3 Bold predictions for the 2020 Cleveland Browns
By Greg Newland
Look for the Cleveland Browns to bounce back in a big way after a disappointing 2019. Here are 3 bold predictions heading into next season.
To end the 2018 season, rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to a 7-9-1 record. Keep in mind he was able to keep the team’s playoff chances alive into week 17. While the Browns chances were grim, Mayfield was driving the team down the field against the Baltimore Ravens to attempt a game-winning field goal before being intercepted.
Even after taking a loss that game, and a losing record for the season, the Browns had a ton of momentum heading into 2019. The Browns continued to build that hype by adding stars like Olivier Vernon, Odell Beckham, Sheldon Richardson, and Kareem Hunt. At one point in time, the Browns had better odds to win the 2019 Super Bowl than the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburg Steelers.
Unfortunately, the hype would simply turn in to an offseason championship for the Browns. First-year head coach Freddie Kitchens looked lost at times with questionable play-calling and clock management throughout the season. Mayfield never looked in sync and was sacked 40 times. Let’s not forget the “big time” hire Ray Horton, who failed to put any pressure on quarterbacks and the defense was mediocre at best. A poor offense and lack of defense lead to a disappointing six wins in 2019 and would lead to the firing of John Dorsey, Kitchens, and most of the coaching staff.
The Browns now move forward with the youngest general manager in the NFL, Andrew Berry, and a first-time head coach in Kevin Stefanski. The Browns are also fully aligned for the first time with an analytical regime and have added major talent upgrades on both sides of the ball. Let’s be honest, with the Baltimore Ravens within the division and the Kansas City Chiefs looking to be the clear Super Bowl Champions, the goals for the 2020 season need to be achievable. Keep reading for three bold predictions that will happen in the 2020 season.