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5 Biggest challenges Cleveland Browns face in 2020

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Jarvis Landry #80 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Jarvis Landry #80 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Offensive lineman Wyatt Teller #77 of the Cleveland Browns during the second half of the NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Offensive lineman Wyatt Teller #77 of the Cleveland Browns during the second half of the NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

4. Figuring out the offensive line

One of the reasons the constant aerial attack didn’t work — aside from everyone knowing it was coming — was the Browns inability to sustain their blocks. John Dorsey did an excellent job acquiring skill players but he really came up short with filling out a complete roster.

The offensive line, for example, seemed to be an afterthought. He traded away Kevin Zeitler and thought either Austin Corbett or Eric Kusch could slide in and get it done. Neither did and they ended up having a revolving door at the position.

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He also tried in 2018 to replace Joe Thomas with undrafted rookie Desmond Harrison at first and eventually he signed Greg Robinson. While Robinson played well at times in 2018, his history suggested he was nothing more than a stop-gap but Dorsey brought him back in 2019.

There was also Chris Hubbard, who was given a big contract in 2018 to play right tackle. He was unable to live up to the contract and took a pay cut to stick around in 2020, which was a really smart decision on his part as it ensures he has a job this year.

Andrew Berry took a different approach as he was aggressive in fixing the line. He gave a big contract to former Tennessee Titans right tackle Jack Conklin and then selected Jedrick Wills 10th overall in the NFL Draft.

Now, all that’s left is making sure it all works. Both Wills and Conklin have played primarily right tackle which means one will slide over, with the rookie the primary candidate to do so. They also have to decide if Wyatt Teller is the answer at right guard or if maybe Drew Forbes or possibly even Hubbard could be the missing link to fill out the roster.

Whatever they decide, they have to make sure this line is better than it was in 2019, otherwise, things could fall apart once again.

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