Studs: WR/KR Joshua Cribbs, OT Joe Thomas, LB Scott Fujita (FA signing)
Duds: QB Colt McCoy (unimpressive preseason)
Sleepers: RB Montario Hardesty (rookie), WR Carlton Mitchell (rookie)
X-Factor: Head coach Eric Mangini (pawn) an out-clause for new Pres. Mike Holmgren?
Synopsis: When your special teams standout (KR/PR Joshua Cribbs) is your best player, it means you have a long way to go to rebuilding a team. That’s exactly what new president Mike Holmgren was brought in to do. Cleveland won their final four games but don’t be fooled, all four of their opponents (PIT, KC, OAK, JAX) failed to make the playoffs. Gone are QB Derek Anderson, QB Brady Quinn and RB Jamal Lewis. QB Jake Delhomme was brought in to help steer the ship but he could eventually lose his starting job