5 reasons Cleveland Browns fans should be optimistic about 2022 season
By John Suchan
![Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson gets ready to snap the ball during OTA practice on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 in Berea. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson gets ready to snap the ball during OTA practice on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 in Berea.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2022-2F06-2F18352345-850x560-d39d0469a5fd63ac7fd08a13bf36f7d238622a2c3acfd5700e27015baf988362.jpg)
Reason No. 4 for Cleveland Browns fans to be optimistic this season: The defense will be better
It was a very positive sign when free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney decided to re-sign with the Browns a few weeks ago. He will get to partner up with Myles Garrett again and see if they can both have great seasons like they did a year ago.
Cleveland did a nice job as well in drafting several new players on the defense that should solidify the defense. They selected Perrion Winfrey, a big and talented defensive tackle out of Oklahoma. He has already been barking in press conferences so hopefully, he can back that up on the field.
They also picked up another cornerback in Martin Emerson Jr. from Mississippi State and should give them some depth at that all-important position on the defense. Also, Ronnie Harrison Jr. is returning to the team to play safety after trying his hand in the free agency market.
Another year under the direction of Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods should lead to better communication and steadiness on that side of the ball. I see Garrett continuing to add to his record-setting career as a Cleveland Brown member and players like cornerback Denzel Ward, who just got a spanking new contract to be better than ever in pursuit of a Super Bowl.
Greg Newsome II will be back in his second year after a good rookie campaign, and I see the Browns secondary, in general, being much more aggressive in their play. They are getting faster too at the linebacker position with the return of talented second-year player Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah so it should be fun to watch.