Garrett. But it's not a complete team.

The wide receivers are woeful. The tight ends have plenty to learn. Plus any team that relies on so many rookies will suffer plenty of growing pains.

Plenty of good seats available.

The division the Browns play in includes the Pittsburgh Steelers. They may be from the dark side of the force, but they are also one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl. But were not talking Super Bowl for the Browns. We just want improvement. Baby steps.

So here it is. I predict the Browns will finish the season with a 7-9 record. That's a 700% improvement over last season!

Watching Browns games could start to be fun again. That's enough of a miracle for this season.