4 Reasons Cleveland Browns fans are being set up for disappointment in 2022
By Greg Newland
Cleveland Browns fans are buzzing with excitement for 2022, but let’s not forget these four items that could really hold the team back next year.
Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns have certainly gone all in for the 2022 season. Not only did they give up several draft picks to acquire guys like Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper, but they also gave out a ton of guaranteed money to players via extensions.
I’m trying to get excited and on board with all the moves, but there are just a few too many red flags that I can’t ignore. Here are four big reasons the fanbase could be set up for disappointment in the 2022 season.
Cleveland Browns Reason for Disappointment No. 4 – Lacking talent at Defensive Tackle
After watching the Browns defense give up gashing runs right up the gut last year, I thought Berry would be motivated to add some talent at defensive tackle. And while he did sign Taven Bryan and drafted Perrion Winfrey, neither of those guys are known for stopping the run. In fact, both will likely be huge liabilities during running situations in 2022.
What’s most strange about the defensive tackle situation, the Browns have five guys who could arguably make any roster in the NFL, but none of them are really of starting caliber or have proven that yet in their career.
Tommy Togiai has the most potential in year two, but Jordan Elliott was really disappointing last season after a decent rookie campaign in 2020. Sheldon Day has shown flashes of greatness, but again, just not the consistency needed at the position.
I loved the Winfrey pick, but this team is really lacking a run-stuffing nose tackle. The linebackers on this team are already undersized, and with no big bodies in the middle, it becomes much easier to cover those guys up.
I know stopping the run has become less and less important over the last few seasons in the NFL, but when a team can get five to six yards on every snap if they want to run the ball, the opposing team is going to have some troubles.