Final Thoughts Before the Browns Host the Vikings

Opening Day provides an optimism unlike anything else.  “This is the year” is a phrase all-too-common among sports fans on the first day of meaningful games.  With the Browns, expectations are not necessarily that high going into the 2009 season.  The best many fans are hoping for is a .500 record or, if one really wants to make an outlandish prediction, one could throw a 9-7 record out there.

The Browns begin a new era today with Eric Mangini at the helm.  Their first task is a tough one against the Vikings.  The Browns’ porous defense is going to have its hands full against Adrian Peterson and a shaky run game will have issues against the best run defense in the NFL in Minnesota.  Oh, and this marks the beginning of the true Brady Quinn era in Cleveland.

In other words, there is not a lot working for the Browns going into today’s game.  However, I do believe the team will play with pride and enthusiasm, thus making the final score relatively close.  Or maybe I’m just feeling a little Opening Day pride myself.  Either way, we will find out soon and as an NFL fan, I couldn’t be more excited.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Browns 13