NoLogoNeeded.com's All-Decade Best Team: Offense

The last two days we have presented our all-decade bust offensive and defensive teams dating back to 1999. With only two winning seasons since the Browns returned in 1999, it was pretty easy compiling those names.

In the effort of fairness, we now present out all-decade best team. We will start with the offense. The defense will be presented Thursday.

QUARTERBACK
Derek Anderson – The Browns have been looking for a quarterback since their return in 1999.  While Anderson stumbled through 2008, he is the only Browns quarterback since then to make a Pro Bowl. Anderson wins by default.

RUNNING BACK
Jamal Lewis – With consecutive 1,000 yard seasons in 2007 and 2008, Lewis has been the most durable and productive back the Browns have had since their return.

FULLBACK
Lawrence Vickers – Vickers has developed into a one of the top fullbacks in the league.  He is a tough inside runner and he finally developed an aggressive attitude with his blocking.  He also is a versatile player that can fill several roles.

WIDE RECEIVER
Braylon Edwards – Edwards, the No. 3 pick in the 2005 draft, almost made the bust list after his performance last season.  However, Edwards had a record setting 2007 with 80 catches for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns.  Combine that with his acrobatic highlight reel catches and Edwards secures his place on this list.

Antonio Bryant – Bryant came over from Dallas in a 2004 mid-season trade that sent Quincy Morgan down south. Bryan spent a season and a half with the Browns and instantly became the team’s top receiver.  In his one full season with the Browns (2005), he caught 69 passes for 1,009 yards.  His two touchdown catches in the final minutes against Bears gave the Browns a comeback 20-10 win and a rare home win.

TIGHT END
Kellen Winslow – Winslow came close to making the All Bust team after he missed his first two seasons with injuries. Those injuries, which included a self-inflicted motorcycle crash, never allowed him play to his full potential.  Despite those injuries, Winslow became one of the top receiving tight ends in Browns history.  In 2006 and 2007, he combined for 171 receptions for 1,981 yards and eight touchdowns.

OFFENSIVE LINE
Joe Thomas – His play has almost single handedly turned around the offensive line.  He is the only Browns player the last 10 years to make the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons.

Eric Steinbach – Steinbach was the first big name free agent the Browns signed that made an impact along the offensive line.  He made the Pro Bowl in 2007.  Steinbach has teamed with Thomas on the left side of the line that has led to the Browns giving up the eighth-fewest sacks in the NFL in 2008 and the third fewest in 2007.  Cleveland ranked 30th before the adding Thomas and Steinbach.

Ryan Tucker – Tucker signed with the Browns in 2002.  Although injuries and a “mental disorder” have affected his play, Tucker has remained one of the Browns’ best linemen this past decade. 

Shaun O’Hara – He played four seasons for the Browns and was a starter for his final two.  He was one of the team’s best linemen during this time.  The Browns debated on resigning him, but let him walk away in free agency as they figured they had their center of the future in Jeff Faine.

Jeff Faine – He started 36 games in his first three seasons with the Browns.  He played well enough the Browns believed that Shaun O’Hara was expendable.  Faine was viewed by the coaching staffs as needed piece of the puzzle in the middle while better guards were needed around him.

  June 30, 2009 at 9:00 PM

Comments

It's really bad how many of our "best" players were very close to being "bust" players. It says a lot about our team. :)

  June 30, 2009 at 10:20 AM by Lindsy

You look at this list and other then Joe Thomas, who is still young, there really isn't a top-tier player. BE has too many drops, KW II has the injuries, and Jamal is past his prime. Remember the Brown's from the 80's - we had players everywhere that were unquestionably the best (or close to it) at their position. Hopefully we can get back to that level of performance (and professionalism) soon.

  June 30, 2009 at 11:05 AM by Justin

Justin says it all!

  June 30, 2009 at 2:05 PM by cglenn

Most of these guys are currently on the roster, and they are still mediocre. That's a scary thought.

  June 30, 2009 at 9:39 AM by adam

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