5 things that must change for the Cleveland Browns in 2019

The Cleveland Browns are looking to improve their 7-8-1 record from last season, but for that to happen they need to see some things change in 2019.

There were some great steps made by the Cleveland Browns in 2018 as they went from a winless club in 2017 to a 7-8-1 franchise. What was even more impressive than the turnaround was how the group came together following a 2-5-1 start under head coach Hue Jackson.

After deciding to pull the trigger on the firing of Hue Jackson, and offensive coordinator Todd Haley, the Browns were picked apart by the media. There were those who felt that the 3-36-1 coach wasn’t given enough time and Mike Greenberg of ESPN even implored the franchise to trade Mayfield.

The host of “Get Up” didn’t mince his words as he said the Browns would “ruin” Mayfield and that his agent should demand a trade after firing the coach with the second-worst losing percentage in the history of the game.

"“Baker Mayfield’s agent should demand a trade. That kid has some magic and they’re going to ruin him. For the good of the sport, the Browns should let him go.” — Greenberg, via Twitter"

Greenberg wasn’t alone in this view, but after eight games it seems as though he was way off base. The fact is, the Browns were a much better team once Hue was gone — and Mayfield started to thrive as well.

All that was great, but there’s still plenty of work to do in order for this team to become better. Here, we look at five areas where they need to improve in order to take their next step in 2019.