From 0-16, to Mediocre. . . Possibly Good?
- Aug 20, 2018
- 4 min read
The Cleveland Browns have been the laughing stock of the NFL for. . . well a little while now. Terrible draft picks, poor coaching, you name it. Anything that could go wrong for a sports organisation, has probably gone wrong for the Browns in recent years.
After throwing a parade celebrating a clean 0-16 season, the Browns actually managed to put together a good offseason and what looks like could be a very good draft. This year they could actually rack up a few wins. Although they managed to lose all 16 games, the Browns had quite a few chances to win, losing 7 games by 8 or less points, including losses to the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans in overtime.
The Browns managed to put up a fight in almost half their games without a decent quarterback, which is a reasonably big part of the team. But this year, the Browns have, what looks like two very decent Quarterbacks after picking up Tyrod Taylor, a proven starter and also taking Baker Mayfield with the first pick in the draft.
A video was released on social media of Mayfield throwing an interception at an early practice and the critics were very quick to jump on him for that, but after 2 weeks of pre-season, he isn’t looking bad at all. Mayfield threw for 212 yards and 2 touchdowns on 11/20, with zero interceptions. Granted the pre-season defence is primarily second-string players, but then again, Mayfield was primarily throwing to second and third-string receivers. Tyrod Taylor also quietly finished 5/5 for 99 yards.
The second week of Mayfield wasn’t quite as impressive, but again he finished above 50% (7/13) and didn’t throw an interception.
Maybe the biggest signing of the offseason for Cleveland was Jarvis Landry. Coming from Miami, he adds a big boost for the Browns offense, especially with Josh Gordon returning and lining up beside him. Dangerous.
The Browns offense also added Carlos Hyde from the 49ers, who, along with Landry, makes a pair of big hitters on offense, something not seen too often.
However, the problem with the Browns is the offensive line. After suffering for so long as a member of the Browns, All-Pro Centre Joe Thomas retired just as the organisation decided they might look like turning things around. Without the leadership of Thomas, the line could struggle to make the time Mayfield or Taylor need to complete passes or create holes for Hyde in the rushing game.
The defensive line of the Browns though? well, that’s something that looks better. Myles Garrett missed 5 games of his rookie season with an injury, but still managed to rack up 7 sacks and force a fumble. The Defensive end is now another off-season better, more experienced and if he can stay healthy, will be an exciting player to watch. Emmanuel Ogbah will be lined up on the other end, entering his third season. Ogbah also missed 6 games last season, but when healthy, he always looks like a threat coming off the end. If Garrett and Ogbah stay healthy, the Browns line could pose some trouble for other team’s offense.
The line backer position definitely has some holes in it and could prove to be a problem for the Browns. The addition of Jamie Collins last year filled part of the hole, but the outside line-backer really just reinforces what is already solid with Garrett and Ogbah. Inside rushes might be a huge weakness without the presence of a big middle line-backer.
Fortunately, the pass defence should be strong enough to limit yards through the air and allow the defence to focus on stopping the inside run. Jabrill Peppers will be entering his second year and provides a good, quick safety for the Browns, while the number 4 pick in the draft, Denzel Ward can be a lockdown corner, providing he lives up to the hype. Adding Terrane Mitchell from the Kansas City Chiefs should be enough to slow down the other side and limit passing yards.
The Browns have faced a lot of coaching changes the past 2 years. After going 1-15 in 2016, the Browns rebuilt their defensive coaching staff, and after going 0-16 last season an overhaul of the offensive staff has taken place. The biggest addition to the coaching staff is offensive coordinator Todd Haley, who has spent the last 5 years running a very successful Pittsburgh offense. The Browns will be hoping he can bring some of the same magic to Cleveland.
Nobody is expecting the Browns to make a playoff run this year, but if someone manages to step up and be a star line-backer and/or offensive lineman for the Browns, then there is a chance that it will click this season and take the league by storm. . . More realistically the Browns will be mediocre this year and will look to add depth to the line-backer an offensive line positions come the 2019 offseason.
Nonetheless, the Cleveland Browns have improved this season, and after losing so many close games last season without a solid quarterback, I would be surprised to see them laughing stock of the NFL this season. Especially with the addition of a good offensive and defensive core.
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