They officially joined the NFL in 1950 when the AAFC decided to merge. From there the Cleveland Browns won the NFL championship in 1954, 1955 and 1964 and they have been winning games, turning heads and dominating the NFL scene ever since. And unlike other teams with their defining logos and ferocious personifications, the Browns don’t rely on any flashy logo, preferring to let their actions and their reputation speak for them on the field. The Cleveland Browns have exemplified a history of integrity throughout their season and that is one of the major reasons we continue to enjoy them today.

Like any NFL quarterback, McCoy spends a lot of time looking at film. And, like any good young NFL quarterback, he is learning every day. He spent time this summer with Brett Favre learning more about the West Coast offense. He held workouts back home in Texas that many of his team members attended. He is inspiring confidence in his team members and in the coaching staff.

You don’t have to worry about off-field problems with this guy. He had at least as much media coverage when he was the quarterback at Texas, so he is unlikely to say the wrong thing and stir up controversy. What McCoy needs is a healthy Hardesty. He needs Massaquoi to have a breakout season. McCoy had a 60.8 percent completion percentage. He’s tall enough and his arm is strong enough. He deserves his chance. He can do it.

That’s what many NFL commentators and fans are saying. Some are even going as far as to say that he’s the worst owner in professional American sports period. He’s one in a simultaneously short and long list of owners who micromanage every aspect of the team, not allowing coaches and general managers to do their jobs. Even worse is the fact that these owners never seem to see how much damage they do to their teams and their team’s reputation. This method does not translate into a winning record either. Despite getting a new stadium for the Bengals, he still won’t pay for a decent scouting operation or any good players. He doesn’t allow his coach or general manager to make decisions and he has all the control of draft picks. Most glaring is probably the fact that the team is not winning and the good players keep leaving. He has continually tried to stand up as a lone figure against salary amounts and increases in the NFL, which has really just resulted in the Bengals not getting any good talent. Bengals fans dislike him so much that they’ve organized websites dedicated to disliking him.

With several changes to the coaching staff, a new QB, and added running backs to the squad; as well as a few changes on the defensive side, the team is really looking to do some damage in their conference, and really hoping to take the team, and the fans, back to the playoffs. So, if you are a fan of the browns, look out for a powerful new squad, along with new coaching, to hopefully bring some pride back to the city.

There’s also hope from some 2009 draft picks that are starting to pay dividends. Rey Maualuga, the 2nd round pick from USC is showing that he’s an impact player at middle linebacker. Right end Michael Johnson has been effective in blowing past Pro Bowl tackles like Carolina’s Jordan Gross. And Andre Smith, while still needing to improve his consistency, shows signs of becoming a reliable run blocker at right tackle.

Based on their schedule, the Bengals should have winnable games in the first half of the season. They’ll face off against the Browns, Broncos, Bills, Jaguars, and Seahawks among others. Toward the middle of the season Cincy could have trouble with the tough AFC North schedule, and games with the Texans and Cardinals. With the quarterback situation in flux, this will likely be a rebuilding year for the club.