I’ll admit that I’m a little more optimistic than usual – considering both the time of year and current state of the Browns.  For perhaps the first time in the team’s new era, there appears to be a general sense of momentum, stemming from the twin impetus of last December’s strong finish, along with the arrival of what appears to be a functioning system of management. 

By the way, when’s the last time anyone heard from Randy Lerner?

Because the Browns’ proverbially ill-fated ship has appeared to been righted – at least based on the past two months – the current problems the team faces appear to be more surmountable than before.  While this certainly doesn’t mean that the Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert pairing will turn all things they touch golden, there is a sense of relief that finally the franchise’s executive decisions are being made by some competent people…..who as it turns out, are also executives.

What a novel idea.  Did you know that Eric Mangini is now just a coach?

Anyway, with an actual functioning system of management in place, the Browns’ current number of staggering needs can’t be as considered as crippling as before.  After all, it’s not like we’re in the infant stages of a novice such as Butch Davis or Phil Savage trying to build a team from scratch. 

Which makes the following a little easier to digest.

99 Problems

…in no particular order, mind you.  Oh, also all of the problems are in question form.  I hope this isn’t a problem for you.

1.  How will the Browns address their needs in the defensive backfield…..nope, just kidding – who will be the starting QB come September?

2.  Are we more comfortable with Seneca Wallace and Brady Quinn, or Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme than we were with Quinn and DA?

3.  Which version of the West Coast offense will the Browns run in 2010?  The one where downfield passes are attempted, or Brad Childress’ pre-Brett Favre one – you know, where the quarterback throws the ball seven feet towards a running back?

4.  Can we just re-name the West Coast offense the Wing T and be done with it?

5.  If the choices are Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, does this mean we still can’t talk about Brady Quinn?

6.  Who will be the offensive coordinator come early December?  Brian Daboll or Gil Haskell?

7.  Which Browns receivers will benefit from the new system?  Can you still remember their names?

8.  What’s the over/under on “awesome” for Jerome Harrison in this system?

9.  Did we really just sign Ben Watson for three years?

Let’s go to the scorecard.

1.  I seem to recall that one of the first things Holmgren said upon his arrival in Cleveland was that he is not an advocate of QB competitions.  Yet, as it stands now – and surely it can and will change by the time training camp starts – Wallace and Quinn would be the likely options to start.  Considering that Holmgren hasn’t exactly given an endorsement for Quinn, and because Wallace has limited experience, exactly how will this situation sort itself out? 

Obviously,  another veteran or a top rookie QB – God help us – could be brought in, but even under a different scenario, there seems to be layers of mystery involved behind center….again.

2.  I may be in the minority, but if Jake Delhomme doesn’t cost a fortune, I think he would make an ideal stopgap for 2010.  Granted, I realize that he completely fell apart in the 2008 playoffs and never rebounded last season.  However, there is something to be said for a veteran QB who finds a change in scenery.  Also, throw in the fact that Delhomme becomes an instant veteran presence among an overly young offense, and I think we could do a lot worse.

3.  Considering the lack of playmakers and overall speed at wideout, I can’t imagine any new system would emulate the Philadelphia model.  In fact, I have a bad feeling that regardless of who starts at QB, the early season check-down escapades from 2009 will likely be repeated again.  Echoing the ghosts of Maurice Carthon, it could be a banner year for Lawrence Vickers out of the backfield.

4.  Seriously.  If the Dolphins supposedly revitalized their offense with the Wildcat packages, I think it’s time for some innovation from the Browns’ braintrust.  How about a backfield of Cribbs, Wallace and Harrison?  On like…every play?

5.  Surely, I jest.  Brady will always be in our hearts and minds.  After all, his legacy will be littered with the type of “could have been” questions that form the core of the Browns Nation experience.  Plus, there will always be those photos.

6.  Or, how about this?  Who’s the offensive coordinator now?  Or, who will be coaching this team in say two years?  If Haskell is charged with ”teaching” with Daboll now, then it’s not a stretch to suggest that the master will overtake the student in due time…especially if said student is a few dollars short of several more dollars.

7.  I think Mohammed Massaquoi could greatly benefit from an offensive change.  Although not huge, Massaquoi has some skill at seperating from defenders.  Of course, like all of last year’s receivers, some serious route-running clinics should be in demand.

And yes, much like Mangini last year, I’ve pretty much forgotten that Brian Robiskie is still on the roster.

8.  Look at me jumping on the Harrison bandwagon.  I know I’m just setting myself up for some major disappointment down the road, considering our history with running backs, but Harrison could thrive in both the running and passing games.  And speaking of more idealism, how about Josh Cribbs?  Did December finally prove that he is best when featured in the backfield?

9.  Seriously.  I need to check with some New England people.  Are we getting the Watson of old, or the one that has been banged up in recent years?  Either way, can we finally stop talking about drafting a tight end?  First things, first.

And we’ve only just begun.  More tomorrow.