By Matt

July 24, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Unless the ravens get a big name QB (Favre?), I think 6 wins is probably too high. I’m thinking in the 3-4 range.

By Dick Vargas

July 24, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Browns are gonna get ten or more wins this year. Your an old idiot who should be fired for such dumb opinions. Bengals are poop.

By Tom Symonds

July 24, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Ludwig, nice post about the Browns, but believe it or not teams can also IMPROVE!!! I understand that the word IMPROVE is not really used that often in Cincinnati. After all, in 29 years and two months of covering the Bengals you have had a ring side seat to 265 losses and 17 losing seasons, so I completely understand how you feel teams will never IMPROVE. Also, let’s not forget that Derrick Anderson was only 24 years old last year, so there is a chance he could IMPROVE (there’s that word again) as well. Not only that, but he was running a complicated offense last year by a first-year offensive coordinator, so there are bound to be some bumps along they way (i.e. throwing four picks against the Bengals in Week 16 … I know). As for your claim about “NFL Defenses figuring out Carson Palmer in 2006,”; may I remind you that in 2006 Palmer tossed for over 4,000 yards (fifth in the NFL), 28 touchdowns (second in the NFL) and threw just 13 picks. I don’t know about you, but I think if Derrick Anderson does that in 2008 then the Browns will win more than just EIGHT games this year. OH YEAH, how you think the Bengals will win nine games this year is beyond me. The bottom line is this, Ludwig. The success of the Cleveland Browns in 2008 will depend on the secondary and whether or not its defensive line can get a decent pass rush. The Browns offense will be fine this season because they have too many playmakers and they have a great offensive line (by the way, thanks for giving away Eric Steinbach … he’s been great for us). Let me know if you have any further questions about the 2008 Cleveland Browns because it seems to me that you are a little mis-informed. Go Browns!!!

By DMB

July 24, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

You and your so called sound advise are the letdown. The Browns won’t be since they’ll be at least 10-6. No nectar for you.

By Erik

July 24, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Mr. Ludwig: The Browns may very well finish 8-8 (they do have a tough schedule), but if you honestly think the Bengals will finish 9-7, please send me some of whatever you are smoking.

By Antwan Odom in your face

July 24, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

i can’t wait for 9/28…Battle of Ohio belongs to us…Cincy 34, CLE 33

By Andy

July 24, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

As Bengals fan I hope your right, but I think you’re overlooking all the other improvements the Browns made this year. They made some trades to shore up the defense and adding Donte Stallworth to receiving corp that already includes Edwards and Winslow is pretty imposing. Its possible that Anderson will regress next year, but they also have a first rounder waiting in the wings if he stumbles. Although the quarterback position is important on any team, I don’t think the Browns will have to rely on Anderson as much as we do on Palmer.

By Dennis

July 24, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

what kind of crack are you smoking Bengals with a better record.Browms have one of the best offenseive lines in the nfl.Bengals have nothing.

By Carson

July 24, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

I think 8-8 is being kind to the Browns. Maybe 6 or 7 wins if they pull an upset. They are not really that good. The Bengals at 9-7 is pretty much on the mark. This is a weak division.

By Jeff

July 24, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Go Bengals!! They will be back in the playoffs.

By Jill

July 24, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

I am hoping and praying the Browns prove you wrong Chick; but even if they don’t one thing they will still have over the Bengals is LOYAL FANS!! It’s always a good time for the Browns fans to watch the Benglas fans burn their sweatshirts and turn off their TV’s. If the Benglas aren’t winning where are their fans? So at least the team to the north has support. We’ll be there to the end 16-0; 10 -6; 8-8, 3-13 …. doesn’t matter. They are our team and we are proud members of the NATION!! Go Browns!!! and Carson - GO BUCKS!!!

By Antwan Odom in your face

July 24, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Braylon Edwards dissed OSU on nfl.com, and i’ve yet to hear a word about it. Carson does it, and he’s wanted dead or alive. Let the hypocrite bandwagon doo-doo browns fans explain this please.

By SmirkingInCincy

July 24, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Browns fans, THANK YOU! Thank you for wearing the rose-colored glasses with pride. Thank you for being so over-confident. Thank you for talking smack. Because I am going to enjoy watching your chins hit the floor, wondering what happened to your Brownies when Chick’s warnings come true. In fact, here’s another cup of Koolaid for you!

By Yippee

July 24, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Sound advice for the Browns fans out there. Their schedule just got a lot tougher this year and Anderson had a very mediocre second half last year after starting off scorching hot. Fantasy football advice: Draft Brady Quinn in the late rounds.

By realistic

July 24, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

First of all, I’m a Bengals fan from birth, but….. Bengals 5-11, Browns 9-7. Steelers win the division at 10-6. The Bengals should consider it a sensational year if they get to 7 wins. Palmer will have another down year, and the defense is assured to be putrid!

By tidybowlman

July 24, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Always remember, “If it’s Brown, flush it down.” Applicable to both teams and certain guys named Mike.

By tidybowlman

July 24, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Always remember, “If it’s Brown flush it down.” Applicable to teams and certain guys named Mike.

By John F

July 24, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

One factor regarding the chest thumping of the Bungals- they are making an assumption that they can keep their players out of jail. They will have more players in jail than on IR… 7-9 at best for the bungals. 10-6 for the Browns.

By 12penguins

July 24, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

If the Bengals go 9-7 I will eat Sh** with a giant spoon.

By TBill

July 24, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Why do we have Ludwig reporting on our Browns?? Where’s Sean?! Ludwig made fun of the Browns many QB shufflings and must have forgotten Akili, Turk, Klingler, Hollas, et al since the Bungles are in the same boat. Does 29 years make you good at it or do you just make the same mistakes for 29 years?!? The Browns have loyal fans; the Bengal fans hop on & off the bandwagon yearly. Even better than the game is listening to Bengal fans call in to WLW after the game and cry in their beers. I can’t wait!

By Joe

July 24, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Let’s compare the Browns and Bengals offseason moves: Bengals - lose their #3 WR. Browns - Pick up Donte Stallworth. Bengals - lose Madieu Williams. Browns - trade Leigh Bodden for a pro-bowl D-lineman (Shaun Rogers). Bengals - lose Landon Johnson. Browns - pick up Corey Williams (pro-bowl caliber D-lineman). Bengals - lose Justin Smith. Browns - pick up Rex Hadnot (veteran C/G with several years of starting experience). Bengals - lose the depth of Bryan Robinson (DE) and Alex Stepanovich (C). Browns - we lost a back-up LB and replaced him with Orr (a guy with some starting experience and special teams ability) from the Texans. Bengals - sign Antwan Odom (a guy with some potential but not a Justin Smith). Browns - sign Terry Cousin (an experienced nickelback). Bengals - sign Ben Utecht (TE). Overall, your Bengals spent the offseason playing musical chairs with their defense. A defense that wasn’t very good last year. They lost a bunch of starters and a bunch of depth. They signed a couple of rookies and guys that look on paper to be a downgrade compared to the guys you lost. The Browns gave away an overrated CB to make room for a couple of young guys that showed strength last year. They backed up their rookies with an experienced nickel-guy. They put two huge, pro-bowl-caliber guys on the D-line. They kept everyone else locked in. On offense, the Bengals lost one of their biggest threats at receiver. Your star ran his mouth about not wanting to be in Cincinnati because he didn’t think he could win there. You picked up a back-up TE and a couple of unproven kids at WR. The Browns went out and got one of the leagues best and most versatile receivers. We added a big guy to a line that played lights-out football in the trenches last year. I’m sorry, Chick, but, on paper, the Browns took a step forward on both sides of the ball. DA played in a brand-new offensive system last year without ever having been able to prepare as the starter. Jamal Lewis, Joe Thomas, and Eric Steinbach were all new to the team. Thomas was new to the NFL. You think having an offseason to prepare and new weapons isn’t going to make the Cleveland offense better??? Same thing with the defense. The Bengals, on the other hand, stayed put in terms of talent. And that is at best. On paper, many would argue they took a step back on one or both sides of the ball. Paper is all we have until September. I understand that you are hoping the Bengals can put things together. But the Bengals did go 7-9 against almost the exact same teams as Cleveland. The Browns went 10-6. The Browns improved their roster. The Bengals put theirs through the shredder and have spend the past several months taping what pieces they can find back together. I just really don’t see much evidence for your claim that the Browns are going to fare worse than the Bengals this year.

By BnOPanther

July 24, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Chick, you are an idiot. There is no way the Browns go 8-8. They will go 5-11. And I have the Bengals sharpied in at 10-6. Hey penguin, eat up!

By Typical doo-doo Browns fan

July 24, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

GO SKIDMARKS…we just wanted to let you know that we’re not wasting our time worrying about you…nope, not worried at all, in fact, now that we have all this extra time on our hands, we’re gonna go ahead and post very long meaningless posts on bengals blogs to let them know we’re not worried about cincy…btw, i bet the whole team will be in jail and not have enough players to even have a chance anyway. GO SKIDMARKS

By Chuck

July 24, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Since the Browns play in Cincy in September, I see many heat-related illnesses suffered by Bengals fans at PBS due to the amount of body fat and blubber they carry in combination with the warm weather. Like seals, whales and walruses, they (Bengals Fans) are better made for outside activities in December when its cold and their flab can be used to their benefit and protection.

By Brian

July 24, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

“Bengals - sign Antwan Odom (a guy with some potential but not a Justin Smith).” Not a Justin Smith?!? Dear Gawd, how will the Bengals ever replace the all TWO of his sacks from last year?!? Without that kind of legendary production the Bengals might as well throw in the towel right out of the chute…

By Antwan Odom in your face

July 24, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

GO SKIDMARKS…good job Chuck, witty, clever and original, but you forgot to call us criminals…GO SKIDMARKS

By Antwan Odom in your face

July 24, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

GO SKIDMARKS…good job Chuck, witty, clever and original, but you forgot to call us criminals…GO SKIDMARKS

By Antwan Odom in your face

July 24, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

GO SKIDMARKS…good job Chuck, witty, clever and original, but you forgot to call us criminals…GO SKIDMARKS

By Antwan Odom in your face

July 24, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

GO SKIDMARKS…good job Chuck, witty, clever and original, but you forgot to call us criminals…GO SKIDMARKS

By Antwan Odom in your face

July 24, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

GO SKIDMARKS…good job Chuck, witty, clever and original, but you forgot to call us criminals…GO SKIDMARKS

By Antwan Odom in your face

July 24, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

GO SKIDMARKS…good job Chuck, witty, clever and original, but you forgot to call us criminals…GO SKIDMARKS

By Adam

July 24, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Typical Browns fans. You had a fluke season (with a cake schedule) and now you think you’re going to the SB. I’m not going to say the Browns aren’t a good team but their the “popular pick” this season…and you know how that always ends up. Usually it ends up being a letdown season when you’re the “popular pick” team. I say the Turds go 8-8 this season and miss the playoffs. Oh yeah and the Bengals are gonne break out the brooms on the Turds this season!

By Antwan Odom in your face

July 24, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

DA-Pat Sims is gonna smash your freakin face in…..it’s Smashmouth Football time….WhoDey style….9/28, you’ll know my name, skids, cuz i’ll just be gettin done wreckin your backfield

By Aweave8

July 24, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

As a fellow Browns supporter, I’m just as sick of this guy Chick as everyone. Let’s stop wasting our time reading this stuff let alone justifying his “work” with our comments. Stick to getting our news from credible journalists that spend time reporting on the Browns rather than bashing them. When’s the last time you read an article from the Plain Dealer that started out “Hey Bengals fans…”? Never. Who cares what some classless Cincinnati lunatic thinks about our team anyway. GO BROWNS!!

By Papa C

July 24, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Are you serious? The Bungles ahead of the Browns? With what defense? You should be writing about the good ol’ days and Ickey Wood or Boomer. Seriously if you truly believe that the Browns will finish behind the Bungles and you guys and the Squeelers will battle for the division you should really just stop writing and enjoy retirement.

By tj

July 24, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

It all begins up front…all the true Browns fans screamed for years…give us an OL and DL…instead we drafted Tim Couch and other long gone RB and WR. Finally, they get the genius of Savage who is executing a very simple plan. Win the trenches, win the games. Tom Brady was VERY BELOW AVERAGE in the Super Bowl..Why you ask…because he wasn’t used to being pummelled on every down. Not saying we will win, but compare the trenches of the Browns and Bengals…now give me your answer…Wait…no, not your answer…ask Mr. Palmer who has to stand behind the ad-hoc line the Bengals are throwing on the field. He’s gonna get pummelled…

By Sanity

July 24, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Go figure. Dayton is about an hour out of Cincinnati (versus the nearly 3.5 it is from Cleveland) and this guy is making anti-Browns, pro-Bengals comments. If Chick honestly thinks that this kind of article is in any way journalism, then maybe he’d better cash in his 29 years and 2 months worth of experience and call it a career. The beauty of this whole argument is it has nothing to do with facts of any kind. It’s your typical team vs. team bashing that you hear every year, no matter how good either team is. Cincinnati plays Kansas City and the Jets vs. the Browns playing Denver and Buffalo. NONE of those four teams should scare anyone. Other than that, the teams play identical schedules (team-wise). Cleveland gets Dallas and New York (Giants) at home whereas Cincinnati has to go to Dallas and New York. Cleveland goes to Jacksonville, and Cincinnati goes to Indianapolis. Keep in mind that Derek Anderson was in his FIRST season as a starter, and wasn’t even named the starter until Week 2. This year he’ll have an entire off-season as the starter and have time to adjust accordingly. He came off the bench and tossed 29 TD passes…I’d say that’s a decent year, no matter how he much he struggled down the stretch. Cincinnati’s offense isn’t what it used to be, and their defense is garbage. Cleveland’s offense last year was loaded and it added more pieces. Cleveland won 10 games last year despite having a horrible defense. By adding the big bodies up front, they should improve significantly. I’m not going to bash the Bengals or praise the Browns, but if this writer thinks the Bengals are winning 9 games and the Browns will be at .500, he needs a new line of work.

By Joe

July 24, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Just to clarify, Sanity. The difference in the schedules was the Bengals played the Titans and the Chiefs while the Browns played the Raiders and the Texans. Both teams played the Jets, the Broncos, and the Bills.

By Sanity

July 24, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Just to clarify, Joe, I’m referring to the upcoming 2008 schedule. What I’m essentially saying is that people are talking so much about a tough schedule that they don’t realize that the Browns and Bengals are playing teams that are probably equal. The Chiefs and Broncos are both rebuilding. The Jets and Bills are improved from last year, but both have issues at QB and are at least another year away from the playoffs. The better team will prove it in the win/loss column, regardless of the schedules.

By brian

July 24, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Chick I think you’re being a bit generous. Browns start the season going 1-3 losing to Pit, Dallas, and Cincy. The Brady Quinn experiment will start before week 7.

By bob

July 24, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

This statement says it all right here, “Bengals 9-7 Browns 8-8”. Sounds like a typical delusional Bengals fan that somehow got a job as a sports writer.

By BengalMatt

July 24, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

It is interesting to note how many Browns fans feel the need to read a Bengal beat writer. They must be having flashbacks to good years in the 90’s when the Browns played in Baltimore. This bunch is a cheap immitation with some of the same toothless, worthless fans. Chick, keep up the good work. The winner of the division might be 8-8 with three 7-9 teams. I would say the Browns fans think they are ready for the Super Bowl, but that is only a dream. Go Bengals and I still look forward to the day when Chad Johnson celebrates in the quasi-dog pound. Enjoy a winnie roast on the river.

By David

July 24, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

How exactly are the Bengals going to go 9-7 with a poor defense which lost the only two players who could start on another team (beside their draft pick, of course), and a schedule just as difficult as the Browns? (They do have to play twice against the Browns, whereas the Browns’ otherwise brutal schedule eases a bit with a couple games against the Bengals.)

By Steve S.

July 24, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Chick- you are so far out in left field it’s pathetic in your assessment of Brown’s upcoming season. We don’t have to worry about defenses cathing up with Derek Anderson because he won’t even be in there after 3 or 4 games. Defenses will have to try and figure out Brady Quinn, and he is the real deal and the guy of the future. As far as Cleveland’s tough schedule, the gate swings both ways, opponents now have Browns tabbed as no push over either. A 9&7 record for the hapless bunguls is a real grab at hope. 4&12 is more realistic, with Marvin fired by season’s end is reality. Have a nice day dreamer.

By bburton359

July 25, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

Bengals prediction: Healthy 12-4. How? Look at last season. All but one LB,Levi, Willie, Rudi, Perry, and Irons were all injured for significant chunks of the season. If even half of those guys were moderately healthy, it is hichly conceivable that the Bengals beat the Browns, Seahawks, Chiefs, Cards, Bills, and Niners. That is potentially 6 extra wins. 6+7=13 wins. As you can see, the Bengals are not as bad as they were. If they aren’t healthy 8-8. It is a tough schedule, but the Bengals would have to have the same bad string of injuries to finish worse. Any rational fan could agree that that string of injuries to one team is almost unprecedented in sports history. It can’t happen twice in a row can it? As for the Browns, they will be better, but not as much as some may think. Their big signings are two DL, none of which are dynamic pass rushers. That should help, but the Browns are no longer flying under the radar. They have several prime time games against tough opponents. Everyone will be bringing their best and this is a young team that is still getting used to the idea of success. Browns prediction: If healthy 10-6. Whether fans want to admit it or not, the secondary is a concern, the D is running a new scheme with 2 new starters, and Derek Anderson DID struggle toward the end of last season. Many doubt, including Cleveland media, that Anderson is not a cold weather QB. Even if the Browns start strong, they may struggle down the stretch when the weather gets foul. If the injury bug hits to key players, 5-11. Like I said, this team is still young and it lacks a core group or leaders. If things start to go bad, things could unravel quick. Fans and media won’t hesitate to push for Quinn. That could be fatal for this team’s hope.

By hoorta

July 25, 2008 5:54 AM | Link to this

<> BB, you’re even more of a dreamer than Chickie. 13 wins for the Stripers this year? I’ll bet you Vegas will give you 1,000:1 odds against that happening. BTW,no Browns fan that I know (other than a few on-line crackpots) are thinking Super Bowl. Very cautiously optimistic for a change.

By DLee

July 25, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Cleveland fans on here are sadly mistaken. The Bengals’ D from last year, if you remember, suffered a plethora of injuries early on. JJ wasn’t healthy from Day One, and we started Leon Hall as a Rookie for most of the year. In 2008, we have a potential ROTY at Will LB, two pass-rushing DE’s, and a new pressure-oriented D.C. (Zimmer) that will allow Hall/JJ to play to their strengths (man coverage). On O, our bookends are back and healthy (Jones and Anderson, probably the best RT in the game). Our weapons are always there, and with a healthy Rudi (averaging 4.0 ypc), your 3-4 will be shredded. Sorry, Brownies, but you just don’t have the talent to compete with the Bengals in ‘08. Ex. A - where is your secondary? Where is your depth at LB? You’re starting a 36 (maybe 37??), and Rogers can only play 1/2 the downs that a normal DT can play. Bengals - 9-7, Browns- 7-9. Schedules are both tough, but the big difference is at QB. We have a franchise, you have a journeyman.

By Sanity

July 25, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

DLee, how is Derek Anderson a journeyman? He is with his second team…that hardly makes him a journeyman. As for the Browns defense, they won ten games with that same 3-4 you speak of, and they improved their weakest area in the D-line. As for the Browns’ secondary, both Brodney Pool (FS) and Sean Jones (SS) are quality safeties. The CB position is thin, yes, but they have some capable players and an improved pass rush should help them out. Not to mention Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, the two second-year players who are penciled in as the starters, are good enough. The LB corps isn’t the strongest, but it’s leaps and bounds ahead of Cincinnati’s. The Browns’ LBs were swallowed up by O-linemen because we got zero pressure from the D-line last year. Once again, if Rodgers (who Cincinnati tried to get, mind you) and Corey Williams (who Green Bay put the franchise tag on) play to their potential, the entire front seven will play better.

By Mike

July 27, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Chick, I met Big ‘C’ today at Browns minicamp, you know a venue that you’re actually capable of finding talented football players unlike Cincy, and he refered me here. Anyways, I was just wondering what penitentiary the Bangals are having minicamp at this year? I have to say your predictions are bogus, but you do have the right to be wrong, and obviously you express that right. FYI… I did hear that Marvin Lewis was only dressing 30 for the Cleveland vs. Cincy game this year… I guess the rest of the team are going to have to dress themselves!

By Mike

July 27, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Chick, I met Big ‘C’ today at Browns minicamp, you know a venue that you’re actually capable of finding talented football players unlike Cincy, and he refered me here. Anyways, I was just wondering what penitentiary the Bangals are having minicamp at this year? I have to say your predictions are bogus, but you do have the right to be wrong, and obviously you express that right. FYI… I did hear that Marvin Lewis was only dressing 30 for the Cleveland vs. Cincy game this year… I guess the rest of the team are going to have to dress themselves!

By Mike

July 27, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Chick, I met Big ‘C’ today at Browns minicamp, you know a venue that you’re actually capable of finding talented football players unlike Cincy, and he refered me here. Anyways, I was just wondering what penitentiary the Bangals are having minicamp at this year? I have to say your predictions are bogus, but you do have the right to be wrong, and obviously you express that right. FYI… I did hear that Marvin Lewis was only dressing 30 for the Cleveland vs. Cincy game this year… I guess the rest of the team are going to have to dress themselves!

By Mike

July 27, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Hey Chick, I met Big ‘C’ today at Browns minicamp, you know a venue that you’re actually capable of finding talented football players unlike Cincy, and he refered me here. Anyways, I was just wondering what penitentiary the Bangals are having minicamp at this year? I have to say your predictions are bogus, but you do have the right to be wrong, and obviously you express that right. FYI… I did hear that Marvin Lewis was only dressing 30 for the Cleveland vs. Cincy game this year… I guess the rest of the team are going to have to dress themselves!