One move the Browns need to make to get to Superbowl LVI
By Josh Brown
![Cleveland Browns free safety Andrew Sendejo (23) intercepts a pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Collin Johnson (19) on a two-point conversion attempt during late fourth quarter action. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Cleveland Browns Sunday, November 29, 2020, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars trailed 13 to 17 at the end of the first half, took a short-lived lead in the third quarter but lost with a final score of 25 to 27 to the Browns. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F15529848-850x560-f6c7d401c6db79ab967f6b2da1ea4209ba7861921e63a9bf12c32c317c810230.jpg "Cleveland Browns free safety Andrew Sendejo (23) intercepts a pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Collin Johnson (19) on a two-point conversion attempt during late fourth quarter action. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Cleveland Browns Sunday, November 29, 2020, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars trailed 13 to 17 at the end of the first half, took a short-lived lead in the third quarter but lost with a final score of 25 to 27 to the Browns. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]")
Gregg Rosenthal wrote how each AFC team could replace the Chiefs in Superbowl LVI. What does he think the Cleveland Browns need to do?
The Cleveland Browns are coming off their best season in 20 plus years. Baker Mayfield made impressive strides down the stretch. Kevin Stefanski proved he was the answer at head coach with his professionalism and offensive prowess.
The defense was a work in progress, but they made big plays and got stops in some crucial situations. Andrew Berry found some gems in Ronnie Harrison, Jr. and Malcolm Smith after injuries continued to ravage the defense. In all, the Browns brass and players overcame adversity since day one, and it showed until the final buzzer sounded in Kansas City.
In the end, the Browns came up a bit short of the ultimate goal of the Superbowl LV. What one move can the Browns make to go further next year?
Improve at linebacker?
We all saw how linebacker play hurt the Browns defense in 2020. Mack Wilson never took the step forward most hoped he would. B.J. Goodson seemed to start slow and get better as the year went on but is still more solid than spectacular. Sione Takitaki took steps forward and could be a big contributor in 2021 if the arrow continues going up.
Veteran Malcolm Smith came in and did a fine job when on the field. Overall though, the play was not good enough. Maybe they add another body in the draft or find a cheap veteran in free agency, but the linebacking unit requires improvement. Clearly, the most obvious answer is the one thing Rosenthal pointed to, right? Um, actually no.
Apparently, one of the worst-performing units in the NFL is not the one fix that leads the way to Superbowl LVI. So if not the linebackers, then what is the answer.