Browns should be Improved vs. Sportsbook Odds with Delhomme. The Cleveland Browns are considered big longshots this season at the sportsbook but before you totally discount them you should realize that Cleveland has made a lot of changes. The Browns are listed at 80-1 at the Internet sportsbook to win the Super Bowl and while they probably won’t win it all they should be improved with quarterback Jake Delhomme leading the way.
The Browns are thrilled to have Delhomme at quarterback. Cleveland has had so many problems at quarterback that having Delhomme under center is a major upgrade. Not only is Delhomme a veteran, but he is also a very good influence on younger players. “I don’t like making comparisons, but I will,” Browns coach Eric Mangini said, “He reminds me a little bit of Favre that way. He enjoys practice. He enjoys being around the guys. He’s able to be serious and still keep things light. He has a good rapport with the offensive guys, defensive guys and you just see it in their interaction in the weight room and all the different areas. It’s positive, really positive.”
The Browns were a bust last season going 5-11 but they could be better with Mike Holmgren in charge of the team. Delhomme is also a quarterback that wants to win. “I play this game for one reason and one reason only: to win,” said Delhomme. He did not play well last season for Carolina and he wants to have a good season for Cleveland in 2010. Delhomme had 18 interceptions in 11 games last season for Carolina. “I put so much on myself,” said Delhomme, “I came back after an arm injury and we went 12-4 and was excited for the playoffs. I played so poorly in that playoff game.”
Delhomme is going to be a huge improvement over Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. He is a leader and commands instant respect. “He’s like a consummate team player,” Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas said. “He’s done everything. He’s done great so far.” Cleveland was dead last in the NFL in passing yards last season. Delhomme is definitely going to improve those numbers. The Browns have a relatively easy opening part of their schedule in 2010 so it is possible they could start strongly. They have a winnable game at Tampa Bay in the opener and then they host Kansas City in another winnable game in Week 2.