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3 reasons why the Cleveland Browns aren’t ready to win the AFC North

By Greg Newland

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Kevin Stefanski
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Kevin Stefanski /
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Cleveland Browns have improved their roster, but aren’t ready to win the AFC North.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns walks to the field before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns walks to the field before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Not many fans would argue the Cleveland Browns have their most talented roster since they returned to the league in 1999. They have a legitimate six to seven Pro Bowl caliber players with an additional two or three All-Pro talents.

Having talent is great, but it does not automatically translate into wins. The 2019 Browns are the perfect example of that. After a strong rookie showing in 2018 by Baker Mayfield, fans expected huge things from the offense in 2019 with the addition of Odell Beckham. Unfortunately, the season would end with only six wins and a mediocre offense.

Obviously, the win total was a huge disappointment, but the regression of Mayfield and the entire offense was even more disappointing. Mayfield was constantly under pressure and at times looked like he had no clue what the defense was doing. Nick Chubb and Myles Garrett were the only bright spots on the roster (until the Garrett suspension) that was supposed to be filled with stars.

Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have set out to make the “right” hires once again. They laid the foundation with a tremendous first-year coach in Kevin Stefanski and then hired a general manager in Andrew Berry. Those two paired with Paul DePodesta create a front-office that is fully aligned for the first time. An analytical approach to the game, but also, not afraid to spend money on a player who fits perfectly into their scheme.

For the first time, it feels like the Browns have made the right moves. I will admit, when John Dorsey first hired Freddie Kitchens as the head coach, I was excited. But looking back, fans shouldn’t be shocked a quarterbacks coach just one season ago wasn’t able to handle head coaching and play-calling duties in the NFL. Kitchens was a great guy but didn’t have the tools necessary to earn the respect of an NFL locker room.

While the Browns will be greatly improved in 2020 and will make the playoffs, it is not yet their time to win a division title in the AFC North. Here are three reasons to support that thinking.

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