So, it’s over. A Browns season filled with so many (perhaps too many) expectations at the beginning, ended with a third place finish and an 8-9 record.
It’s difficult to not think about the games against the last two teams to reach the post-season in the AFC, the Raiders and Steelers, and see how close Kevin Stefanski’s squad to making the playoff again this season.
Both games against Pittsburgh were highly contested, and the game against Las Vegas went down to the last play of the game, one in which Cleveland was missing a ton of players due to COVID.
Again, we agree with the Bill Parcells’ theory on a team’s record, but it should be noted that the Cleveland Browns aren’t that far away from playing next weekend in the Wild Card playoff round.
We are sure there will be plenty of debate on the radio waves about the head coach and the quarterback and we will only say this. Both of those positions have to do a better job in 2022, and we hope both learn from what they did wrong this season. Improvements from both spots are a key to making the post-season next year.
And bringing up Baker Mayfield, we will say this. Andrew Berry should look at improving that position, much the same as he looks at every position on this football team. If he can find someone out there better than Mayfield, he should go out and get him. That’s his job.
As for other areas of the team, there is no question the Browns need an upgrade at wide receiver and maybe tight end. Right now, there is no elite talent at those positions, although we would love to see David Njoku turned loose in the passing game.
Cleveland receivers simply don’t make any spectacular plays, and seem to drop way too many easy completions.
As for Jarvis Landry, we are sure the Browns would like him back at a reduced salary, but think about this, if you were making what he’s making, and the team asks you to take a major pay cut, would you be happy?
Landry is a tough guy and has been a great person in the organization since he arrived. The best thing for all parties might be to just move on elsewhere.
We think there will be changes on the offensive line, although the only difference in the starters is J.C. Tretter may not be back with Nick Harris taking over there.
They need more depth at tackle, and we say that knowing Chris Hubbard missed most of the season. Rookie James Hudson could be that guy, but make no mistake, the offense took a drastic dive when Jack Conklin was lost while Jedrick Wills was already battling through an ankle problem.
Defensively, the Browns need to stop the run better, and if they can, they may turn into a dominant unit. The secondary could be deep, and the emergence of A.J. Green and M.J. Stewart just adds to it.
Special teams isn’t being forgotten either. The Browns need a kicker, punter, and kick returners. We know the draft isn’t used for those positions, but if you are a playoff contender, you simply must have a reliable field goal kicker. He simply has to be automatic from 50 yards and in.
As for the famous winds at First Energy Stadium? Phil Dawson mastered them, so it is possible.
In the return game, it could be worse. For years, the Browns best player was probably Josh Cribbs, primarily a return guy, and an elite one at that. Those were by and large bad football teams.
Now the Browns have talent, but can’t find a decent return man.
We have faith in the current organization to repair the things that need fixing, and bringing in more talent to get this team back to the playoffs. It’s not a giant leap folks, it’s more like a hop.
Cleveland Sports Perspective 