I'm sure most of you have heard about Football Outsiders for their unique statistical breakdowns, providing the subtle details that might get overlooked on gameday. Their Football Outsiders Almanac 2010 is for sale now on Amazon.com. I've already read the Browns section and I was able to easily pick up on some interesting stats. I'm looking forward to catching up on a few of the other teams in the book to have some more insight on them when we play each other this year.

We asked Football Outsiders a few questions on the Cleveland Browns, including some tidbits about how the Browns in the secondary, what defensive coordinator Rob Ryan brought to the team last season, and what the best unit at inside linebacker would be. Our interview was conducted with Robert Weintraub, who wrote the chapter on the Browns in this year's Almanac.

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We’ve heard Eric Mangini, Rob Ryan and Brian Daboll talk a lot about being "Multiple" on offense or defense. We know they like versatile players. This sounds like coaching jargon--and it is--but I believe that when they use these terms they are actually trying to speak about what they would like to do concerning personnel, formations, and offensive/defensive concepts (aka plays).

So how does this impact what the Browns can do on the field? How could it open up our offense and defense if we had skilled, versatile players and were "multiple"?  In this post, I will cover personnel and formation and their relevance to multiplicity.  In a follow up, I will introduce the role of concepts/plays.

These are some pretty basic terms and ideas, but they have a profound impact on the game, and they are often overlooked or glossed over by television announcers. You might have already known a lot of this, but I am trying to build on it for future posts. If you aren’t familiar with these terms, even better.

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With the news today that the Bengals signed Terrell Owens, I heard many people saying that they were the favorites to win the AFC North this year.  But I've also heard a lot of high praise for the Ravens coming in to training camp with the offseason moves they've made and the Steelers are always tough (of course they'll be missing their starting QB for the first month or so).  I would assme that most people will be picking the Browns to finish last in the division again, but I was wondering what people here thought about our division coming in to training camp. 

Obviously there will be some changes during training camp and the preseason, but as of right now who is your favorite to win the AFC North?  How many teams from our division will make the playoffs?  And do the Browns have ANY chance of making the playoffs this year?  Vote in the poll and post your thoughts below.

More photos » Tony Dejak - AP

Will Montario Hardesty steal playing time away from Jerome Harrison?

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As the Cleveland Browns get set to begin training camp on July 31, let's take a look at the top five position battles that Eric Mangini and company will have to settle.

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More photos » Amy Sancetta - AP

We know about rookie guard Shawn Lauvao, but who else is competing for one of the offensive lineman spots?

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We've made it -- it's time for the final position preview before training camp begins. Let's not waste any time with taking a look at Part II of our Cleveland Browns Offensive Line Preview.

Teams typically carry about nine offensive lineman, so that means three of the seven players in today's preview have a legitimate chance at making the team.

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