3 bold predictions for the Cleveland Browns offense in 2020
By Greg Newland
With an upgraded roster in 2020, the time for the Cleveland Browns offense is now. Here are 3 bold predictions on how good it will be next season.
With the addition of wide receiver Odell Beckham last offseason, the Cleveland Browns offense was expected to be one of the best in the NFL for 2019. To end 2018, quarterback Baker Mayfield and offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens were clicking on all cylinders, and the Browns were the talk of the league all offseason.
Unfortunately, the talk would not translate into wins. The Browns offensive line was horrible, which led to Mayfield getting sacked 40 times and he was never able to get comfortable in the pocket. Beckham would play most of the season with an injury and he was never able to look in sync with Mayfield. A few unprecedented drops on third downs would lead the offense to stall much of the season.
Additionally, the move from offensive coordinator to head coach proved to be too much for Kitchens to handle. While players liked Kitchens, you could quickly tell he was in over his head and lacked the respect of his team. Kitchens attempted to call plays and manage the game, and far too often made mistakes at both.
The first-year general manager Andrew Berry has set the Browns up for immediate success. Berry signed the best available free agent right tackle in Jack Conklin while drafting a day one starter at left tackle in Jedrick Wills Jr. Not only that, but Berry also brought in a pro-bowl tight end in Austin Hooper and brought in backup quarterback Case Keenum to mentor Mayfield who is familiar with the Stefanski system.
Mayfield who is heading into year three in the NFL will once again be learning a new offensive system. While the constant coaching changes are tough for any quarterback, the new system is a perfect fit for the Browns and Mayfield.
With an upgraded offensive line look for Stefanski to pound the ball with Nick Chubb and use play-action to catch defenses off guard. After a disappointing 2019, look for the Browns to rebound in a big way in 2020 with these three bold predictions coming true.