3 outlandish predictions for the Cleveland Browns in 2020
By Greg Newland
Which Cleveland Browns could be set up to have a breakout in 2020
The Cleveland Browns are already halfway through training camp, but the team still has a long way to go to be game ready for the Baltimore Ravens. The NFL did the Browns no favors with their opening game at the Super Bowl favorites, but maybe it is better to just get it out of the way.
Thus far, training camp has been nothing but a nightmare for the Browns. Injuries on the defensive side of the ball have been demoralizing, and the Kevin Stefanski system has just not been clicking so far for the offense. While there is still time for everything to come together, there is some cause to be nervous with no preseason games to get rid of all the jitters.
The speed of the NFL is a huge adjustment from collegiate football, so some rookies may struggle the first few weeks adjusting. With a virtual offseason and no preseason games, the quality of the NFL could suffer as all players adjust. Even greats like Tom Brady and Drew Brees will need some time to knock the dust off their game, but let’s hope Baker Mayfield adjusts quickly.
Stefanski will certainly have an upward climb in year one. The defense is already without rookie safety Grant Delpit, who ruptured his Achilles. Mack Wilson (linebacker) also went down with a knee injury and all signs are pointing towards game-time being missed as well. Wilson was the most promising piece from last season and looked to have a breakout year before the injury. With the Browns already thin at linebacker, it is the biggest concern now.
While the Stefanski system is quarterback friendly, the offense has looked out of sync during the first 11 vs. 11 scrimmage time in practice. Mayfield has not looked extremely accurate and has missed many open targets.
The good news is, there are still two weeks of practice before the first game. There is plenty of time for injuries to heal, and plenty of time for the team to continue to develop chemistry. Keep reading for three surprising predictions for the 2020 season that may seem farfetched right now but will happen.