Browns nearing contract extension with GM Savage

Savage is currently signed through the 2009 season. In January, the Browns gave Crennel a two-year extension through 2011, reward for his role in Cleveland's resurgence.

A year ago, Crennel's future with the Browns was uncertain at best. There was speculation he wouldn't last through 2007, and yet Crennel not only survived the pressure cooker but flourished in it.

"It's a very difficult job," Lerner said. "It's a guy who does well in a confusing, chaotic kind of environment and can create calm and continue to inspire players and continue to show up with a plan and a safe pair of hands to execute the plan. A coach with good coordinators and a guy the players speak well of.

"I think you can say that about Romeo, there's no question about that. ... It's about chemistry with players, chemistry with the GM, with the organization and the city and I think you are starting to see that with Romeo."

Only a late-season loss at Cincinnati prevented the Browns from making the AFC playoffs. Looking back at '07, Lerner didn't dwell on disappointment but on several fourth-quarter comebacks he hopes will spawn similar future success.

"The Rams at the Rams, the Jets at the Jets, the Ravens at the Ravens. The Bills at Cleveland," Lerner said rattling off Cleveland's close calls. "Those were not easy. We did a lot of fighting to get those, and a lot of perseverance and a lot of commitment went into those wins.

"I kind of feel like we are building on the kind of character that was demonstrated in pulling some of those out. They weren't just wins for this organization, they were part of a building process. Those 10 wins were really important because they were lessons and they were memories. I don't want to be overdramatic. But there was a depth to them."

Next season, for the first time since Lerner took ownership, the Browns, tougher schedule or not, will be expected to win. Period.

But as they learned last season, a 10-6 record might not be enough to guarantee any games in January. But Lerner has learned to savor the good times.

"I'm probably more concerned with what might not work out, but I also realize that you're probably not doing it right in this business if you're not enjoying it when you do get it right a little bit," he said. "I am feeling pretty good about winning 10 games, and I am feeling pretty good about knowing that we've earned the right to have some higher expectations."