Is this season pivotal for the Cleveland Browns?
Those who went into last season all aboard the Browns hype train would probably label the team’s performance failure and the 6–10 record tells you pretty much all you need to know. As a fan who was conflicted between being wary of overestimating our chances whilst at the same time looking for odds on Baker Mayfield to be Super Bowl MVP, I concluded that the season panned out pretty much how it should. Some really bright moments and games but some utterly shambolic management from those on and off the field that cost us too many times than it should have. What is now 3 years into the rebuild, I believe the Browns are coming to a definite juncture in the road. Providing that expectation rings true, Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry will provide our organisation with more stability than has been seen previously and so this coming season will be of great importance. I hesitate from saying this will be a make or break season as generally, the Browns are on an upward trajectory but in a way, the conditions for success are not only superb going into 2020 but are somewhat finite. I will address why I think this is now.
Firstly, needing to step out from the pack in terms of performances, the Browns have their franchise quarterback. Baker Mayfield has his doubters and his definite second-year slump did not aide in quietening them. The hype that swept the NFL community also was a catalyst for the defensive part of Baker’s personality. Certain analysts (Colin Cowherd primarily) criticised him for the incidents in which he bit back at reporters or for several of his statements whilst not being able to back up with good enough performances. However I am a backer of Baker. When he came into his first season he was a complete refresher to the team and fanbase. If he can bring back a better standard of performance, and of consequence leadership, I see his character as one that will be loyal to his team. I think the players around him trust him and under better management, team cohesion can only improve. An offensive line that has finally been addressed will hopefully put Mayfield in the best position to succeed.
The main reason I argue that this season is of great importance is due to my uncertainty of how the team will shape up next year. Going into 2020 the Browns will have, in my opinion, the best Running Back duo in the league. Yes the Broncos look interesting with Gordon and Lindsay, as I’m sure will be the Ravens with Ingram and Dobbins but the prospect of a full season of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the swing is somewhat salivating. However, as is predicted and expected, I believe that Hunt will not be signed on by the Browns and will hit free agency in 2021 and so this is the golden opportunity to make the most of this outstanding backfield. I am a big fan of Chubb and if my wishes come true he will be our Larry Fitzgerald one-team man. The recent quote from Chubb about Lamborghini’s not having to advertise was something again so refreshing especially given that, including others such as Deshaun Watson and Christian McCaffrey, Chubb has been one of the most impactful and consistent improvers since he came into the league two years ago.
A similar situation arises in the receiving corps. The Browns’ Wide Receivers are more than well documented already. The dubious factor for me is not Odell’s character but whether the management will put his contribution ahead of the team. By this, I mean that if this season does not go to plan (e.g Wildcard round at least) will OBJ be somewhat sacrificed for the trade value in order to improve the overall quality of the team? There would be plenty teams willing to trade for him I am sure (Packers, Jets, Eagles etc) and even though he may end up having a greater contribution this season and provide fewer controversies for the franchise to deal with, I believe that the Haslams and new management may be more likely to see the potential value in sending Odell off. Therefore, as with our backs, I see this as a moment in which our corps of Beckham Jr along with Landry, Higgins, Hooper and Njoku can be successful before it potentially gets disrupted next year.
Defensively, the return of Myles Garrett will be talked about undoubtedly and the losses of Schobert and Kirksey may have been disappointing, but the underestimated work of Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams is cause for optimism. I am also confident that Mack Wilson will step up into that important senior linebacker role. The drafting of LSU’s Grant Delpit in the 2nd round was a pick that sent Browns fans triumphant and I have to agree. Admittedly not being a follower of LSU football, in the tape I have seen (mostly in the run to their Natty last year) he has looked someone readymade for the NFL. A versatile and mobile safety that racks up their numbers every game. Coupled with the experienced Karl Joseph, I am excited to see how this one turns out. Finally, a note on the Scottish Hammer, Jamie Gillan who was voted to the NFL’s All Under-25 team recently. We can safely say the Browns have the most unique and noteworthy punter since Pat McAfee.
Ultimately, I am far more positive going into this season than I was this time last year. We have addressed our glaring holes both playing and non-playing wise. The clouding hype has somewhat dissipated. Baker Mayfield is promising to not talk as much. Odell says he loves Cleveland (even if he doesn’t mean it). Myles Garrett is back and even Colin Cowherd is on side, thinking that we’ll make the playoffs. What could go wrong?
