Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

Breaking down the Cleveland Browns and the AFC North

By Greg Newland

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Sione Takitaki #44 of the Cleveland Browns attempts to tackle Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Sione Takitaki #44 of the Cleveland Browns attempts to tackle Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Cleveland Browns
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns calls for a touchdown after a catch made by Odell Beckham Jr. in the fourth quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns

While the Ravens had a strong offseason the Cleveland Browns were equally as busy. Fans aren’t quite ready to claim the AFC North yet, as they saw last season talent doesn’t always translate to victories. After the additions of Odell Beckham, Sheldon Richardson, and Olivier Vernon last season the Browns continued to struggle most of the 2019 season.

The offensive line was by far the biggest weakness last year and general manager Andrew Berry fixed that quickly. Berry signed the top right tackle in free agency (Jack Conklin) and drafted a promising prospect at pick no. 10 to play left tackle in 2020 (Jedrick Wills Jr.).

With an upgraded offensive line, healthy wide receivers, and a quarterback friendly offense, there is reason to believe it will be a big year in Cleveland. Many believe quarterback Baker Mayfield is the future for the Browns, but some are still not sold after a sophomore slump in 2019.

One thing is for sure, Mayfield has the tools to be successful next season and will be out of excuses if things don’t go well once again. A strong offensive line, a running game, and multiple talented targets to throw the ball to is all one can ask for. That paired with an offensive guru like Kevin Stefanski should lead the Browns and Mayfield to succeed next season.

At this moment, look for the Browns to go 4-2 in the division tying for second place with the Steelers but squeaking their way into the playoffs. A likely scenario could be going to Buffalo or Houston for a week one wildcard playoff matchup that would be extremely winnable. However, the reigning Super Bowl Champions or AFC North winner of 2020 (Ravens) will be too much for the Browns to overcome in the second round of the playoffs.

Some fans will bash a realistic expectation of second place in the division, but a true fan will understand this is a huge step in the right direction. The Browns won’t finish second in the division because they fail to live up to expectations next season, they’ll finish second because the Ravens are a top-four team in the entire league.

Next. Browns fans are the best in the NFL. dark

Rome wasn’t built in a day and the Browns can’t turn it around in one year. However, small steps have already been taken and a playoff birth is a real possibility in 2020. The dawg pound will be rocking if this team comes to play next season.

Home/Browns News